Hawaii Five-0 Commended “for an Excellent and Successful First Season”

Today marked one of hopefully many wonderful milestones for Hawaii Five-0! The show’s honorees were in the Capitol building well ahead of time to be lauded in the House Chamber around noon. Present were CBS senior executive Glenn Geller, along with cast members Alex O’Loughlin and Daniel Dae Kim, Executive Producer Peter Lenkov and guest star of the current and star from the original series, Al Harrington.

The above video from the chamber floors leads up to the introduction of the honorees, seen seated to the back and center.

“The highest anticipated pilot episode was watched by over 17 million viewers. And on January 23rd, 2011 Hawaii Five-0 picked up its highest ratings to date with the 15th episode drawing nearly 21 million viewers. People familiar with Hawaii before tune in to new episodes on Monday nights to spot their favorite hangouts and maybe even their friends and families as extras.

“Here’s one travel trip Mr. Speaker, in April, Hawaiian Airlines will increase their four flights per week to daily services between Sydney and Honolulu. The Hawaiian Tourism Authority anticipates a tremendous increase in tourists from Australia resulting in part because of the popularity of Hawaii Five-0. By the way, Steve McGarrett is played by Alex O’Loughlin… from Australia.”

Another heart-warming speech before the honorees are introduced individually (apologies – I didn’t catch everything):

“There are millions of people just like Major … now watching Hawaii Five-0. As a legislator grapples with his $1.3 billion deficit, the tourism industry now struggling with the recent effects of the tsunami, we applaud the efforts of CBS, the producers, cast and crew of Hawaii Five-0, for their ability to touch every corner of the globe is priceless, the tourism promotional value Hawaii Five-0 provides us is incredible and mind-boggling.

“In the words of the late James MacArthur, I too am heartened to see the legacy of this popular cultural icon preserved and perpetuated in the hands of the terrific people now at the helm.

And, of course, I can’t leave out Alex’s introduction:

“The next honoree joining us this afternoon needs little introduction. Mr. Alex O’Loughlin is busy busting bad guys as the reincarnation of veteran cop Steve McGarrett.

“Born in Canberra, Australia, Mr. O’Loughlin first charmed audiences with a starring role in the vampire drama Moonlight. He was most recently seen on the big screen in The Back-up Plan starring opposite Jennifer Lopez. When he’s not on set, Mr. O’Loughlin acts as an even more important role model through his activities involving the charity Donate Life, whose mission is to educate the public on the importance of organ donation.”

Also check out photos from the event:

• AOLR Gallery
• Honolulu Star-Advertiser
• Honolulu Star-Advertiser
• The Five-0s
• Honolulu Pulse
• H50 Undercover

And the official House Resolution No. 295!