Press Releases
Hirono Statement on the Resignation of Ryan Zinke
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s resignation: “During his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke continuously demonstrated blatant disregard for science, conservation, and the federal workforce—all critical components of the Department. Like too many members of President Trump’s cabinet who have faced numerous ethics scandals, I welcome Mr. Zinke’s long-overdue resignation. “I’m not … Continue Reading
December 14, 2018
Hirono Votes to Pass Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted today to pass a resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Following the 56-41 vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement: “The humanitarian crisis in Yemen continues unabated. But today, a bipartisan majority in the Senate voted to end U.S. military support that enables Saudi Arabia to continue its devastating war in Yemen and condemn Saudi Arabia’s role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi. “The me… Continue Reading
December 12, 2018
Hirono, Cortez Masto, Moran Lead Senators to Urge FAA to Implement and Improve Airport Contract Tower Program
Washington, D.C. - In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and 33 colleagues in calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to implement Section 152 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This provision will provide contract towers at Lihue Airport, Molokai Airport, Kona International Airport, and Kalaeloa Airport eligibility to compete for FAA Airport Im… Continue Reading
December 11, 2018
Senate Passes Hirono Bill to Prioritize Macadamia Tree Research as Part of 2018 Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully included her Macadamia Tree Health Initiative - legislation that prioritizes research into combating the macadamia felted coccid, an invasive pest threatening Hawaii's macadamia nut industry - in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report. The bipartisan Farm Bill, which sets policy and funding levels for agriculture and nutrition programs through 2023, was approved in the Senate by a 87-13 vote. The House of Representatives must now vote on the … Continue Reading
December 10, 2018
Hirono-Backed Bill To Provide Long-Term IDs for FAS Citizens Passes Senate, Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Senate unanimously passed legislation supported by Senator Mazie K. Hirono that would remove existing barriers that limit citizens of the Freely Associated States (FAS) from accessing long-term, REAL ID compliant, state-issued driver’s licenses and identification. The bill, H.R. 3398, the REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act, corrects a mistake in the 2005 REAL ID Act that inaccurately identifies citizens of the Freely Associated S… Continue Reading
December 07, 2018
Hirono Statement on Nomination of William Barr to Serve as Attorney General
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, released the following statement on the nomination of William Barr to serve as Attorney General: "The selection of William Barr to serve as Attorney General is another example of Donald Trump's interest in appointing people who will be loyal and cover for him. Over the last two years, Mr. Barr has publicly called for the investigation of Hillary Clinton and criticiz… Continue Reading
December 03, 2018
Bipartisan Dental Health Bill Passes House, Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, DC - After passing the House of Representatives last week, bipartisan legislation to improve access to dental health services will head to the President’s desk to be signed into law. Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the legislation, the Action for Dental Health Act of 2018, in June. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent in October. “Dental health is critical to overall health outcomes, but far t… Continue Reading
November 30, 2018
In Response to Hirono & Schatz Advocacy, IRS to Delay Removal of AEDs from Honolulu Office
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The IRS office in Honolulu and 45 other offices across the country will continue to have access to automatic external defibrillators (AED) following intervention from Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in opposition to the IRS' plan to remove the devices. The IRS suspended its plan to remove AEDs from offices with less than 100 employees pending a reevaluation of the removal plan, which must be completed by April 1, 2019. "I commend the IRS' decisi… Continue Reading
November 28, 2018
Hirono Leads Introduction of Comprehensive Legislation to Address Health Disparities and Achieve Health Equity
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) introduced S.3660, the Health Equity and Accountability Act (HEAA) of 2018. HEAA lays out a comprehensive roadmap to address health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ community, rural populations, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. “Minority communities and other traditionally underserved populations have faced health care disparities for decades, and we have a long way to go to ensure that these co… Continue Reading
November 28, 2018
Hirono Votes to Advance Resolution to End U.S. Support for Saudi-Led War in Yemen
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) voted today to advance a resolution to end U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Following the vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement: "I remain deeply concerned about the Trump Administration's policy toward Saudi Arabia. The President believes that we should overlook Saudi Arabia's role in causing the world's worst current humanitarian catastrophe, as well as their role in the death of Jamal Khashoggi, because they … Continue Reading
November 26, 2018
As DHS Inspector General Releases Report on False Missile Alert Incident, Hirono Calls for Continued Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In response to a request by Senator Mazie K. Hirono, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report reviewing the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) role in the January 13, 2018 false missile alert sent to Hawaii residents. The OIG's report examined whether FEMA exercises appropriate oversight of the Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS), the messaging platform through which the Hawaii Emergency Managem… Continue Reading
November 19, 2018
Hirono, Blumenthal, Whitehouse Challenge Appointment of Matthew Whitaker as Acting Attorney General
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI.) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as the Acting Attorney General. On November 7, President Trump appointed Whitaker to oversee the Department of Justice - including the Special Counsel's investigation - in violation of the Constitution's Appo… Continue Reading
November 16, 2018
Hirono, Klobuchar Urge Department of Justice to Investigate Claims that Facebook Retaliated Against Critics
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) urged Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to expand any investigation into Facebook and Cambridge Analytica to include whether Facebook-or any other entity affiliated with or hired by Facebook-hid information and retaliated against critics or public officials seeking to regulate the platform. Recent reports-including one from the New York Times-allege that Fa… Continue Reading
November 13, 2018
Hirono Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for Molokai Infrastructure Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced that the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) will receive $1.59 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to improve water infrastructure of the Hoolehua Water System on Molokai. "More than 2,000 Molokai residents depend on the Hoolehua Water System for reliable water service," Senator Hirono said. "This USDA funding will support DHHL's ongoing efforts to modernize the Hoolehua Water System. I will continue to wo… Continue Reading
November 07, 2018
Hirono Statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ Forced Resignation
HONOLULU- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' forced resignation: "In a direct move to undermine the Mueller investigation, Donald Trump forced Attorney General Jeff Sessions to resign. I am concerned that the Mueller investigation will now be overseen by Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker - someone who has raised some troubling views about the investigation. "The President's actions today make it even more critical that … Continue Reading
October 26, 2018
Hirono with Striking Local 5 Workers: One Job Should be Enough
HONOLULU - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Unite Here Local 5 workers on the picket line outside the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki, and stood in solidarity with them in their fight for a higher wages. "I'm proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters in Local 5 on the picket line, fighting for better working conditions and higher wages for thousands of Marriott workers in Hawaii," Senator Hirono said. "When I first immigrated to Hawaii, my mother worked two jobs… Continue Reading
October 26, 2018
Hirono, Hanabusa Lead Bicameral Resolution to Recognize Filipino American History Month
HONOLULU- Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Colleen Hanabusa introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution in the United States Senate to recognize the month of October as Filipino American History Month. The resolution acknowledges the key role Filipino Americans play in shaping our country. "In Hawaii, we see the many contributions of the Filipino American community every day. They serve our country in uniform and elected office, teach our children in school, and run successful busin… Continue Reading
October 18, 2018
Hirono-Backed Bill Approving Cost of Living Increases For Veterans’ Compensation Signed Into Law
HONOLULU- Last week, the President signed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2018, legislation co-authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono. The new law provides a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. "VA disability compensation and other benefits earned throu… Continue Reading
October 16, 2018
Hirono Receives Meritorious Service Award from National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, was selected by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) to receive its 2018 Meritorious Service Award in recognition of her years of work to advance policies that help end veteran homelessness. Established in 1990, NCHV is the leading advocacy, resource and technical assistance center for community-based homeless veteran service providers including Hawaii's U.S.VETS at Barbers P… Continue Reading
October 15, 2018
Hirono Applauds Social Security Cost of Living Increase
HONOLULU- Last week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that beneficiaries will receive a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase for 2019, the highest increase since 2012. "Social Security is an earned benefit that provides a critical source of income for millions of individuals and families around the country, including thousands in Hawaii," Senator Hirono said. "The 2019 COLA increase is welcome news for Hawaii seniors and other beneficiaries who worked hard, but more … Continue Reading
