A beloved holiday symbol will be missing from Honolulu’s skyline this year

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With preparations underway for the holiday season, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas throughout Honolulu.
However, a bright shining symbol of the holidays will be noticeably missing from the city’s scenic sky line this year.
The famous First Hawaiian Bank star, which is visible from miles around during December, will not go up this year.
FHB said they are undergoing renovations at the tower, and that required cranes to go up on the roof. They added, while it could have been hoisted upright before the cranes went up, they wouldn’t have been able to put it back down until the renovations were completed.
Keeping the star upright for longer than just the holiday season increased the risk of it being damaged and posed safety issues.
“While it could have been displayed alongside the cranes, we prioritized its preservation, as a major wind event could pose challenges in safely securing it,” FHB said in a statement to Hawaii News Now.
The 16-foot star has been a holiday icon in Honolulu ever since the tower was built in the 90s. It is lit with traditional neon lights and features a thin blue outline — which initially puzzled some people into thinking it represented the Dallas Cowboys, First Hawaiian Bank Chairman, President and CEO Bob Harrison said recalling the story told to him by former FHB exec and philanthropist Walter Dods.
Read a previous report about the history of the star: Hoisted high above Honolulu, this star (and its story) radiates holiday magic
It was specifically built into the tower’s roof and actually lays flat year-round.
There are however nods to the star in other decorations throughout the building, like wreaths and trees on property.
“We are excited to bring the star back once our renovation is complete, and we look forward to celebrating future holidays with this beloved tradition,” FHB added.
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