Press Releases
HIRONO PRESIDES OVER SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE'S NOMINATION HEARING OF RAYMOND CHEN
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today presided over the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for the nomination of Raymond Chen as United States Circuit Judge for the Federal Circuit. Chen currently serves as the Deputy General Counsel for Intellectual Property Law and Solicitor at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. If confirmed, Chen will be the first Asian Pacific American (APA) on the federal circuit in over 25 years as well as the first Taiwanese American on a federal appellate c… Continue Reading
April 24, 2013
MAZIE HIRONO DINES WITH PRESIDENT OBAMA, WOMEN COLLEAGUES AT WHITE HOUSE
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined her female Senate colleagues at the White House tonight for a dinner hosted by President Obama. All 20 women Senators were invited to the bipartisan dinner. Hirono talked to the President about immigration reform and the military's rebalance to the Pacific. She also thanked the President for putting early childhood education front and center in his second term in office. "Mahalo to President Obama for hosting this dinner. Tonight was a good op… Continue Reading
April 23, 2013
HIRONO TAKES TO SENATE FLOOR TO URGE PASSAGE OF BILL THAT WOULD HELP HAWAII SMALL BUSINESSES
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today took to the Senate floor to urge her colleagues to pass the Marketplace Fairness Act, legislation that would help level the playing field for Hawaii small businesses. Hirono, a cosponsor of the legislation, argued the bill would help local merchants compete with online retailers operating on the mainland. In her speech, Hirono discussed how this legislation would benefit local businesses like Kona Stories, a bookstore in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. "Sm… Continue Reading
April 22, 2013
HIRONO CELEBRATES EARTH DAY, PROMOTES MORE SUSTAINABLE HAWAII
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono celebrated Earth Day by commending Hawaii families, local businesses and the military who are helping to make the state more food and energy self-reliant in ways that honor and protect our natural resources and environment. As the most fossil fuel dependent state in the nation, Hawaii's families and businesses know the value of developing renewable clean energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and conserving our land and water resources. "Earth Da… Continue Reading
April 19, 2013
HIRONO SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ELIMINATION OF FAMILY IMMIGRATION CATEGORIES AT FIRST HEARING ON IMMIGRATION REFORM BILL
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K Hirono participated in the Senate Judiciary Committee's first hearing on the immigration reform bill that was introduced this week, arguing the bill as written does not do enough to reunite families. The bill eliminates family immigration categories that allow immigrants to call their adult siblings or adult children to this country. In her remarks, Hirono argued that family unity is vital to ensuring immigrants can be successful members of our country's econom… Continue Reading
April 18, 2013
SENATOR HIRONO APPLAUDS RATIFICATION OF NEW HAWAII TEACHER CONTRACT
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement after Hawaii teachers overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract that strengthens Hawaii's chance of keeping $75 million in federal education funding through the U.S. Department of Education's Race to the Top reform initiative. "The contract agreement is great news for Hawaii's students and teachers. While Hawaii is not out of the clear, the contract vote is a big step in helping Hawaii retain $75 million in feder… Continue Reading
April 18, 2013
HAWAII DELEGATION COMMENDS CONFIRMATION OF DERRICK KAHALA WATSON TO U.S. DISTRICT COURT OF HAWAII
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Senator Brian Schatz, Representative Colleen Hanabusa, and Representative Tulsi Gabbard commended the Senate confirmation today of Derrick Kahala Watson, President Obama's nominee to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Watson has served since 2007 as Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Hawaii. A 1984 graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Watson will be the sole Native Hawaiian currently serving on the federal bench and only th… Continue Reading
April 18, 2013
KEY PARTS OF SENATOR HIRONO'S VISIT USA ACT INCLUDED IN IMMIGRATION REFORM LEGISLATION
Washington, D.C. - Honolulu Civil Beat reports today how the immigration bill introduced this week includes key provisions from Senator Mazie K. Hirono's VISIT USA Act, a bill she introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that would make it easier for foreign tourists to visit and spend money in the United States. Hirono has been a long-time advocate for changes to foreign visitor visas and the visa waiver system that would increase foreign tourism and create jobs. You can read the story… Continue Reading
April 17, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO STATEMENT ON SENATE’S FAILURE TO ADOPT BIPARTISAN BACKGROUND CHECK, GUN TRAFFICKING LEGISLATION
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement after the Senate failed to adopt bipartisan measures that would have closed a number of background check loopholes and fought gun trafficking: "I'm very disappointed that - even in the wake of the Newtown tragedy - basic improvements to our background check system and gun trafficking laws failed to obtain the votes needed to move forward in the Senate. This fight is not over. I know that the people of Hawaii and the res… Continue Reading
April 17, 2013
SENATOR HIRONO STATEMENT ON IMMIGRATION BILL
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement today reacting to the bipartisan immigration bill unveiled by the Senate Gang of Eight. "I appreciate the Gang of Eight's hard work over many months to move us closer to achieving comprehensive immigration reform. I look forward to reviewing the details of the bill, particularly the provisions that are intended to mitigate the harm to families caused by eliminating the sibling category of visas, and the provisions that … Continue Reading
April 12, 2013
FIVE STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED FROM SENATOR HIRONO’S WEEK
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- It was another busy legislative week for Senator Mazie Hirono in Washington. Check out five things you may have missed from Senator Hirono's week: 1) WATCH: Hawaii News Now profiles Senator Hirono's conversation with Admiral Samuel Locklear, PACOM Commander, about the escalating North Korea situation at Tuesday's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing-- http://youtu.be/xHofhEUZTmk 2) The Hawaii Tribune-Herald and media organizations throughout Hawaii profiled the… Continue Reading
April 11, 2013
SENATOR HIRONO UNVEILS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION THAT FIXES RESTRICTIVE VISA LAWS FOR HONG KONG VISITORS, AIMS TO BOOST HONG KONG TOURISM IN HAWAII
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Mazie Hirono unveiled new bipartisan legislation that would cut government red tape that makes it more difficult for tourists from Hong Kong to come to Hawaii. Republican Senator Orrin Hatch (UT) is the lead Republican sponsor of the bill in the Senate. "This bipartisan legislation is one example of how just a small legislative change can have a big impact on Hawaii's economy," said Hirono. "Right now, people in Hong Kong can visit more than 140 countries and territ… Continue Reading
April 10, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After President Obama released a budget this afternoon that prioritizes creating jobs by investing in transportation infrastructure, early childhood education, and pursuing a clean energy future, Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement: The President's budget has a number of provisions that would help create sustainable economic growth and jobs. His commitment to investing in transportation infrastructure is one that Hawaii is already benefitting from, as h… Continue Reading
April 09, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO HONORS MEMORY OF DANIEL K. INOUYE, HOSTS GRAND TEA MASTER OF JAPAN TO PERFORM CENTURIES-OLD TEA CEREMONY FOR WORLD PEACE
Washington, D.C. -- Senator Mazie K. Hirono hosted Dr. Genshitsu Sen, the fifteenth generation Urasenke Grand Tea Master of Japan, as he performed a centuries-old tea ceremony for world peace. Senator Inouye had intended to host the ceremony before he passed away late last year, and today's event honored the late Senator. "Nothing could be more important than the U.S. Japan relationship," Senator Hirono said at the ceremony. "It is this friendship and alliance that has produced peace in the Asi… Continue Reading
April 09, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO QUESTIONS U.S. PACIFIC COMMANDER ABOUT CHINA’S ENGAGEMENT IN NORTH KOREA THREAT DURING SENATE ARMED SERVICES HEARING
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono questioned Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, about China's engagement in the ramping up of tensions from North Korea during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "Do you foresee some action on part of the Chinese either publicly or behind the scenes to stop or reduce the level of provocations from North Korea?" Hirono asked Admiral Locklear. "Well, I think there's been statements by both Xi Jin… Continue Reading
April 08, 2013
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: ARMY MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS SENATOR HIRONO'S SCHOFIELD TOUR
On Friday, Senator Hirono wrapped up a week-long tour where she explained to Hawaii residents how her Senate work on national security issues and immigration reform impacts them. Below reads Army media coverage of her visit to Oahu's Schofield Barracks: By Sgt. Matthew Ryan, 25th Infantry Division http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104723/schofield-barracks-receives-distinguished-guest#.UWMUtZPvuCn SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Students and faculty waited patiently with leis and warm welcomes at the… Continue Reading
April 03, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO TOURS SCHOOL AT SCHOFIELD BARRACKS RECENTLY AWARDED $26 MILLION FROM DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, MEETS EDUCATORS
Honolulu - Senator Mazie K. Hirono visited Hale Kula Elementary School, which recently was awarded a $26.6 million federal grant from the Department of Defense for facility improvements to address overcrowding. Hale Kula, a public school located on Oahu's Schofield Barracks Army Installation, serves a student population comprised of 98% military dependent children. "It was a pleasure to meet the dedicated educators at Hale Kula Elementary who are making a difference for Hawaii's military famili… Continue Reading
April 03, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO DISCUSSES IMMIGRATION REFORMS' POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HAWAII AT ROUNDTABLE WITH LOCAL IMMIGRATION ADVOCATES, ACTIVISTS AND PROFESSIONALS
Honolulu - Senator Mazie K. Hirono hosted a roundtable discussion with community leaders about how comprehensive immigration reform could impact Hawaii. Among the 20 attendees included immigration law specialists, children's advocates, philanthropic organizations and immigration justice activists. The meeting was the first of a series of events this week where Hirono will discuss how her work in the Senate impacts Hawaii residents. "After listening to these local immigration experts, I was stru… Continue Reading
March 29, 2013
SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO ANNOUNCES FORMER INOUYE AIDE ALAN YAMAMOTO WILL LEAD HAWAII OPERATION
Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced her state staff, including formerSenator Inouye aide Alan Yamamoto as her State Director. "While my staff works directly for me -- they are working first and foremost for the people of Hawaii. This strong team will help me bring Hawaii's voice to Washington as my eyes and ears in the islands. Alan is an experienced leader in our state who knows how to get results for Hawaii. Throughout his career in the public and private sectors, Alan … Continue Reading
March 25, 2013
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: EDITORIAL IN TODAY'S NEW YORK TIMES HIGHLIGHTS HIRONO'S FIGHT FOR FAMILY IMMIGRATION
In today's New York Times, the paper's editorial board highlights Senator Mazie K. Hirono's fight to strengthen and preserve the family based immigration system and argues that immigration reform should aim to protect and unite families: Mazie Hirono, Democrat of Hawaii, who led the hearing, spoke movingly of her own experience immigrating to Honolulu as a young girl, and yet joined other witnesses in explaining how the system falls short: she noted that it treats women unequally - many who a… Continue Reading
