1. In 1819, King Kamehameha II abolished the traditional Hawaiian religion, which included worshiping pagan gods and human sacrifices. This event marked a major turning point in Hawaiian history and led to the widespread adoption of Christianity.

2. On February 17, 1885, the Hawaiian Electric Company was founded. This company played a critical role in bringing electricity to the islands, powering homes, businesses, and industries throughout Hawaii.

3. In 1965, Hawaii became the first state in the United States to enact a statewide smoking ban in public buildings. This groundbreaking legislation helped lead the way for anti-smoking laws around the country.

4. On February 17, 1979, the Hawaiian island of Maui was struck by a devastating earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale. The quake caused widespread damage and resulted in two deaths and numerous injuries.

5. On this day in 2001, the Hawaii Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling recognizing same-sex partnerships as the equivalent of marriage. While the ruling fell short of legalizing same-sex marriage in Hawaii, it paved the way for future legal challenges and helped advance LGBT rights throughout the state.