Press Releases
Hirono, Colleagues Call for Postal Service to Ramp Up Efforts to Electrify the Mail Delivery Fleet
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined her colleagues in a letter, led by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Tom Carper (D-DE), to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and United States Postal Service (USPS) Board of Governors Chair Roman Martinez calling for USPS to dramatically increase mail delivery fleet electrification effort, an effort that would improve service on some 177,000 routes across the country. USPS estimates that the adoption of a fully electric fleet of Next Gen… Continue Reading
November 21, 2022
Hirono, Lawmakers Urge FDA to Consider Steps to Protect and Expand Access to Medication Abortion
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined eight Senate Democrats in a letter, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf encouraging the agency to defend Americans' reproductive rights, and to consider steps to protect and expand access to medication abortion. "As states implement new restrictions, it is more important than ever that you take immediate steps to expand access to medication abortion," wro… Continue Reading
November 18, 2022
Fighting for Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
Aloha, This week, the Senate unanimously passed legislation I introduced to allow Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence to access critical programs and resources provided by Congress through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). My legislation makes an important change to VAWA to ensure Native Hawaiian organizations can actually serve the Native Hawaiian community. For decades, Congress has provided funding to organizations that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual as… Continue Reading
November 18, 2022
VIDEO: Senate Unanimously Passes Hirono Legislation to Support Native Hawaiian Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) to allow Native Hawaiian survivors of gender-based violence to access critical programs and resources provided by Congress through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The reauthorization of VAWA-which was signed into law in March, 2022-provides funding to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sex-trafficking, dating violence and stalking. Senator Hirono's legislation amends… Continue Reading
November 18, 2022
Hirono-Led Resolution Commemorating 50th Anniversary of Hanalei and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges Unanimously Passes in Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate passed a resolution introduced by Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, recognizing the 50th anniversaries of the establishment of Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge on Oahu. The resolution, which passed via unanimous consent, was also cosponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and celebrates the two refuges while acknowledging the wonders of Hawaii's eight o… Continue Reading
November 16, 2022
VIDEO: Hirono Questions VA Leaders About Red Hill Exposure, PACT Act Implementation During VA Committee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, questioned a panel of leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about VA's plans to support servicemembers impacted by fuel leaks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility. During a full committee hearing, Senator Hirono asked Dr. Shereef Elnahal, VA Under Secretary for Health, and Dr. Patricia Hastings, VA's Chief Consultant for Health Outcomes Military Exposures, about ho… Continue Reading
November 16, 2022
Hirono Statement on Respect for Marriage Act Cloture Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) voted to invoke cloture on the Respect for Marriage Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that she cosponsored to protect marriage equality in federal law. The legislation, which passed in the House in July, passed the major procedural cloture vote 62-37, all but ensuring it's final passage in the Senate. "Nearly a decade ago, the Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality as the law of the land. But as the far-right majority on the Court … Continue Reading
November 16, 2022
Hirono-Led Legislation to Protect Survivors of Sexual Assault and Harassment Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Speak Out Act, legislation co-led in the Senate by Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), by a vote of 315-109. The bipartisan, bicameral bill would limit the enforceability of non-disclosure agreements and non-disparagement agreements (NDAs) where a sexual harassment or sexual assault dispute arises and survivors wish to break their silence, and was also co-led by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-T… Continue Reading
November 15, 2022
Hirono Announces $1.54 Million Grant to Protect and Recover At-Risk Species in Maui County
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, announced that the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will receive $1.54 million in federal funding to implement the first stage of the Maui Landscape Conservation Plan to protect and recover at-risk species in Maui County. The project will prevent near-term imminent extinction of target plant species, expand horticultural expertise for propagation and re… Continue Reading
November 15, 2022
Hirono, Gillibrand Demand Answers on Defense Department Support for Families Impacted by Red Hill Fuel Leaks
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel, today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding information about the Department of Defense's (DOD) support of families and individuals impacted by the November 2021 release of fuel from the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility on Oahu. In the letter, Hirono reiterates many of the concerns expres… Continue Reading
November 14, 2022
Hirono Announces $1.3 Million Awarded to Hawaii Projects Aimed at Strengthening Local Food & Agricultural Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service awarded nearly $1.3 million total to four projects in Hawaii to expand and strengthen local food systems, and increase the availability of locally grown agricultural products. The four recipient organizations are Common Ground Collective; Hawaii Good Food Alliance; Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services; and the Olohana Foundation. "Promot… Continue Reading
November 14, 2022
Honoring Our Veterans
Aloha, Last week, we celebrated Veterans Day, an opportunity to recognize the service, bravery, and commitment of our veterans, who sacrifice so much in defense of our nation. I was honored to join veterans from across Hawaii at the Punchbowl Veterans Memorial to thank them for their service. Senator Hirono with JROTC Cadets at the Punchbowl Veterans Day ceremony. As important as it is to thank our veterans, the most important thing we can do to honor their sacrifice is ensure they get the … Continue Reading
November 14, 2022
Hirono Named Congressional “Champion for Children”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has been named a 2022 Champion for Children by the bipartisan advocacy organization First Focus Campaign for Children. The distinction recognizes Senator Hirono's leadership on issues including combatting childhood food insecurity, reforming the criminal justice system, and supporting immigrant children and families. "Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and I'm working to help ensure they have the support they n… Continue Reading
November 10, 2022
Hirono Urges USDA Secretary to Create New Climate Hub in Hawaii to Address Unique Climate Challenges
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging the USDA to establish a Climate Hub in Hawaii to better serve the state and the Pacific basin. Climate Hubs help agricultural producers with climate-informed decision making. Currently, there are 10 Climate Hubs across the country-Hawaii belongs to the Southwest Climate Hub located in New Mexico.… Continue Reading
November 10, 2022
VIDEO: Hirono Statement Honoring Veterans Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, issued the following statement ahead of Veterans Day: "On Veterans Day, we honor the service, bravery, and commitment of our veterans, who sacrifice so much in defense of our nation. Over the past two years, Congress has made critical progress for veterans in Hawaii and across our country. We've expanded VA care for millions of post-9/11 veterans, and increased mental health care for o… Continue Reading
November 10, 2022
PHOTOS & VIDEO: Hirono Visits UH West Oahu to Discuss Programs Supporting Underrepresented Students
HONOLULU, HI -Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) visited the University of Hawaii West Oahu (UHWO) to meet with university staff and learn about programs offered at the University to support underrepresented students, including Native Hawaiians. During her visit, Senator Hirono learned about their Center for Labor Education and Research (CLEAR), Early College Program, and programs for Native Hawaiian students. UHWO received approximately $15.5 million in CARES Act funds and other disaster relief bil… Continue Reading
November 01, 2022
New Senate Report from Hirono, Lawmakers: Health Care Providers Speak Out on Devastating Harm and Mortal Threats to Women Posed by State Abortion Bans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Tina Smith (D-MN) released a new report revealing the devastating consequences of state abortion bans and restrictions enacted by right-wing legislatures and the impacts of Senate Republicans' extreme proposal to ban abortion nationwide after 15 weeks. Post-Roe Abortion Bans Threaten Women's Lives: Health Care Providers Speak Out on the Devastating Harm Posed by Abortion Bans and … Continue Reading
October 31, 2022
Hirono Joins Colleagues in Urging DOJ and ATF to Clarify and Enforce Ghost Guns Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined thirteen of her Senate colleagues in urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to issue enforcement guidance and clarify the recently finalized Ghost Gun Rule. The rule regulates unfinished frames and receivers that are the core components used to construct ghost guns, untraceable firearms which have become the preferred instruments … Continue Reading
October 27, 2022
Hirono Announces $5 Million in Federal Funding for EPA’s Clean School Bus Program in Hawaii
HONOLULU, HI - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that the Hawaii Department of Education will receive nearly $5 million to procure 25 new electric school buses. The grant is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Clean School Bus Program, and will help 29 school districts across the Pacific Southwest purchase over 280 clean school buses that will accelerate the transition to zero emissions vehicl… Continue Reading
October 26, 2022
Hirono Announces $47.3 Million in Federal Funding for Kapalama Container Terminal Project
HONOLULU, HI - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), today announced a $47.3 million grant through U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the Hawaii Department of Transportation's (HDOT) Kapalama Container Terminal (KCT) Project at Honolulu Harbor. The grant is funded through MARAD's Port Infrastructure Development Program and will be used to improve efficiency and resiliency and reduce emissions at the Harbor. In June, Senator Hirono and the Hawaii congressional … Continue Reading
