In Rice v. Cayetano, Harold "Freddy" Rice, a kama'aina Big Island rancher, challenges the state's limits on voting for trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. The United States Supreme Court strikes down the Hawaiians-only elections, ruling 7-2 that the voting restriction allows unlawful racial discrimination.

Waikiki hosts the first FINA Open Water Swim; 65 swimmers from 35 countries compete.

Amfac completes its final sugar harvest on Kaua'i, marking the end of an era.

AOL founder Steve Case buys locally-owned Grove Farm Company on Kaua'i for $26 million, promising to retain employees of the struggling company.

President Clinton declares Hawaii's Northwestern Islands a Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve, protecting an archipelago extending more than 1,200 miles.

Five-year old Alyshia Shimizu is afflicted with "flesh eating bacteria."

Hawaii's Angela Perez Baraquio wins the Miss America pageant on her third try.

U.S. Supreme Court decides in favor of George W. Bush in a split decision over the 2000 presidential election.

Air France Concorde crashes near Paris.