SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO CELEBRATES THE SECOND INAUGURATION OF HAWAII'S ISLAND SON, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today released the following statement in celebration of President Obama’s inauguration: 

 

“I join the people of Hawaii in sending our aloha to our island son, President Obama, as he begins his second term. We in Hawaii are especially proud and happy for the president's re-election. Ohana is more than a word in Hawaii. It is a way of life, and President Obama is one of our own.

 

“While there are challenging times ahead, I know President Obama cares deeply for the people of Hawaii and our nation. When I was in my twenties, I had the opportunity to temporarily work for Madelyn Dunham, the grandmother who helped raise President Obama in her Makiki apartment. Ms. Dunham was an accomplished woman who fought against workplace discrimination to become one of the first female vice-presidents at the Bank of Hawaii. It is Ms. Dunham’s determination and fight for fairness that clearly lives on in our President. 

 

“My husband Leighton and I wish President Obama and his family the very best on this momentous day. I look forward to working closely with him in the months and years ahead to help move Hawaii and our country forward."