Hawaii’s Statehood remembered 67 years later

In a new episode of Witness History, former Governor John Waihe'e reflects on the legacy of that day, and why the islands' relationship with the U.S. remains one of the most contested chapters in modern American history.

On 18 March 1959, Hawaii was brought into the United States of America as the 50th state with the passing of the Hawaiian Admission Act. Five months later, on 21 August, it was officially proclaimed the 50th state by President Eisenhower. Now, 67 years later, the BBC’s Witness History podcast looks back at this pivotal moment through the eyes of those who lived it.

Former governor of Hawaii, John Waihe’e, tells presenter Jen Dale his memories of statehood and why Hawaii’s history with America means it has become a divisive issue. The episode explores the complex legacy of annexation, which many Native Hawaiians view as an illegal overthrow of their sovereign nation, while others see statehood as a path to economic opportunity and political representation.

Witness History brings eye-witness accounts to life through archive, taking listeners to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, the podcast examines wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the development of the Excel spreadsheet, to the creation of cartoon rabbit Miffy, and how the sound barrier was broken.

The podcast also looks at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including the moment Reagan and Gorbachev met in Geneva, Haitian singer Emerante de Pradines’ life, and Omar Sharif’s legendary movie entrance in Lawrence of Arabia. Fascinating and surprising stories include the invention of a stent which has saved lives around the world, the birth of the G7, and the meeting of Maldives’ ministers underwater. The episode on Hawaii’s statehood offers a timely reminder of the complex and often contested nature of history, and the enduring debates that continue to shape the islands’ relationship with the United States.