The Aloha Shirt
Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 09:55PM 
When you think of Hawaii, you think of the Aloha shirt. It represents friendliness, relaxation and good weather. Some people say that the Aloha shirt may have been first created by Japanese business men in Hawaii but no one is sure.
Over the years, the Aloha shirt has continued to become more and more popular throughout the world. We are reminded of this when looking at our Honolulu police officer's during APEC this week. They are all wearing Aloha shirt uniforms to make everyone feel safe and secure without being too intimidating. It seems to be working! Our police officers are doing a great job while still being friendly and smiling. This is what the Aloha shirt and the Aloha spirit is all about! There was also a special APEC Aloha shirt created for the thousands of volunteers who are helping by greeting and taking care of world dignitaries. The exclusive design was made by Tori Richard, a family-owned Hawaii company that has been making Aloha shirts since 1956.
Speaking about Aloha shirts, we would also like to introduce you to one of the popular Aloha shirt brands in Hawaii. Sig Zane Designs is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has become a world famous Aloha shirt brand. The brand is popular with local business leaders, politicians, and visitors alike. Since 1999, the designs have been personally created by Mr. Sig Zane. In his designs, Sig Zane focuses on developing prints which show the cultural significance of native Hawaiian plants and symbols. The photo below shows Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie wearing a new Sig Zane shirt that he purchased in Hilo. Although his shirts are worn all around the world, they are only available for purchase at his exclusive store in Hilo, Hawaii or via his online store.
Remember the funny shirts that are worn by APEC leaders each year? In 1994, APEC leaders wore traditional batik tunics. Will the leader's be wearing Aloha shirts this year? We hope so! We will keep you updated and post a photo of it when it happens. Aloha and mahalo!
