Enlarge image Consul General Peter Rothen, Governor Neil Abercombie, Honorary Consul Denis Salle (© Photoreflect)

After a vacancy of more than six years, Germany is again being represented by an Honorary Consul in the State of Hawaii. Consul General Peter Rothen took the oath of office from Honorary Consul Denis Salle on April 4 during a festive inauguration ceremony at the Pacific Club in Honolulu, in the presence of many distinguished guests, among them, the Honorable Neil Abercrombie, Governor of the State of Hawaii with First Lady Dr. Nancy Caraway and the Honorable Mayor of the City of Honolulu Mr. Peter Carlisle with Mrs. Judy Carlisle Enlarge image Consul General Peter Rothen, Honorary Consul Denis Salle, Mayor of Honolulu Peter Carlisle and his wife Judy Carlisle (© Photoreflect)

The Royal Hawaiian Band which historically has had strong ties to Germany added a musical touch to the ceremony, performing not only the national anthems but also many of its beloved tunes. Mr. Aaron Mahi, former band leader of the Royal Hawaiian Band, led the guests of the event through an invocation both in Hawaiian and English. Mr. Mahi had been awarded with the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for the perpetuation of German music within the Royal Hawaiian Band during his tenure as band leader.

Professor Niklaus Schweizer, author of the book "Hawaii and the German Speaking Peoples", gave a brief overview of the long relationship between Germany and Hawaii. Other speakers included the Honorable Governor Neil Abercrombie and the last German Honorary Consul in Hawaii Peter Schall Enlarge image Governor Neil Abercombie, Mrs. Nadine Tenn Salle, Honorary Consul Denis Salle, First Lady Dr. Nancy Caraway (© Photoreflect)

Following the official program of the inauguration ceremony, guests had the chance to meet the new Honorary Consul and other guests of honor over Hawaiian pupus with a German twist and a good glass of German Riesling wine.


Contact detail for Honorary Consul Peter Salle
http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/03__Consulates/San__Francisco/03/San_20Francisco__HC.html

More pictures of the reception:
http://www.photoreflect.com/PR3/thumbpage.aspx?e=8474239