Elvis statue says Aloha to Hawaii

More than 1bn people are said to have seen Aloha from Hawaii

A life-size statue of Elvis Presley is to be erected in Hawaii to mark the 30th anniversary of the singer's death.

Wearing his iconic bejewelled jumpsuit, the bronze statue will be placed on the site of Presley's historic 1973 Aloha From Hawaii concert.

"Elvis remains an idol and a hero to so many of us," said Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. "Hawaii considers him an adopted son."

The star died at Graceland on 16 August 1977, aged 42.

During his career, he made three films and several concert appearances in Hawaii.

The Aloha gig was the first musical event to be broadcast live around the world on satellite on 14 January 1973.

It was seen in about 40 countries by more than 1bn people, according to the DVD edition of the concert.

"Elvis will forever remain a part of Hawaii's identity," said Mayor Hannemann.

"From his film, Blue Hawaii, to his 1961 benefit performance to raise money for the USS Arizona Memorial to the historic concert which the sculpture commemorates."

The statue will be unveiled in July in front of the Neal Blaisdell Center, formerly the Honolulu International Center Arena, near Waikiki.