People gather at the Capitol on the first day of the 2017 session of the Hawaii Legislature.

Kaikiohua Piena, 17, a senior at the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus, demonstrates poi pounding at the Capitol.

Ka’iu Nakawatase, left, 16, and Keani Lagasa, 17, both juniors at the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus, sing “Hawaii Ponoi” before the opening day session begins.

Posing for a picture before the opening day sessions are, from left, former Sen. and Kaui Council member Gary Hooser, Sen. Laura Thielen, Sen. Will Espero and Sen. Donna Mercado Kim.

Abbi and Michael Namocot of Ewa Beach snap a selfie as legislators assemble in the Senate chamber.

People gather in the Senate chamber before the opening session begins.

Hawaii entertainer Raiatea Helm sings in the House chamber.

Members of the public join in prayer at the start of the the House session.

Mark Recktenwald, left, chief justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court, administers the oath of office as Sen. Kaialii Kahele, temporary chair, looks on.

Gov. David Ige holds a press conference after the Legislature’s opening day festivities.