Hawaii: Today in History 7/30

7-30-1836 First English language newspaper published in Hawaii

As was typical with the first newspaper publishing efforts in states and territories, the very first newspaper in Hawaii didn’t have great success. The SANDWICH ISLAND GAZETTE, published its first issue on July 30, 1836 and only lasted until 1839. Shortly after its demise came the SANDWICH ISLAND MIRROR & COMMERCIAL GAZETTE which lasted for less than a year. Although bearing a different name and issued monthly instead of weekly, it was essentially a continuation of the GAZETTE.

Early printing in the Hawaiian Islands were by missionaries, and the SANDWICH ISLAND GAZETTE was no exception. Some of the content has religious overtones, however there is much secular reporting and advertisements as well.

1836, two years after Hawaiian language newspapers took hold, the first English language paper was born, the Sandwich Island Gazette and Journal of Commerce. This version of the Gazette was sporadically published and lasted three years.

It wasn’t until 1856 that the first regular English language paper was established, the weekly Pacific Commercial Advertiser. The Advertiser has published continuously since then, becoming daily in 1882 and switching names to today’s Honolulu Advertiser in 1921.

The Pacific Commercial Advertiser continued the tradition of Hawaiian language newspapering as well, including a Hawaiian section, Ka Hoku Loa O Hawaii (The Morning Star of Hawaii), during its first five years.

7-30-1994 Hollywood’s highest-paid screenwriter Joe Eszterhas (49) weds Naomi Baka (35) in Maui, Hawaii

Joe Eszterhas was born on November 23, 1944 in Csakanydoroszlo, Hungary as József Eszterhás. He is a writer and producer, known for Showgirls (1995), Basic Instinct (1992) and Sliver (1993). He has been married to Naomi Baka since July 30, 1994. They have four children. He was previously married to Geraldine Javer.