Press Releases
Hirono, Senate Democrats Unveil Measure To Increase Access To Support At-Risk Hawaii Youth
Senators Mazie K. Hirono, Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Al Franken (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today introduced the Youth Access to Sexual Health Services (YASHS) Act, a bill that would create a competitive grant program to expand access to fact-based, community oriented education and support programs that promote sexual health for young people who have been disadvantaged by underlying structural barriers… Continue Reading
September 19, 2016
Senate Passes Hirono Bill to Save Veteran Housing Programs
The U.S. Senate today approved the extension of a package of veteran health and benefit programs, which includes the Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act authored by Senators Mazie K. Hirono and John Boozman (R-AR) to renew a number of important veteran housing programs. Without action, these programs, which served over 600 Hawaii veterans in 2015, would have expired on September 30. The package also includes Sen. Hirono's bill, S. 3246, which renews authority for the Depart… Continue Reading
September 15, 2016
Hirono Secures Hawaii Priorities in Wide-Ranging Bill to Improve Water Resources
Senator Mazie K. Hirono successfully included several Hawaii priorities in S. 2848, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, which passed the Senate today. The bill authorizes over $12 billion in funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, and supports water infrastructure projects across the country. "Hawaii residents know too well the dangers that flash floods present to life and property. It's critical that we upgrade our water infrastructure to ensure that families are protected," said Sen… Continue Reading
September 14, 2016
Hirono Announces More Than $7 Million In Federal Funding For Kalaeloa Airport Improvements
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the State of Hawaii will receive $7.15 million from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Military Airport Program to build 10 additional hangar and storage buildings and complete repairs to Hangar 110 at Kalaeloa Airport (John Rodgers Field) on Oahu. "Kalaeloa Airport serves as a critical asset supporting Hawaii's military and civilian aircraft, especially in times of emergency," said Senator Hirono. "This funding will allow the State of Hawaii… Continue Reading
September 14, 2016
Hirono Statement on AP Story about Working Conditions in Hawaii’s Longline Fishing Fleet
Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in response to the Associated Press report on working conditions in Hawaii's longline fishing fleet: "I am deeply disturbed by the situation described in the Associated Press' report on conditions in Hawaii's longline fishing fleet. It is completely unacceptable that the inhumane treatment of any workers -foreign or not-is legal under U.S. federal law. I am engaging the full range of stakeholders, including federal agencies and the indust… Continue Reading
September 12, 2016
National Guard Association Honors Hirono for Decades of Service to Guard Members & Families
The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) honored Senator Mazie K. Hirono for her advocacy on behalf of National Guard members and their families. NGAUS President Gus Hargett and Hawaii National Guard Adjutant General Joe Logan presented Senator Hirono with the Montgomery Medal, one of the organization's highest honors. "In Hawaii, we have a special appreciation for the National Guard as both first responders and defenders of our country," said Senator Hirono. "I am honored to… Continue Reading
September 11, 2016
Hirono Commemorates 15th Anniversary of September 11 Attacks
Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in remembrance of the September 11 attacks: "Fifteen years ago, our nation stood stunned as we learned about attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Today, we again stand together, in memory of the thousands who were killed on September 11, and gratitude for the heroism of first responders and ordinary Americans who showed extraordinary bravery and resilience in one of our darkest hours. "In the wake of immense tragedy, our natio… Continue Reading
September 07, 2016
Hirono, Senate Democrats Call for Vote on Clean Zika Funding Bill
Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Patty Murray (D-WA) called on Senate Republicans to stop stalling critical federal funding to fight the Zika virus. President Obama first sent an emergency funding request to Congress to address Zika in February. "It's been nearly four months since the Senate overwhelmingly passed a compromise measure that would fund the fight against Zika," said Senator Hirono. "Since then, it has become clear that Congressional Republicans would rather limit access to family plann… Continue Reading
September 07, 2016
Hirono, Senate Democrats Continue Fight to Confirm Clare Connors, Other Qualified Judicial Nominees
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, for the third time, took to the Senate floor to call for the confirmation of Hawaii's Clare Connors to Hawaii's U.S. District Court, and other judicial nominees from courts across the country who have been waiting over a year for a floor vote. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) blocked Senator Hirono and other Senate Democrats' requests. From Senator Hirono's remarks: "During her career, Clare has worked for John Ashcroft and Eric Holder. She is impartial, she is qualifie… Continue Reading
September 05, 2016
Hirono Observes Labor Day
Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in observation of Labor Day: "Today, as families in Hawaii and across the country celebrate Labor Day, we thank the generations of men and women who sacrificed for basic rights that we enjoy. Hawaii's rich tradition of organized labor began more than 80 years ago, when the first ILWU organizers brought together laborers across plantations and canneries, from different nationalities and belief systems, to stand for safe working conditions … Continue Reading
September 02, 2016
Federal Support for HC&S Employees Now Assured
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company employees displaced by the cessation of sugar production will continue to receive federal assistance through the U.S. Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance program. Trade Adjustment Assistance was originally granted in March. That assistance is available to workers who are separated before November 16. Today's expanded ruling, which came as a result of petition filed by the International Longshore and Ware… Continue Reading
September 02, 2016
Hirono Applauds Decision to Award Hawaiian Airlines Daytime Route to Haneda
Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) for finalizing its decision to award Hawaiian Airlines a daytime slot to fly directly from Honolulu International Airport to Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono worked with U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to increase the number of flights between the U.S. and Haneda to five round trip flights during the day and one round trip flight at night. In May, DOT awarded Hawaiia… Continue Reading
September 01, 2016
ICYMI: Hirono Denounces Trumps “Bizarre, Offensive” Immigration Speech
Senator Mazie K. Hirono took to Twitter to fire back at Donald Trump after his latest speech on immigration. As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, Senator Hirono has been the leading advocate for family unity in fixing our broken immigration system. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee in the 113th Congress, she was one of the authors of the Senate's 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill. Senator Hirono's tweets are printed below: No matter how many times @… Continue Reading
August 31, 2016
Hirono Welcomes New East-West Center President
Senator Mazie K. Hirono congratulated Dr. Richard Vuylsteke on his recent selection as the next president of the East-West Center. Dr. Vuylsteke will replace outgoing President Charles Morrison. "Dr. Vuylsteke's previous experience at local institutions including the East-West Center, University of Hawaii, and Chaminade University, combined with his experience working in Asia provide a balance that will allow him to keep the East-West Center at the forefront of building understanding between th… Continue Reading
August 31, 2016
Hirono Presses EpiPen Manufacturer on Price Hikes
Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and 18 of their colleagues expressed deep concern about EpiPen manufacture Mylan's recent significant price hikes in a letter to its CEO Heather Bresch. The senators pressed the company about its decision to expand its patient discount program, which allows the company to sharply increase prices while passing the cost of these increases onto consumers. "The EpiPen…has become so exorbitantly expensive that access to this life savin… Continue Reading
August 30, 2016
Hirono Announces $2.1 Million in Federal Funding to Alleviate Veteran Homelessness
Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced a $2.1 million grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs for U.S.VETS - Barber's Point, a Hawaii nonprofit organization dedicated to working with homeless and at-risk veterans. The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) funding will go toward U.S.VETS programs to help Hawaii veterans and their families to stay in their homes and find permanent housing. "U.S.VETS - Barber's Point is doing great work in Hawaii to end veteran homelessness, and this gr… Continue Reading
August 25, 2016
Hirono Supports President’s Expansion of Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument
Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in support of the President's announced expansion of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument: "I congratulate and thank the President for taking the important step to be a global leader in protecting ocean resources. President Obama's efforts to enhance protections for our ocean ecosystem will help to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and honor cultural traditions. As part of his announcement, I appreciate the President… Continue Reading
August 24, 2016
Hirono Focuses on Women’s & Family Health in Visit to Tripler Army Medical Center
Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Debra Wada toured Tripler Army Medical Center's cancer clinic, maternity ward, and neonatal intensive care unit to learn more about the services offered to women service members and military families. "As more careers open to women serving in the military, we must ensure these service members and their families have access to quality health care, including specialty services," said Senator Hirono. "The … Continue Reading
August 22, 2016
Hirono Breaks Ground at New Schofield Barracks Power Plant
Senator Mazie K. Hirono highlighted how collaboration between the U.S. Army and Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) will help the state achieve its ambitious 100% renewable energy goal at the ground breaking ceremony for a new mixed biofuel power plant at Schofield Barracks today. HECO will operate the 50 megawatt power plant, which will serve Army installations on Oahu and neighboring communities. "Hawaii has the most ambitious renewable energy goal in the country, and this partnership between th… Continue Reading
August 21, 2016
Hirono Honors Maui County Students, Promotes STEM Education
Senator Mazie K. Hirono honored Maui County students who were finalists for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award at Maui Economic Development Board's 10th Annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner. The dinner also highlighted science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs in Hawaii schools. "For Hawaii and our nation to succeed in building a high tech, 21st century economy, we must create millions more STEM jobs nationwide, including thousands here at home," said Senator Hirono. "Pr… Continue Reading
