Press Releases
Hirono Vows to Defend Park Service Employees from Retaliation as Ranking Member of National Parks Subcommittee
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairwoman Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) named Senator Mazie K. Hirono as the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. "Since day one of his Presidency, Donald Trump has attacked the National Park Service for telling the truth and silenced objective science about climate change," Senator Hirono said. "As Ranking Member of the National Parks Subcommittee,… Continue Reading
January 31, 2017
Hirono to Oppose Nominees for Energy & Interior Secretaries
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, will oppose the nominations of Governor Rick Perry to serve as Secretary of Energy and Representative Ryan Zinke to serve as Secretary of the Interior. The Energy and Natural Resources Committee will vote on the nominations this morning. "The Trump Administration has made it clear they intend to deny the reality of climate change and prioritize fossil fuel extraction above responsible use of our public lands… Continue Reading
January 30, 2017
Hirono Demands President Trump Rescind “Despicable, Immoral” Executive Order Establishing a Muslim Ban
Senator Mazie K. Hirono demanded that President Donald Trump rescind his executive order establishing a Muslim ban during a rally on the steps of the Supreme Court today. "Donald Trump can deny it all he wants, but we understand him loud and clear. This is a Muslim ban, and it's deeply wrong," Senator Hirono said. "If we don't speak out against Trump's Muslim ban now, we will be complicit in what comes next. President Trump must rescind this despicable, immoral executive order immediately." Se… Continue Reading
January 30, 2017
At Hirono’s Request, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Launches One-Week Pilot Program for Biometrics Services on Maui
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will pilot a one-time, one-week biometrics collection for immigration benefits on Maui from February 27 to March 3, 2017. "This decision will allow USCIS to provide services in an equitable manner to individuals on Maui and ease the financial burden faced by already vulnerable immigrant families," said Senator Hirono. In June 2016 Senator Hirono wrote to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director u… Continue Reading
January 27, 2017
Hirono to Trump: ‘Despicable’ Executive Order Exploits Fear of Immigrants & Refugees
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: "It's despicable that President Trump chose Holocaust Remembrance Day to issue yet another executive order that exploits fear of refugees and immigrants. This is wrong. I will continue to fight the President's extreme, knee jerk actions that divide our country."… Continue Reading
January 26, 2017
Hirono Calls for Exemption of Federal Hiring Freeze for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
Senator Mazie K. Hirono and a bipartisan group of seven Senators wrote to Secretary of Defense James Mattis to call for exempting Department of Navy shipyard civilian employees from the recent executive order signed by President Trump that freezes federal hiring. While the President's executive order states that it does not apply to military personnel or positions considered essential to meet national security responsibilities, the uncertainty has caused shipyards across the country to suspend h… Continue Reading
January 20, 2017
Hirono: I Will Resist Any Attempt the President Makes to Dismantle the Progress We’ve Made
Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the inauguration of President Donald Trump: "I attended today's inauguration out of respect for our democracy, our institutions, and the peaceful transition of power, but remain deeply concerned about President Trump's vision for America. I will resist any attempt the President makes to dismantle the progress we've made to increase health care access, protect immigrants and working families, and expand civil rights."… Continue Reading
January 20, 2017
Hirono: I Believe General Kelly Will Provide Candid Advice to President Trump
After voting in support of General John Kelly, President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Homeland Security, Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement: "General Kelly has testified before the Senate Armed Services numerous times as the commander of U.S. Southern Command. I believe he will provide candid, reasoned advice to President Trump. "While I supported his confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security, I have serious concerns about whether he would accede to and implement… Continue Reading
January 18, 2017
Hirono to Continue Leadership Role on Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) announced that Senator Mazie K. Hirono will continue to serve as the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower in the 115th Congress. "Hawaii continues to be the center of America's strategic interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific," said Senator Hirono. "As Ranking Member of the Seapower Subcommittee, I will continue to advocate for a strong Navy and Marine Corps, and in s… Continue Reading
January 12, 2017
Hirono to oppose Sessions nomination for Attorney General
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced that she would vote against the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) to serve as Attorney General. From Senator Hirono's remarks: "Over the past two months, I've heard from hundreds of my constituents and a number of prominent civil rights organizations - including a number who testified yesterday - on this issue. "I will vote against the nomination of Jeff Sessions to serve as Attorney General because I am… Continue Reading
January 09, 2017
Hirono: Fight continues to protect Medicare and Medicaid
Senator Mazie K. Hirono vowed to keep up the fight to protect Medicare and Medicaid after all but two Republican Senators voted against her amendment to prevent any changes to either program without a supermajority in the Senate. "During the campaign, President-elect Trump promised not to cut Medicare and Medicaid. Senate Republicans broke this promise tonight and demonstrated that they are willing to sell-out seniors and working families in their crusade to repeal Obamacare," Senator Hirono sa… Continue Reading
January 09, 2017
Hirono, Donnelly introduce amendment to protect Medicare and Medicaid
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Senator Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.), and 17 Senate Democrats introduced an amendment to protect Medicare and Medicaid from the budget reconciliation process. "For the past 50 years, seniors and working families have enjoyed the peace of mind of knowing that Medicare and Medicaid will be there for them," Senator Hirono said. "This budget resolution would dismantle these critical programs and our social safety net, resulting in too many families losing their health insurance. I… Continue Reading
January 06, 2017
Navy honors Hirono with Distinguished Public Service Award
The Department of the Navy honored Senator Mazie K. Hirono for her advocacy for Navy and Marine Corps service members. Rear Admiral Craig Faller, on behalf of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, presented Senator Hirono with the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest honor that the Secretary of the Navy can award to a civilian who is not employed by the Navy. "It is an honor to fight for Navy and Marine Corps service members in Hawaii and around the world," said Senator Hirono. "We … Continue Reading
January 05, 2017
ICYMI: Hirono criticizes President-elect Trump’s hypocrisy on Russian interference in presidential election
Senator Mazie K. Hirono criticized President-elect Donald Trump's hypocrisy in denying Russian interference in the election during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on cybersecurity threats. "It's more than ironic that we have a President-elect who kept talking about our elections being rigged, but at the same time denying Russia's interference in our election," Senator Hirono said. Senator Hirono also questioned the witnesses, including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper … Continue Reading
December 27, 2016
Hirono: President’s Visit to Pearl Harbor Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance
Senator Mazie K. Hirono attended joint remarks by President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe marking their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. "President Obama and Prime Minister Abe's visit to Pearl Harbor is a testament to reconciliation and a continued, strong alliance between our two countries," said Senator Hirono. "In the years ahead, the U.S-Japan alliance will remain a cornerstone in our unwavering commitment to promote stability and stronger economic p… Continue Reading
December 21, 2016
Hirono welcomes first Hawaiian Airlines flight from Haneda to Kona
Senator Mazie K. Hirono welcomed visitors from Hawaiian Airlines' inaugural flight on its new direct route from Haneda Aiport in Tokyo to Kona International Airport. "Today's flight is the culmination of years of effort to reestablish international flights outside of North America to Kona, which is important for the Hawaii Island economy" said Senator Hirono. "The visitors we welcomed today will only be the first to experience our unique culture and everything that makes Hawaii a special place.… Continue Reading
December 19, 2016
Hirono to serve on Judiciary Committee, continue fighting for Hawaii priorities in United States Senate
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that she will return to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee - which will be instrumental in defending civil rights, vetting a Trump administration's Supreme Court nominees, and standing up for immigrant communities - in the 115th Congress. Senator Hirono will also continue to serve on the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Veterans' Affairs. "The Senate Judiciary Committee will be on … Continue Reading
December 16, 2016
Hirono announces $1.1 million for Hawaii to fight Zika virus
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive $1.1 million in Centers for Disease Control funding to fight the Zika virus. The funding will bolster Hawaii's lab testing capacity as well as a variety of education, and vector control measures. "Hawaii needs to be vigilant against the continued threat posed by Zika, and this funding increases the Hawaii Department of Health's capacity to prevent and respond to a potential Zika outbreak," said Senator Hirono. … Continue Reading
December 15, 2016
Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Signed into Law
President Barack Obama signed into law today the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act introduced by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard. "The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service. By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans' courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefi… Continue Reading
December 14, 2016
Hawaii Island receives federal funding for buses that reduce toxic pollutants
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive nearly $200,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace two diesel-powered buses on Hawaii Island with lower-emission buses. The new buses, part of Hawaii County's Hele-On bus service, will reduce toxic pollutants released by diesel exhaust. "Hawaii County's Hele-On Bus provides an important means of transportation for residents and visitors across the island and these n… Continue Reading
