Press Releases
Hirono Convenes Hearing on Addressing Sexual Harassment in the National Park Service
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, questioned Acting National Park Service Director Michael Reynolds and U.S. Department of Interior Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall on recent reports of sexual harassment and misconduct in the National Park Service. Since January 2016, the Department of the Interior's Office of the Inspector General has released eight investigative reports relating to work… Continue Reading
June 07, 2017
Hirono, Schatz Call for Continued Funding for Federal Impact Aid Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz urged federal appropriators in a bipartisan letter to increase federal funding for the Impact Aid Program in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget. "Impact Aid funds a range of programs, including efforts to retain highly qualified teachers, adequate technology, facilities renovation, and maintenance of transportation fleets. For many districts, this funding represents the very lifeblood that allows their school system to operate," the Sena… Continue Reading
June 07, 2017
Hirono: Wray’s Loyalty Pledge Must Be to the Constitution and the Country, Not Donald Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement on the nomination of Chris Wray to serve as the next Director of the FBI: "At a time when we have so many concerns about President Trump's interference with the FBI's investigation of his team's ties with Russia, it is critical that our next FBI director remains fiercely independent of the White House. By his own admission, Donald Trump fired the former FBI Director, James Comey… Continue Reading
June 06, 2017
Hirono: Marine Corps Resources Must Evolve to Meet Global Needs
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, received an update on several programs to modernize Marine Corps ground combat and tactical vehicles. Senator Hirono called for continued innovation and testing of technology to support Marines in Hawaii and around the world. This hearing is part of a series Senator Hirono will attend as the Armed Services Committee considers the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, w… Continue Reading
June 05, 2017
Hirono, Hawaii Congressional Delegation Lead Effort to Halt Andres Magana Ortiz’s Deportation
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono and the Hawaii Congressional Delegation urged U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to stop the deportation of Hawaii Island resident Andres Magana Ortiz. Mr. Magana Ortiz, a well-respected coffee farmer on Hawaii Island, faces deportation after living in the United States for nearly 30 years. Last week, the Ninth Circuit Court denied Mr. Magana Ortiz's request to remain in the United States. "Mr. Magana Ortiz is an upstanding membe… Continue Reading
June 05, 2017
Senators Hirono, Reed & Whitehouse Lead Call for Continued Support of the Federal Pell Grant Program
Washington, D.C. - Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) led a group of 37 Senators calling on appropriators to continue strong support for the federal Pell Grant program in Fiscal Year 2018. As the largest source of federal grant aid for undergraduate students in the United States, the Pell Grant program helps millions of students nationwide and 20,000 students in Hawaii attain higher education by making college more affordable. In a letter to… Continue Reading
June 02, 2017
Senator Hirono Announces $4.2 Million in AmeriCorps Funding for Hawaii
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Hirono today announced that Hawaii has received $4.2 million in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service programs. "This federal funding will support educational opportunities for students, increase environmental stewardship, and help low-income individuals and families receive access to key legal resources, and is an investment in Hawaii's future," said Senator Hirono. "Helping… Continue Reading
June 01, 2017
Hirono: Decision to Withdraw from Paris Agreement “Irresponsible, hasty, and short-sighted”
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement after President Trump announced his decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement: "President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement is irresponsible, hasty, and short-sighted. In Hawaii we understand why it's important to take care of our land, ocean, and air - our way of life depends on it. Today, it's more important than ever for states like Hawaii to boldly t… Continue Reading
May 31, 2017
Hirono Announces Federal Funding to Support the Development and Recruitment of STEM Teachers in Hawaii
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced today that the University of Hawaii will receive over $350,000 in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support the training and recruitment of future science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) teachers. This announcement is part of the Senator's ongoing commitment to boosting STEM education and workforce opportunities in Hawaii. "To ensure that Hawaii students have the tools they need to succeed in STE… Continue Reading
May 30, 2017
Hirono Announces Over $10 Million in Funding for Maui and Big Island Airport Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) announced today that Kahului Airport and Hilo International Airport will receive over $10 million in federal funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to enhance airport operations and runway safety. "Ensuring safe and secure air travel is critical to sustaining Hawaii's economy and commerce," said Senator Hirono. "Federal funding for these runway improvement projects will help to strengthen runway safety at the Kahului and Hilo Inter… Continue Reading
May 30, 2017
Senators Hirono & Crapo Lead Effort to Fund Homeless Veteran Support Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) led a bipartisan group of 28 Senators urging robust funding for the Supporting Services for Veteran Families (SSVF), Grant and Per Diem (GPD), and Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) programs for Fiscal Year 2018. These important federal programs provide critical services and housing for veterans and their families experiencing homelessness. The Senators wrote: "The SSVF, GPD… Continue Reading
May 26, 2017
Hirono, Sullivan Fight Proposed Cuts to Essential Air Service; Introduce Legislation to Extend Expiring Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.- After the release of President Donald Trump's budget request, Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced the Keeping Our Commitment to Essential Air Service (EAS) Act to prevent proposed budget cuts to air service for over 170 small community airports nationwide by reauthorizing program funding through 2022. "Serving approximately 20,000 people in Hawaii last year alone, EAS provides reliable and affordable air transportation that is vital to th… Continue Reading
May 25, 2017
Senate Unanimously Passes Measure Recognizing Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Senate today passed a bipartisan resolution lead by Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) to recognize May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution celebrates the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. "We celebrate May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and reflect on the significant contributions the Asian American and Pacific Islander community has made t… Continue Reading
May 25, 2017
Hirono Lays Out Legislative Plan to Increase Opportunities for Women and Minorities in STEM
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today rolled out her plan to promote women and minorities pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professions and careers. "Supporting a diverse STEM workforce is critical to ensuring that Hawaii workers can compete in today's global economy," said Senator Hirono. "By breaking down barriers to advancement, the STEM Opportunities Act and the Women and Minorities in STEM Booster Act represent a comprehensive approach … Continue Reading
May 25, 2017
Hirono: Fourth Circuit Ruling Strikes Blow Against Unconstitutional Muslim Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement on the Fourth Circuit Court's ruling against President Trump's Muslim Ban: "The ruling today by the Fourth Circuit follows earlier decisions like that of Judge Watson in Hawaii in striking a blow against President Trump's unconstitutional Muslim Ban. The court's 10-3 opinion is a stirring reminder that we are a county of laws and values. The court was right to focus on evidenc… Continue Reading
May 24, 2017
Hirono Calls on Navy to Prioritize Maintenance and Workforce Development at Public Shipyards
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee, which oversees Navy and Marine Corps programs, questioned shipbuilding industry witnesses today on the importance of readiness, prioritizing fleet maintenance, and workforce development when discussing increasing the number of ships in the Navy's fleet. The Senator also pressed industry leaders on how procurement policies can be improved to ensure that the Navy remains fit to fight. Fro… Continue Reading
May 24, 2017
Hirono, Hanabusa Continue Work to Reunite Filipino World War II Veterans with Their Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Representative Colleen Hanabusa (D-Hawaii) introduced the Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act today, a bicameral bill that would expedite the visa process for children of Filipino World War II veterans. "When called to serve, Filipino World War II veterans fought and sacrificed alongside American servicemen," said Senator Hirono. "However, as a result of our country's antiquated immigration system, these brave soldiers have been w… Continue Reading
May 24, 2017
Hirono, Murray, Davis, Scott Introduce Major Legislation to Secure Pell Grant Program and Make College More Affordable for Low-Income Students
The Pell Grant Preservation & Expansion Act helps students offset the rising costs of college by permanently indexing Pell Grants to inflation, increasing its purchasing power Bill also makes Pell Grant funding mandatory, providing students with security of stability of program Nearly eight million students currently receive Pell Grants-more than 40 percent of students enrolled in higher education WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Repres… Continue Reading
May 23, 2017
Hirono: Trump Budget Proposal Is Dangerous for Hawaii Families
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono condemned the President's budget, and highlighted its devastating impact on Hawaii families. "President Trump's budget is dangerous for Hawaii families," said Senator Hirono. "It dismantles Medicaid, breaks his promise not to cut Social Security, eliminates Native Hawaiian programs, slashes food stamps and other support for working families, guts federal education programs, and defunds federal investments that create local jobs. I will fight tooth and n… Continue Reading
May 22, 2017
Hirono, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Improve Career Opportunities for Returning Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, today introduced the Veterans To Enhance Studies Through (TEST) Accessibility Act to help returning veterans transition into civilian life. Under current law, veterans are required to use a full month of their Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to be reimbursed for licensing, certification and national tests, such as those required to be an athletic trainer, fire fi… Continue Reading
