Mahalo for your interest in the 58th Presidential Inaugural Ceremonies which will take place in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 20, 2017.  The Inauguration ceremony for our next President and Vice President is an exciting time for the country, and I encourage all from Hawaii to participate in this historic event.  This page contains important information about the event and how to request tickets.  Please read the page in its entirety.    

 Activities that take place at the United States Capitol, which includes the swearing-in ceremony,  are planned by the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).  The committee will be finalizing the full schedule and availability of tickets in late December 2016 or early January 2017.    As we get closer to the actual event, Members of Congress will be informed on how many available tickets they will be able to distribute to constituents from their state - once my office gets this information we will be in touch.  

Once again, mahalo for contacting us and expressing your interest in the Inaugural ceremonies. If you have questions about the Inauguration, please do not hesitate to contact my office via e-mail at 45@hirono.senate.gov or calling 202-224-6361 and asking to speak to a member of my scheduling team.

To Request Tickets

If you would like to request for the inauguration please e-mail 45@hirono.senate.gov the following information. 

• Name:
• Address in Hawaii:
• Phone Number:
• How many tickets are you requesting: 
• Names of individuals in group:
• Do any members of your group have a disability that must be accommodated?
• Accommodations needed:  
• Are you requesting tickets from other members of the Congressional delegation? 
• If yes, please specify:
• Additional Information:

Tickets

If you are selected to receive tickets, you will be notified via e-mail.   All tickets will be available for pick-up in my Washington, D.C. Office from 9:30AM-6PM on January 18 and 19, 2017.  The requestor will need to provide a photo identification to pick-up the tickets and in the event that they are not able to attend must submit in writing who will be their proxy. 

• No tickets will be mailed or delivered.
• No tickets will be distributed on the day of the Inauguration.
• Any tickets not claimed by 6PM on January 19 will be released to a waitlist. 

Balls, Galas and Parade Viewing Information

There are other events that are controlled by the incoming President's Inaugural committee such as the parade, balls, and galas.  While I will not have the opportunity to distribute tickets to these events, my office will be available to provide guidance on how you could potentially secure them at a later date - this information will not be available until after the President-elect establishes their Inaugural committee in November. 

 Travel and Lodging

I understand the importance for you to finalize your travel arrangement to Washington, D.C., therefore, it is advisable that you make tentative plans, well in advance of any final confirmation of and guarantee of tickets.  The sooner you make the arrangements, the better as this event is expected to draw large crowds. 

Additional Inauguration FAQ

When is the Inauguration?

                The Inauguration is on Friday, January 20, 2017.  The pre-ceremony starts in between 11AM-11:30 and the official ceremony will start shortly thereafter.

What does a ticket guarantee?

                A ticket to the 58^th Inauguration allows the ticketholder entry into a secure, restricted area on the US Capitol West Front grounds. 

 Will I have a great view of the ceremony?

                There is no guarantee what your view will be at the ceremony in the ticketed area.   The ticketed area will have  upwards to 250, 000 people in the ticketed area and it is the Nation’s front lawn with trees, shrubs and flower gardens.  It is important to consider getting there as early as you are able to pass through the security gates and get a spot that you like to watch the ceremonies. 

Are there chairs or will I be standing? 

                Unfortunately there are not chairs provided in the ticketed area.   You should be prepared to stand for several hours. 

 How long will I be outside? 

                During Inaugurations in the past, the security gates for ticket holders opened at or around 5AM.  People begin lining up well before the gates opening since the ticketed area is first come, first served in an attempt to get the best view of the ceremony. 

What is the weather like in January?

                Washington, DC is very cold during January and you should prepare to layer with warm jackets, gloves, socks and shoes.  It can average below freezing, and potentially could rain or snow.

What are the restricted items?

                For security purposes for this high profile national event there will be many prohibited items.  The list is not yet available, but we will provide you with that information when it is made available. 

I do not have tickets, can I still watch the Inauguration?

                Yes!  Most of the National Mall is available to watch the ceremonies and will have jumbotrons so you can see the ceremony.  You do not need tickets for the area west of 5^th Street NW/SW.    

Where can I get more information on the history of the Inauguration?

                http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/

 What is the record for attendance?

                President Barack Obama’s first Inauguration had a record breaking 1.8 million people.  

Can you help me get tickets to a ball or gala?

                Unfortunately I will not have access to tickets to balls or galas as they are sponsored by private entities and the President-Elect’s Inaugural Committee.  My office will be able to help guide you to organizations that are known to be planning such events, but as previously noted, we will not have access to tickets or the ability to secure tickets to such events.