Hundreds of people lined up to be among the first to get the new coins.

"To tell the truth, from all the states, Hawaii has the most beautiful quarter," said Thelma Salangsang, who waited 5 1/2 hours to purchase rolls of 40 quarters for $10 a quarter.

The shiny new coins feature King Kamehameha I, the eight main Hawaiian Islands, and the state motto, "UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO," which translated means "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."

"I think many of us were inspired to explore our nation's history through the unique story that each (state) quarter tells, and also because of the 50 states quarter program, these coins have represented a geography lesson that will jingle in our pockets for man years to come," said Ed Moy, Director of the U.S. Mint.

The Mint plans to make about 520 million Hawaii quarters. Banks began distributing them at 2 p.m. Monday, about an hour and a half after the first quarters were released to people in line at the ceremony downtown.

Hawaii, the 50th state, is the 50th and final state to get a state quarter. Next year the U.S. Mint will produce coins for the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories including Guam, Peurto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Some Folks Upset With New State Quarter

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