The Blaisdell Hotel
The Blaisdell Hotel, designed by the noted architectural firm of Emory and Webb, was built in 1912 by Kauaʻi businesswoman Cora Blaisdell. Located in the heart of downtown, it boasted many modern features including an electric elevator and telephones in every room. It was the first hotel in Honolulu to obtain a liquor license after the end of Prohibition and a headquarters for the thriving prostitution business during World War II. After converting to an office building in 1980, it became home to advocacy groups including the Gay and Lesbian Community Center and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi.
On December 17, 1990, gay activist Bill Woods accompanied three local same-sex couples from the Blaisdell to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to request marriage licenses. When they were denied, they returned to the hotel to file paperwork asking for legal assistance from the ACLU. Three years later, the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court became the first judiciary in the world to rule in favor of same-sex marriage. This landmark decision began a movement for marriage equality that is now recognized across the United States and in many other countries.
