The year was 1978.
Jimmy Carter was president, the average price of gas was 63 cents a gallon, and the first Ironman triathlon was held in Kona.
It's also the year the couple you're about to meet became a couple.
And just after midnight, they took their relationship to the next level.
They say "love conquers all," but it still has been a long and tough battle for Donna Gedge and Monica Montgomery.
"Being invisible is hard to deal with, because that's how people treat you," says Donna.
Monica and donna met 33 years ago, at a gay support group in Pauoa Valley.
"It doesn't seem like just yesterday, although we wish it was just yesterday because you know we're past the prime and we used to be better looking people."
They balance each other out: Donna's the more talkative and adventurous one, while Monica is a self-proclaimed introvert.
"I like that she brought me out of my shell," says Monica.
Monica and Donna are about to make history along with three other same sex couples. They will become the first in Hawaii to enter into civil unions.
"We're finally going to have some of what we want and what we deserve so i'm thankful for that," says Donna.
The couples gathered at an Aina Haina home for the momentous occasion, with their friends, civil union supporters, and families.
Well, actually, Monica and Donna wish their families had come.
"The hardest part is not being so totally embraced by our families. Not one hundred per cent," says Donna.
But, they say, at least they have each other.
Just after midnight, the State's new website went live.
Donna and Monica were the first to log on.
But, just as they were about to reach the finish line, the computer kicked them off. It kicked them off a second time as well.
Meanwhile, the other couples got their licenses, giving them the same rights as marriage.
Then, almost 45 minutes past midnight, it finally went through.
But their battle isn't over just yet.
Monica and Donna hope that one day everyone will become accepting of same sex couples, especially their families.
The three other couples who entered into civil unions are Saralyn Batt and Isajah Morales, Gary Bradley and Paul Perry, and Bonnie Limatoc-Deponte and Lydia Pontin.
