WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) says his office will soon begin notifying constituents who have requested tickets to the January 20, 2009, inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.  The requests will be honored on a "first come, first served" basis.

"I'm elated to see the tremendous interest by Hawaii citizens in attending the Presidential Inauguration," said Senator Akaka.  "I look forward in welcoming them to our Nation's Capital in January." 

Although the number of requests for tickets, most of them "standing room only" spots, far outnumber the amount allocated, Senator Akaka points out that there will be many opportunities for people to participate in inauguration activities.

"The National Park Service plans to erect a number of giant TV screens on the National Mall so people can watch the inauguration and the inaugural parade," said Senator Akaka.  "Officials are also eliminating many reserved bleacher seats along the parade route to make room for people without tickets."

Planners expect the crowd gathered for President-elect Obama's inauguration to break the record set in January 1965 when approximately 1.2 million descended on the National Mall to witness President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration. 

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