Press Releases
Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and 21 of their colleagues in introducing the Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022. This legislation would simplify the tax filing process for millions of Americans, saving them hours and hundreds of dollars. Along with lowering costs and eliminating red tape for all taxpayers, simplified filing tools would ensure that more eligible people - including millions of low-income Americans - receive importa… Continue Reading
July 14, 2022
Hirono, Senate Democratic Colleagues Press VA Secretary to End Discrimination Against Same-Sex Spouses
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (SVAC), joined Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and 40 of their Senate Democratic colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough requesting answers and speedy action to ensure same-sex veteran couples have access to the full and complete spousal benefits they are owed. "Each of our veterans and their spouses deserve the same quality care and servic… Continue Reading
July 14, 2022
Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect the Right to Cross State Lines to Seek Abortion Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Patty Murray (D-WA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in introducing the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2022. The bill clarifies that it is illegal for anti-choice states to limit travel for abortion services, and would empower the Attorney General and impacted individuals to bring civil action against those who restric… Continue Reading
July 13, 2022
Hirono Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Non-Disclosure Agreements in Cases of Sexual Misconduct
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to introduce the Speak Out Act, a bipartisan bill that would prohibit predispute non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in instances in which sexual harassment or sexual assault has been alleged in violation of federal, tribal, or state law and in situations in which survivors wish to break their silence. "For… Continue Reading
July 13, 2022
Hirono Leads Energy Subcommittee in Examining Way to Reduce Energy Prices in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy, convened a subcommittee hearing to discuss ways to reduce energy prices in the United States. During the hearing, the Subcommittee heard testimony from experts, including Kauai Island Utility Cooperative President and CEO David Bissel about the long-term cost-savings offered by renewable power and electric vehicles. Additionally, Senator Hirono emphasized the importa… Continue Reading
July 13, 2022
Hirono Questions Experts on the Future of Abortion Access and Ways to Protect Reproductive Rights in Post-Roe America
WASHINGTON, D.C. -Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned health care and legal experts in a full committee hearing about the implications of the Supreme Court's disastrous decision overturning Roe v. Wade on abortion access and other constitutional rights, and what can be done to protect abortion access for all. In the hearing, Senator Hirono reiterated the importance of individuals being able to make decisions about their own bodies. "It is the wo… Continue Reading
July 12, 2022
Hirono, Warren, and Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Expand Youth Access to Voting
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the Youth Voting Rights Act, comprehensive legislation to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment and expand youth access to voting. This legislation, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), was also introduced in the House by Representative Nikema Williams (D-GA). "Every eligible American, including youth voters who turn 18, should be able to exercise their constitutional right to vote," sai… Continue Reading
July 08, 2022
Hirono Statement on the Assassination of Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), an immigrant born in Japan who was the first Asian and Japanese American woman to serve in the United States Senate, released the following statement on the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe was a transformational figure in Japan who dedicated his life in service of his country. A friend to the… Continue Reading
July 06, 2022
Hirono Visits Infrastructure Projects, Community Organizations on Kauai
HONOLULU, HI -Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) was on Kauai, where she toured the Wailua River Bridge infrastructure project before visiting the Hawaii Food Bank Kauai Chapter and the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii's (BGCH) Lihue Clubhouse. The Senator began her day with a tour of the Wailua River Bridge, where she was joined by Kauai County Mayor Derek Kawakami and Hawaii State Department of Transportation (HDOT) Deputy Director of Highways Ed Sniffen. Kauai is set to receive more than $44 mill… Continue Reading
July 05, 2022
Hirono Statement on Two Hawaii Medal of Honor Recipients
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, released the following statement on President Biden awarding the Medal of Honor to four U.S. army soldiers-including two from Hawaii-who fought in the Vietnam War: "Staff Sergeant Kaneshiro and Specialist Five Fujii are heroes to this country, and I am proud to see two Hawaii veterans being recognized with the Medal of Honor for their brave and selfless actions during the Vietnam War. I'd like to… Continue Reading
July 01, 2022
Hirono Convenes Working Group of Hawaii Reproductive Leaders Following Disastrous SCOTUS Decision Overturning Roe
HONOLULU, HI - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) convened a working group of reproductive leaders and health care experts following the disastrous Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Senator Hirono held an initial conversation today, with many more to come, to discuss the impact this decision will have on women in Hawaii, how to better support access to reproductive care in the state-particularly for low-income and minority communities-and how the state can work together to bette… Continue Reading
July 01, 2022
Hirono Statement on SCOTUS Decision to Restrict EPA Authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court's decision in West Virginia v. EPA: "Once again, the extremist right-wing majority on the Supreme Court has made a harmful decision that will have detrimental consequences on the lives of people for generations to come. The devastating impacts of climate change are clear, and restricting th… Continue Reading
July 01, 2022
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Visits Akaka VA Clinic Construction Site, Meets with Kapolei Small Businesses and CNHA
HONOLULU, HI - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) visited the construction site for the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic, followed by a visit to the Ka Makana Alii Shopping Center in Kapolei and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) Emergency Assistance Center and Pop-Up Makeke Warehouse. The Senator began her day with a visit to the construction site for the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic. Earlier this month, President Biden signed into law legislation introduced by Senator Hirono to… Continue Reading
June 30, 2022
Senator Hirono Statement on Navy Plan for Red Hill Defueling
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. Navy submitted its plan for the permanent defueling and closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu: "Earlier this month, I fought to authorize $1 billion in federal funding in the National Defense Authorization Act for the safe closure of Red Hill. The facility's ongoing operation has endangered the well-being of families and commu… Continue Reading
June 30, 2022
Hirono, Tillis to Serve as Senate Co-Chairs of Congressional Creative Rights Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) announced that they will serve as Senate Co-Chairs of the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus. They join House of Representatives Co-Chairs Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) and Congressman Drew Ferguson (R-GA) to make the caucus bicameral and bipartisan. "I am excited to join Senator Tillis and Representatives Chu and Ferguson in bringing the Congressional Creative Rights Caucus to the U.S. Senate. Creative in… Continue Reading
June 30, 2022
Hirono Leads Members in Urging DoD to Support and Protect Female Servicemembers Seeking Abortion Services
HONOLULU, HI - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), led Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV)-all members of SASC, as well as Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Hickenlooper (D-CO), in urging the Department of Defense to take immediate steps to support and protect female servicemembers seeking abortion services following the Supreme Court's dangerous and dee… Continue Reading
June 29, 2022
Hirono Visits Wellness and Health Centers Providing Services on Windward Side of Oahu
HONOLULU, HI - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) visited the windward side of Oahu to meet with participants and staff of the Kawailoa Youth and Wellness Center's Kinai 'Eha Program, which aims to provide alternative education to young adults in need of personal empowerment. Afterward, the Senator visited the Waimanalo Health Center to meet with staff and see its new Hale Ola 'Alua building. The center provides medical, vision, and behavioral health services for the community. "The Kinai '… Continue Reading
June 29, 2022
Hirono Statement on Bill Signed Into Law to Keep Keiki Fed
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement about the bipartisan Keep Kids Fed Act recently signed into law by President Biden: "Growing up, my school had to create a special program so I could "earn" my lunch," said Senator Hirono. "I knew even as a young girl that it is wrong for any child to go hungry at school for lack of lunch money. I'm glad Congress worked in a bipartisan way to pass this bill, which the President has now signed into law, which… Continue Reading
June 28, 2022
VIDEO: During Pride Month, Hirono Meets with Hawaii LGBTQ+ Organizations
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) convened a roundtable conversation with member organizations of the Hawaii Department of Health's Sexual and Gender (SGM) Minority Working Group to discuss the services they offer and the challenges facing the communities they serve. As Pride month comes to a close, Senator Hirono heard from representatives from groups including Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center, the Lavender Clinic, Kumukahi Health and Wellness, Tomita Psychothera… Continue Reading
June 28, 2022
Hirono Joins 30+ Colleagues in Letter to President Urging Bold and Immediate Action to Protect Abortion Access in a Post-Roe America
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined a letter signed by 34 of her Democratic colleagues urging President Biden to take "bold action" to protect the right to abortion. The letter, led by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, was sent in the aftermath of the conservative wing of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. "Now is the time for bold action to protect the right … Continue Reading
