Press Releases
SENS. MAZIE HIRONO, MARK BEGICH & BRIAN SCHATZ FIGHT TO PROTECT TRAVELERS FROM INCREASED SECURITY FEES
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Mark Begich (D-Alaska), and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) introduced an amendment that would exempt Hawaii and Alaska from the increase in air travel fees included in the budget deal. This exemption would protect interisland flights from increased air travel fees, which would more than double from $2.50 to $5.60 in the budget compromise bill the Senate will vote on this week. "The budget deal makes tough choices, working to balance critical investments that… Continue Reading
December 17, 2013
HIRONO STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE SENATOR INOUYE’S WORK ON BEHALF OF HAWAII, NATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement to mark the one-year anniversary of Senator Daniel K. Inouye's passing. To honor Senator Inouye, Hirono introduced legislation that would redesignate the Asia-Pacific Center For Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in recognition of his instrumental support for the center. Hirono had previously added this measure as an amendment to the defense bill passed by the Senate … Continue Reading
December 13, 2013
SENS. HIRONO, HELLER, REPS. SWALWELL, THOMPSON INTRODUCE BILL TO PROVIDE EXPEDITED TAX RELIEF FOR DONATIONS TO TYPHOON HAIYAN RECOVERY EFFORTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Dean Heller (R-NV) and Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Mike Thompson (CA-05) introduced the bipartisan Philippines Charitable Giving Assistance Act, legislation that provides expedited tax relief for Americans making charitable donations in support of Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines. While there was an immediate outpouring of donations and other assistance following the immense destruction caused by Typhoon … Continue Reading
December 12, 2013
HIRONO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF HAWAII STATE HEALTH DIRECTOR LORETTA FUDDY
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the passing of State Health Director Loretta Fuddy, who was killed in a plane crash Wednesday off Kalaupapa: "I join many people in Hawaii today in mourning the sudden, tragic passing of Loretta Fuddy. Loretta was a dedicated public servant who spent most of her life working to improve public health on behalf of Hawaii's families. It was a privilege to work with Loretta since my time in the Hawaii State Legislature. S… Continue Reading
December 11, 2013
HIRONO’S BIPARTISAN AMENDMENT TO PROMOTE TELEHEALTH IN MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM INCLUDED IN DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION DEAL
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs Committees, joined Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) to ensure that their bipartisan amendment (S.A. 2114) requiring the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue a report on the current status of telehealth initiatives, as well as plans to integrate telehealth in the military health care system, was incorporated as part of a newly drafted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) deal. "Through telehealt… Continue Reading
December 11, 2013
HIRONO, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO FUND ADVOCACY CENTERS FOR CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined colleagues from across the aisle to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Victims of Child Abuse Act (VOCAA), which provides funding for Children's Advocacy Centers that serve child victims of violent crimes and help law enforcement hold perpetrators accountable. Hawaii's five Children's Justice Centers, which serve every Hawaii county, are members of the National Children's Alliance and its affiliated Children's Advocacy Centers. "We want to… Continue Reading
December 10, 2013
HIRONO STATEMENT ON PROPOSED BUDGET DEAL
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on tonight's proposed budget deal authored by Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI): "This proposed budget deal presents tough choices for everyone and I commend my colleagues who worked together on a compromise that provides welcome relief from the partisan brinksmanship that led to the first government shutdown in 17 years. I will closely review the details of this budget proposal to see how … Continue Reading
November 27, 2013
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO TOUTS HAWAII AS A MODEL OF PROGRESS ON NATIONAL RADIO
Washington, D.C. - Last week, Senator Mazie K. Hirono touted Hawaii as a model of progress on national radio, appearing on WMC Live with Robin Morgan. WMC Live is a weekly talk radio show with national syndication that has featured guests such as Sheryl Sandberg, Sandra Fluke, and Dee Dee Myers. In the interview, Morgan noted that Hawaii has been ahead of the rest of the country on many things, many of which Hirono has supported throughout her career. Hirono lauded the recent passage of marriage… Continue Reading
November 25, 2013
HIRONO STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF JEAN SADAKO KING
Honolulu, HI - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today released the following statement on the passing of former Hawaii Lieutenant Governor, Jean Sadako King. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jean King, a trailblazer in the history of Hawaii politics. As the first female elected to the office of Lieutenant Governor, Jean helped pave the way for women, such as myself. Jean was a respected voice who advocated for affordable housing, the environment and open government. "Jean held very progressive … Continue Reading
November 25, 2013
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: HIRONO TALKS SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN THE MILITARY, IMMIGRATION REFORM & IMPORTANCE OF POLITICAL DIVERSITY WITH WMC LIVE
Washington, D.C. - Last week, Hirono appeared on WMC Live with Robin Morgan. WMC Live is a weekly talk radio show hosted by the Women's Media Center, which strives to increase the visibility of women in media. Introduced as "the new rock star of the United States Senate", Hirono updated listeners on legislation to address sexual assaults in the military, comprehensive immigration reform and the importance of building a political pipeline for women and minorities: On sexual assaults in the milit… Continue Reading
November 20, 2013
HIRONO JOINS MENENDEZ TO CALL ON ADMINISTRATION TO GRANT TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO FILIPINOS IN WAKE OF DEVASTATING TYPHOON
Washington, D.C. - Following the devastation that Typhoon Haiyan caused in the Philippines, Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senate colleagues to call on the Obama Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Filipino nationals currently residing in the United States and to consider additional avenues of relief for certain Filipinos with family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. TPS is granted to foreign nationals who cann… Continue Reading
November 20, 2013
HIRONO STATEMENT ON PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined President Obama at the White House today as he posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The award is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed in the United States, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, an award given by Congress in 2011 to the 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service and 442nd Regimental Combat Team, of which Inouye was a member. Inouye has also received the U.S. mil… Continue Reading
November 19, 2013
HIRONO, HELLER WORK TO HELP FILIPINO VETERANS RECEIVE DESERVED BENEFITS
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Dean Heller (R-NV) have filed an amendment to S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation will help all eligible Filipino veterans receive the compensation they are entitled to for their service to the United States during World War II. "Mahalo to Senator Heller for partnering with me to help ensure all Filipino World War II veterans who bravely served alongside Americans in the critical South West Pacific Theatre … Continue Reading
November 19, 2013
VETERANS COMMITTEE PASSES HIRONO’S BIPARTISAN MEASURE TO EXTEND EMERGENCY CARE COVERAGE FOR VETERANS
Washington, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs today passed a measure authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono to help extend emergency care coverage for veterans. Hirono's bipartisan measure, co-sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-KS), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), and Mark Begich (D-AK), was included as part of the committee's omnibus bill, S. 1581, the Veterans Programs Improvements Act. Currently, a veteran enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system can only be reimbursed… Continue Reading
November 15, 2013
HIRONO COMMENDS OBAMA ADMINISTRATION IMMIGRATION POLICY CHANGE IN SUPPORT OF FAMILY UNITY
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono commended the Obama Administration's announced policy change today that undocumented immigrant family members of U.S. service members, reservists and veterans will be allowed to remain in the country and apply for legal residency. "I applaud the President's move to allow immigrant families of service members to stay together," said Hirono. "As a proud member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans' Affairs committees, I believe that supporting our tr… Continue Reading
November 15, 2013
HIRONO ANNOUNCES SABRINA SIDDIQUI TO SERVE AS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Washington, D.C. - Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced today that Sabrina Siddiqui will serve as Communications Director out of her Washington, D.C. office. Sabrina will oversee the communications staff in both Hawaii and Washington, DC. "As I fight for the families of Hawaii, it is crucial that I have a strong staff that will work hard on behalf of our state," said Hirono. "Whether it's pushing for quality early education for our youngest keiki or promoting food and energy sus… Continue Reading
November 13, 2013
HIRONO JOINS BIPARTISAN GROUP OF COLLEAGUES TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today joined a diverse coalition of lawmakers, advocates and military leaders to introduce the Strong Start for America's Children Act, legislation to expand access to high-quality early learning programs for children from birth to age five. Building on the framework put forward by President Obama in his 2013 State of the Union address, the bill focuses on four key goals: boosting funding for high-quality preschool programs serving low- and moderate-inc… Continue Reading
November 12, 2013
HIRONO WELCOMES ESTHER KIAAINA AHEAD OF THURSDAY NOMINATION HEARING
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono met today with Esther Kiaaina, the Obama Administration's nominee for Assistant Secretary for Insular Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). Hirono will introduce Kiaaina' s nomination during a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing this Thursday. "It was great to see Esther today and I am happy to see someone from Hawaii nominated for this role given our state's unique position," said Hirono. "She is someone I've known… Continue Reading
November 07, 2013
HIRONO AMENDMENT TO ASSIST NATIVE HAWAIIAN VETERANS PASSES SENATE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate yesterday unanimously passed a measure authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono to improve the ability of Native Hawaiian-serving organizations to assist homeless veterans. Hirono attached this amendment to the Helping Homeless Veterans Act during a hearing of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in July. "It is heartbreaking that so many veterans in Hawaii and across the nation struggle to put a roof over their heads," Hirono said. "While much work remains to be… Continue Reading
November 07, 2013
HIRONO VOTES TO PASS HISTORIC CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted today for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), historic civil rights legislation that establishes federal workplace protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. "All Americans deserve the basic civil right to earn a living and be judged by the quality of their work, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Hirono said. "This historic legislation finally establishes on a federal level the kind of … Continue Reading
