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Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press

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1 if body text was successfully extracted
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bioguide_id
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380 rows where chamber = "Senate", state = "HI" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending

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  • 2023 · 380 ✖

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  • HI · 380 ✖

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  • Senate · 380 ✖
url title date ▲ year month party chamber state member_name bioguide_id domain scraper source date_source text has_text collected_at updated_at
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-new-ftc-proposal-to-protect-childrens-privacy-online Schatz Statement On New FTC Proposal To Protect Children’s Privacy Online 2023-12-21 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after the Federal Trade Commission unveiled a proposal aimed at expanding protections for children’s privacy online. Specifically, the proposal would limit the ability of social media platforms to send push notifications to young users and further limit data retention for youth, among other things. “Tech platforms have knowingly harvested and profited off of children’s data for years, using targeted advertising and other tools to keep kids scrolling at the expense of their mental health and development,” said Senator Schatz. “The FTC’s proposal is an encouraging step toward implementing safeguards to protect the youngest users of social media against constant surveillance and manipulation. But rulemaking is no substitute for law – Congress needs to act. We urgently need to pass legislation that will protect kids online by setting minimum age requirements for social media use and banning algorithmic targeting for children and teens.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-push-to-lower-prescription-drug-costs Hirono, Colleagues Push to Lower Prescription Drug Costs 2023-12-20 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and 16 other colleagues in sending a letter urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Labor (DOL), and the Department of the Treasury to lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs by enforcing a rule limiting the use of harmful “copay accumulators.” Copay accumulators prevent copay assistance from counting towards a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, which makes it harder for patients to afford their medications. Regarding a recent court ruling limiting the use of copay accumulators, the members said, “This decision is an important step in the right direction for low-income and other eligible patients who rely on manufacturer and nonprofit copay assistance programs to alleviate affordability and access challenges for their medicines.” “Instead of appealing the court’s ruling, we urge you to adopt policies from the 2020 NBPP [Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters] that strike the right balance of preserving a plan’s ability to control costs while also putting the patient first,” the lawmakers wrote. In the letter, the senators also push for their Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act to permanently prohibit the use of copay accumulators and require health plans and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to count the value of copay assistance towards a patient’s deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. In addition to Senators Hirono, Kaine, and Marshall, the letter is signed by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), John Boozman (R-AR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). The full text of the letter is available below and here. Dear Secretary Becerra, Acting Secretary Su, and Secretary Y… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-to-receive-nearly-4-million-in-additional-federal-disaster-aid-to-support-mauis-recovery-from-fires Schatz: Hawai‘i To Receive Nearly $4 Million In Additional Federal Disaster Aid To Support Maui’s Recovery From Fires 2023-12-20 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) announced that Hawai‘i will receive $3.9 million in new federal funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support the ongoing recovery effort on Maui following the fires in August. The funding, which comes from the Disaster Relief Fund which Congress replenished in September following calls from Schatz and others, will support staff who have been working on the emergency response effort. “The federal government continues to support Maui in every step of the recovery process,” said Senator Schatz. “We’ll keep doing everything we can to make sure the people of Lahaina have what they need to get back on their feet.” Working closely with the Biden Administration and congressional leaders, Schatz has led efforts to bring federal resources to Maui. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than $412 million in federal funding for the response to the fires, including more than $300 million in direct assistance to survivors from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-push-to-keep-anti-lgbtq-and-anti-abortion-provisions-out-of-critical-government-funding-bills Hirono, Colleagues Push to Keep Anti-LGBTQ+ and Anti-Abortion Provisions Out of Critical Government Funding Bills 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and 44 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-WA) and Vice Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) urging them to reject any new poison pill policy riders in the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills, including the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion policy provisions that House Republicans inserted into their appropriations bills. “The Senate has had tremendous success both passing bipartisan bills in committee and on the Senate floor because these bills are free of new poison pill riders,” wrote the Senators. “Unfortunately, the House appropriations bills are filled with new highly partisan provisions, including anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ riders, that should be removed from any final appropriations bills.” These “poison pill policy riders” aim to make changes to laws that would fail to withstand scrutiny of congressional debate by attaching them to “must-pass” measures such as appropriation bills. “Our country is facing a reproductive health care crisis, one that has been accelerated by the Supreme Court’s extremist decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization,” the Senators continued. “House Republicans have proposed several new anti-abortion policy riders. These riders include a provision to force back in place medically unnecessary restrictions on medication abortion, a measure to stop the implementation of the Biden administration’s executive orders to protect access to abortion care, and a measure that would jeopardize access to essential postgraduate medical training in abortion care.” Not only are there anti-abortion poison pills included in the House bills, there are attacks on the LGBTQ+ community as well. “House Republicans have used the appropriations process to push extremist anti-LGBTQ+ measures, which threaten to disrupt the lives and fundamental dignity of the LGBTQ+ community,” the Senators wrote. “Against t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-highlights-biden-harris-administrations-progress-for-working-people-commends-acting-secretary-of-labor-julie-su VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Highlights Biden-Harris Administration’s Progress for Working People, Commends Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su 2023-12-19 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), delivered remarks on the Senate floor highlighting the historic progress made by the Biden-Harris Administration to create over 14 million jobs and keep unemployment rates low. In her remarks, Senator Hirono also commended Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su for her work in achieving these milestones and called out unfair criticisms of the Acting Secretary. “After decades of declining union membership, working people are coming together to demand their fair share of the economic success our country is experiencing—success they make possible,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “Since assuming the top role at the Labor Department earlier this year, Acting Secretary Su has played a critical role supporting workers and finding consensus to move our economy forward.” Senator Hirono highlighted the crucial role Acting Secretary Su played in mediating several contentious labor disputes, including the potentially-disastrous strike at ports along the west coast, the largest health care strike in our nation’s history carried out by Kaiser Permanente employees, and the historic deal between the United Auto Workers and the Big Three auto companies. “In addition to these and many other settled labor disputes, Acting Secretary Su is leading major initiatives to make life better for working people in our country and grow the middle class—from expanding overtime protections, to strengthening apprenticeship and work training programs and much more,” continued Senator Hirono. “Julie Su’s work speaks for itself. She listens, she finds consensus, and she helps those around her stay the course for as long as it takes. What more could we ask of a Secretary of Labor?” In her remarks, Senator Hirono also called out the double-standards often applied to women of color in leadership positions. “To be blunt, Mr. President, sexism, racism, and double standards applied to women of color are all too common, in spite of their denials all around,” Senator Hirono continued. “… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-bill-to-provide-construction-funding-to-federally-impacted-school-districts Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Provide Construction Funding to Federally-Impacted School Districts 2023-12-18 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led 10 of her colleagues in introducing the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act, legislation that would provide a total of $1 billion over four years for Impact Aid Construction Grants to address the significant backlog of facility needs at federally impacted school districts. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative John Garamendi (D-CA). “All students deserve access to a quality education in a safe environment where they can learn and grow, and as a Co-Chair of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition, I am proud to have introduced this bill to fund long-overdue repairs for schools in Hawaii and across the country,” said Senator Hirono. “Federal Impact Aid provides critical funding for federally-impacted schools. But too often, that funding is not enough to meet maintenance needs. By providing $1 billion for needed upgrades, this legislation will enable schools to address the significant backlog of school construction, repair, and maintenance needs to help our students learn in a suitable learning environment.” The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act would ensure that federally impacted school districts have the resources needed to provide every student with a quality education and safe learning environment by authorizing $250,000,000 annually for four years for Impact Aid Construction Grants. Of this funding, 25% would be made available via formula funding to all eligible school districts. The Department of Education would disseminate the remaining 75% as competitive grants with priority for those school districts with acute emergencies in their facilities. “I am grateful to Senator Hirono for introducing this legislation in the Senate and for fighting for safe environments for teachers and students,” said Garamendi. “This bill addresses long-overdue repair needs to ensure equitable access to quality education and safe learning environments for students across the country. Every child should have the o… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-introduce-resolution-commemorating-80th-anniversary-of-the-repeal-of-the-chinese-exclusion-act Hirono, Chu Introduce Resolution Commemorating 80th Anniversary of the Repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) introduced a resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and celebrating the contributions that Chinese American communities have made to the United States. The Magnuson Act, which repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act, passed on December 17, 1943. The House companion of the resolution was introduced by Representative Judy Chu (D-CA). “As we mark the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting any and all types of discrimination,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to lead this resolution with CAPAC commemorating the day our country ended the injustice of the Chinese Exclusion Act and acknowledging the valuable contributions of Chinese Americans and immigrants. Diversity makes this country stronger and as we work to empower AANHPI communities, we must continue fighting hate in all its forms.” The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was one of the first restrictions on immigration by race in U.S. history. The discriminatory bill banned the immigration of Chinese laborers and led to legislation that prohibited them from entering the U.S. for over six decades. In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). The full text of the resolution is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-on-treasury-and-irs-to-expand-access-to-vehicle-refueling-infrastructure-credits Hirono, Colleagues Call on Treasury and IRS to Expand Access to Vehicle Refueling Infrastructure Credits 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 13 of her Senate colleagues in calling on the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to finalize guidance for and maximize inclusive access to the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) included an extension of this tax credit, which provides billions of dollars for eligible refueling infrastructure investments such as zero-emission truck stops, intermodal facilities, and warehouses. Compared to a more restrictive threshold, the recommendations of the letter would expand eligibility to cover an estimated 32 million additional people, including 4.7 million rural residents, 2.1 million people living in poverty, 2.2 million Black people, and 3.6 million Latinos. “Effective implementation of Section 30C is critical to realizing the Administration’s goal of deploying 500,000 chargers by 2030 and facilitating the swift decarbonization of our transportation sector,” wrote the Senators. The letter, led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), also requests that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS commissioner Daniel Werfel adopt temporary safe harbor conditions in their guidance to protect taxpayers who already installed infrastructure over the last year and to minimize negative impacts on future investment and planning decisions. In addition to Senators Hirono, Padilla, and Cortez Masto, the letter was signed by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT). The full text of the letter is available here and below. Dear Secretary Yellen and Commissioner Werfel: We write to urge you to swiftly finalize guidance for the Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which was significantly expanded through the historic Inflation Reduc… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-demand-va-do-more-to-protect-veterans-from-prescription-drug-abuse Hirono, Colleagues Demand VA Do More to Protect Veterans from Prescription Drug Abuse 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Angus King (I-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), in sending a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough, urging them to take swift action to protect veterans seeking opioid prescriptions following concerning reports that found some providers of veterans’ health care are not meeting VA prescription opioids safety standards. “We write today to discuss our concerns with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ oversight of non-VA providers who prescribe opioids to veterans,” the Senators wrote. “In Fiscal Year 2022, the Department spent more than $27 billion in the community for health care services for veterans. VA must ensure the dollars it spends result in high-quality, safe care for veterans.” In 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services declared opioid deaths a public health emergency. At the time, studies indicated veterans were twice as likely to die from accidental opioid overdoses. To combat this, Congress included a provision in the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to ensure non-VA providers were informed of VA best practices and evidence-based guidelines when prescribing opioids under VA’s Opioid Safety Initiative (OSI). Congress also required third-party administrators responsible for contracting with VA community care providers to check their states prescription drug monitoring program to mitigate prescription drug abuse and overdose by veterans using VA community care. However, a recent report from the VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) found the third-party administrators failed to provide adequate oversight of whether Veterans Community Care Network health care providers were completing and certifying VA’s OSI training module. The OIG also found that approximately 14,700 of 18,200 non-VA providers in the Community Care Network who prescribed opioids to veterans in fiscal year 2021 had not completed VA’s OSI training module and did not certify the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-welch-van-hollen-kaine-booker-call-on-biden-to-urge-israeli-egyptian-governments-to-allow-journalists-into-gaza-protect-free-press Schatz, Welch, Van Hollen, Kaine, Booker Call On Biden To Urge Israeli, Egyptian Governments To Allow Journalists Into Gaza, Protect Free Press 2023-12-15 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) today called on President Joe Biden to urge the governments of Israel and Egypt to protect press freedom and allow journalists into Gaza to cover the war. In their letter to the president, the senators underscored the importance of safe access into Gaza for journalists and the need for accurate and independent reporting from inside the warzone. “We ask you to further urge the Israeli government, as well as the Egyptian government, to respect press freedom by allowing all interested journalists to report without restriction from Gaza, with the exception of operational security requirements for embedded journalists, and provide journalists with the appropriate protections to carry out their essential work,” the senators wrote. “Without protections for journalists in Gaza and access for international journalists, the world is unable to get a complete and accurate understanding of events. Journalists play a vital role in a free society by holding individuals, organizations, and governments accountable for their actions. The lack of transparency caused by limited journalistic access is at odds with the obligation all governments have to allow citizens to access factual information. Especially in a time of rampant mis- and disinformation, journalists both provide the international community with up-to-date news about the war and equip the local population with potentially life-saving information about fast-changing developments.” The senators continued, “American democracy rests on a bedrock commitment to a free press and we must insist on the same from others, including our closest allies and partners. The principles for which the United States advocates send strong messages to foreign governments and help establish essential international norms.” Schatz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been leading efforts to protect journalists around the world, an… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-department-of-education-omb-to-prioritize-funding-for-open-textbook-pilot-in-fiscal-year-2025 Hirono, Colleagues Urge Department of Education, OMB to Prioritize Funding for Open Textbook Pilot in Fiscal Year 2025 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), and nine other colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young, urging the agency leaders to include strong funding for the Open Textbooks Pilot (Pilot) in the Biden Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget request. The Pilot is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expansion of open college textbooks – textbooks that are freely available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. The grant program aims to significantly reduce the cost of higher education for students. “As the cost of college continues to rise, it is crucial to ensure college is affordable for all students. With a single textbook potentially costing hundreds of dollars, textbook costs, unlike tuition and other college costs, are often overlooked. However, they can create an unnecessary barrier to attaining a college education,” the Senators wrote. “The high cost of textbooks disproportionately impacts low-income students and students of color who are unable to purchase required course materials, placing them at an academic disadvantage.” According to the College Board, the average student at a four-year public college spends roughly $1,240 on books and class supplies. Additionally, U.S. Public Interest Research Group found in a 2020 survey that 65 percent of students skipped buying a textbook because of the cost, and 90 percent of those students were worried it would affect their grade negatively. “Open textbooks—education resources that are licensed under an open license and made available free of charge to the public—offer quality, cost-effective alternatives to traditional textbooks. When open textbooks are used, students save money,” the Senators continued. “Further, faculty members have greater flexibility to adapt and custo… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-authorization-act-containing-over-35-billion-in-hirono-led-provisions-to-strengthen-national-security Senate Passes National Defense Authorization Act Containing Over $3.5 Billion in Hirono-Led Provisions to Strengthen National Security 2023-12-14 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, voted to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the U.S. Senate, securing several key provisions for Hawaii and the Pacific region, U.S. military servicemembers, the Department of Defense’s (DOD) environmental initiatives, and the maintenance and modernization of DOD infrastructure. Senator Hirono’s provisions include over $1.7 billion for projects in Hawaii and more than $1.8 billion for projects throughout the Indo-Pacific region, while prioritizing environmental initiatives. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-13 and now heads to the House for consideration. “The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act contains critical investments in our servicemembers, our national security, and the modernization of our aging DOD infrastructure to ensure our continued readiness,” said Senator Hirono. “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness, I have worked to secure key provisions to modernize DOD infrastructure and support families and servicemembers in Hawaii and across the country. At a time of global instability, this NDAA is an investment in our national security and that of our partners and allies around the world. I was proud to vote to pass this year’s NDAA and look forward to it being signed into law.” The FY 2024 NDAA includes several of Senator Hirono’s key priorities, including: Investing in Critical Infrastructure Directs the Defense Department to develop a master plan to modernize critical infrastructure at military installations in the State of Hawaii. Requires the DOD to develop and implement a standardized system to measure and report on the condition of non-privatized critical infrastructure systems on military installations to better assess and invest in military facilities, including in Hawaii. Creates a pilot program to replace substandard enlisted barracks and a unifor… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cop28-agreement-makes-historic-progress-in-tackling-climate-crisis Schatz: COP28 Agreement Makes 'Historic Progress' In Tackling Climate Crisis 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement after nearly 200 countries struck a landmark agreement to transition away from fossil fuels at the annual UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “Today’s agreement makes historic progress in the fight to save the future of the planet,” said Senator Schatz. “Transitioning away from oil and gas; aggressively reducing emissions; tripling renewables and accelerating the adoption of clean energy technologies – all of these are essential steps to preventing the very worst outcomes of climate change. While this compromise agreement doesn’t fully reflect the urgent timeline island nations and frontline communities are facing, it sends a strong signal and unites global governments and stakeholders around the shared goal of confronting the climate crisis with the bold policies it demands. Now comes the difficult work of putting these words into action.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-18-million-in-federal-funding-for-safer-roads-sidewalks-heading-to-hawaii-island-maui-oahu Schatz: More Than $18 Million In Federal Funding For Safer Roads, Sidewalks Heading to Hawai‘i Island, Maui, O‘ahu 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that Maui County, Hawai‘i County, and the City and County of Honolulu will receive more than $18 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for projects to improve safety on roads and sidewalks. The funding comes from DOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program which Schatz helped create as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that passed in 2021, and builds on previous Schatz-led efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Schatz worked with the counties and advocated for these projects with U.S. DOT. “Our roads should be safe for everyone to get around, including pedestrians and cyclists,” said Senator Schatz, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “This funding from the historic infrastructure law will improve road and sidewalks and keep our communities safe.” “We are thrilled to secure substantial funds aimed at enhancing the safety and accessibility of our streets for all our residents,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth. “Thanks to Senator Brian Schatz’s advocacy, we have the opportunity to implement cutting-edge technology in a pilot program on Hilo’s streets. Our gratitude extends to our dedicated team for their tireless commitment to Complete Streets and Hawai‘i County’s Vision Zero Action Plan.” “Besides prioritizing safety, this grant comes at a critical time to support rebuilding our Lahaina community. We thank USDOT, Senator Schatz, and the congressional delegation for its continued support of our county,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “This federal grant will help the City further strengthen our commitment to road safety with our Vision Zero and Complete Streets initiatives, and we are especially grateful to Sen. Schatz and the members of our congressional delegation for their support,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “With this award, the City’s Department of Transportation Services will a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-national-defense-bill-includes-schatz-provisions-to-study-report-on-health-impacts-of-red-hill-leak-protect-hawaii-shipyard-workforce-authorize-16-billion-for-infrastructure-projects Senate Passes National Defense Bill, Includes Schatz Provisions To Study, Report On Health Impacts Of Red Hill Leak, Protect Hawai‘i Shipyard Workforce, Authorize $1.6 Billion For Infrastructure Projects 2023-12-13 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today passed the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included several provisions authored by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i). The bill included bipartisan legislation led by Schatz and U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) to collect data, study, report on, and better understand the health impacts for those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak. The Schatz-Case provision is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i). “People who were exposed to toxic fuel from this leak should know what kind of impact that might have on their long-term health and what kind of additional federal help they can get,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “This study will give doctors, public health experts, and those affected by the leak a better understanding of what that kind of exposure can do to someone’s health.” Other Schatz-led provisions in the NDAA include measures to protect Hawai‘i’s shipyard workforce as a part of the crucial Australia – United Kingdom – United States (AUKUS) submarine partnership, authorize $1.6 billion in infrastructure projects, and create a new presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed diplomatic post to the Pacific Islands Forum. The NDAA now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senator Schatz continued, “These provisions will help strengthen our national security, support our servicemembers, and promote greater engagement with our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.” The Schatz-secured provisions include: Studying health impacts from Red Hill fuel leak – legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak and to conduct critical oversight of the Department of Defense as it conducts this study. $1.6 billion for water and port infrastructure projects, including: … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-usda-omb-to-boost-public-food-and-agriculture-research-funding-in-fiscal-year-2025 Hirono, Colleagues Urge USDA, OMB to Boost Public Food and Agriculture Research Funding in Fiscal Year 2025 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 13 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Shalanda Young urging the agency leaders to increase the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) research budget by at least five percent, plus inflation, for Fiscal Year 2025. In the letter, led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senators emphasized the importance of public funding for food and agriculture research as it ensures that the U.S. remains competitive in the global market. The U.S. share of public agriculture research investments globally among high-income countries as a group has declined from 35 percent in 1960 to less than 25 percent by 2013. By comparison, in the past 30 years, China’s investments in public agriculture research has risen eight-fold, with China now the world’s largest public funder of agriculture research. According to a 2021 report jointly commissioned by the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Farm Journal Foundation, U.S. public spending on food and agriculture has been flat for the past decade, threatening the competitiveness of U.S food systems, a growing concern as the global population may reach 10 billion by 2050, and food production needs will increase by 60 to 70 percent. “As the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget request is prepared, we request that an increase of at least five percent, plus inflation, above the FY 2024 funding levels proposed by the Senate, be provided across the board for all USDA research activities underway within the Agricultural Research Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Economic Research Service, and the National Agricultural Statistics Service,” the Senators wrote. The letter continues on, noting that public research leads to rapid discoveries that widely benefit society. “The public sector can pursue research into subjects and specialties that the private sector cannot or will not, while allowing for unre… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/following-maui-fires-schatz-leads-hearing-to-push-for-more-immediate-consistent-relief-funding-for-local-communities-impacted-by-natural-disasters Following Maui Fires, Schatz Leads Hearing To Push For More Immediate, Consistent Relief Funding For Local Communities Impacted By Natural Disasters 2023-12-12 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, led a hearing today to underscore the need for immediate relief funding for local communities impacted by natural disasters. Schatz is the author of the Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (S.1686), bipartisan legislation that would strengthen the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) disaster recovery program and help provide more immediate help for states, local governments, and tribes in the wake of a natural disaster. “This past summer, Lahaina on the island of Maui experienced the nation’s deadliest wildfire in over a century. The fire killed a hundred people and decimated entire neighborhoods; 2,200 structures, most of which were homes, were destroyed. For four months now, almost 7,000 people have been shuffling from one hotel to the next. For many, rebuilding and recovery is still years away as debris removal is extensive and complex,” said Chair Schatz. “Lahaina is just one example. Every community devastated by a disaster deserves help. Help that is timely, predictable, consistent, and proportional to the needs of the recovery. And so while Congress took an important step in September to fund FEMA disaster relief, much more is needed in programs like the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program. FEMA is only one piece of the puzzle.” Working closely with the Biden Administration and congressional leaders, Schatz has led efforts to bring federal resources to Maui. To date, Hawai‘i has received more than $412 million in federal funding for the response to the fires, including more than $300 million in direct assistance to survivors from FEMA and the Small Business Administration. The following witnesses participated in the oversight hearing: U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) Shaun Donovan, CEO and President, Enterprise Community Partners Jennifer Gray Thompson, Founder and CEO, After the Fire USA Ran Reinhard, Director … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-statement-opposing-gop-proposed-immigration-policies Hirono, Chu Statement Opposing GOP-Proposed Immigration Policies 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement opposing draconian immigration policy changes being considered as part of a supplemental national security aid package: “We are deeply alarmed by the latest reports on Republican demands for permanent anti-immigrant policies in exchange for temporary funding for Ukraine. In addition to demanding sweeping changes to our asylum system that will fail to improve conditions at the border and result in vulnerable people being sent back to danger, Republicans are demanding a more expansive return to Trump-era programs with nationwide Expedited Removal. This will terrorize undocumented communities throughout the country and could lead to the deportation of people who have been in the United States for years—all without the basic due-process protection of even seeing an immigration judge. “Asylum seekers fleeing political oppression or religious persecution, including an increasing number of individuals from Asian countries arriving at our Southern Border, deserve a fair chance at asylum in the United States. In addition to the grave human consequences, turning away individuals fleeing oppressive regimes will also send a dangerous message to autocratic governments everywhere that the United States has abdicated its leadership on defending human rights, opening the door for them to abandon their international obligations as well. “Our immigration system is badly broken, and the supplemental package contains critical funding priorities. But pitting vulnerable groups against each other is a recipe for bad policymaking. While we stand ready to work with anyone on comprehensive immigration reform, the latest Republican proposal should be rejected outright.” 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-concludes-mission-to-un-climate-conference-cop28 Schatz Concludes Mission To UN Climate Conference, COP28 2023-12-11 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper DUBAI – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, concluded a mission to the annual United Nations climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Schatz touted the progress made since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act last year, including the creation of hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and lower energy prices for Hawai‘i families. Schatz was part of a Senate delegation which was led by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and also included U.S. Senators Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass). “Our message to the world at COP28 was simple: America took the biggest climate action in human history, and it’s working,” said Senator Schatz. “The Inflation Reduction Act is proof that climate action is good for the economy and good for the planet. We proved the doubters wrong and sincerely hope that governments across the world will follow suit.” The Senators were briefed by U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry as well as State Department officials, and met with foreign delegations including from Ukraine, Japan, South Korea, and the Pacific Islands Forum, among others. They also participated in various events highlighting the United States’ work on tackling the climate crisis; how other nations can replicate the success of the IRA to spur economic and climate progress of their own; and solutions to various global challenges related to climate, including deforestation. Photos of Schatz and the Senate delegation are available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-provisions-to-protect-hawaii-shipyard-workforce-authorize-16-billion-for-infrastructure-projects-create-new-diplomatic-post-to-engage-with-pacific-island-nations-included-in-defense-bill Schatz Provisions To Protect Hawai‘i Shipyard Workforce, Authorize $1.6 Billion For Infrastructure Projects, Create New Diplomatic Post To Engage With Pacific Island Nations Included In Defense Bill 2023-12-08 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) secured the inclusion of several provisions to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including measures to protect Hawai‘i’s shipyard workforce as a part of the crucial Australia – United Kingdom – United States (AUKUS) submarine partnership, authorize $1.6 billion in infrastructure projects, and create a new presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed diplomatic post to the Pacific Islands Forum. “These provisions will help strengthen our national security, support those who serve, and promote greater engagement with our friends and partners in the Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Schatz. Schatz-secured provisions include: Studying health impacts from Red Hill fuel leak – legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak and to conduct critical oversight of the Department of Defense as it conducts this study. $1.6 billion for water and port infrastructure projects, including: $20 million for a new water storage tank at Aliamanu Military Reservation $23 million for a clearwell to store filtered water and booster pump Fort Shafter $33 million to improve wells, water storage tanks, a water pump station at Helemano Military Reservation $37 million for a water distribution line, water storage tanks, and a water pump station at Schofield Barracks $134 million at Marine Corps Base Hawai‘i to upgrade and improve MCBH’s Water Reclamation Facility $5.4 million to improve an air traffic control tower at Wheeler Army Airfield $1.3 billion to enable the construction of Dry Dock 5 $15 million to improve the waste water treatment plant at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Protecting Hawai‘i’s shipyard workforce – a provision to develop and increase the submarine industrial base workforce by allowing the DoD to reinvest funds secured from the transfer of submarines to Australia under the historic AUKUS partnership in recruiting, training, and retaining key … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-attend-un-climate-conference-in-united-arab-emirates Schatz To Attend UN Climate Conference In United Arab Emirates 2023-12-08 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper DUBAI – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and a Senate delegation will attend the annual UN climate conference, COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Schatz plans to highlight the progress made possible so far by the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law a year ago. The law – the biggest climate action in history – invests in clean energy, helps lower energy costs for Hawai‘i families, and aims to cut U.S. carbon pollution by 40 percent in 2030. “A year ago, Congress passed the biggest climate action in American history with the Inflation Reduction Act. The law made historic investments to dramatically reduce emissions, accelerate the clean energy transition, and make our communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Senator Schatz. “A year in, the results have already exceeded our most hopeful projections. And none of the doom and gloom predictions made by fossil fuel companies and other big corporate interests have come to pass. The IRA is creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, unleashing a manufacturing renaissance not seen in years, and helping shore up communities to be more resilient to extreme weather. The IRA is proof that big, bold climate action is not just possible, but it benefits everyone. It’s good for the environment and it’s good for the economy. “The IRA can and should be a blueprint for the rest of the world for delivering bold climate action. We no longer have to imagine what will happen. Climate action works for everyone – we did it and so should other countries,” Schatz continued. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-announce-amendment-requiring-that-use-of-us-supplemental-aid-comply-with-us-international-law Hirono, Colleagues Announce Amendment Requiring that Use of U.S. Supplemental Aid Comply with U.S., International Law 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, joined a group of her Senate colleagues in announcing that they are working on an amendment to require that the weapons received by any country under the proposed national security supplemental are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict. “This amendment will further ensure that American aid is used in accordance with international law and American values,” said Senator Hirono. “As we support Israel’s right to defend itself, we must continue working to create the conditions for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the region.” The Senators’ amendment also requires that the president report to the Congress on whether countries receiving military equipment paid for by American taxpayers meet that test and whether the use of U.S-supplied weapons comports with established presidential directives on arms transfers and Defense Department policies for reducing harm to civilians. And it would buttress current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver. The amendment does not apply to funds for air defense systems or other systems that the president determines will be used for strictly defensive purposes. Specifically, the Senators’ amendment: Requires that the weapons received by any country under this bill are used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict; Requires that the president obtain assurances that any country receiving weapons through this bill cooperate fully with U.S.-supported efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, subject to a presidential waiver; Requires that the president report to the Congress within 30 days on whether each country receiving U.S. security assistance through t… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-urges-colleagues-to-pass-critical-national-security-legislation VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Urges Colleagues to Pass Critical National Security Legislation 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, delivered remarks on the Senate floor emphasizing the need to pass critical national security legislation, including the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the supplemental funding package with aid for Ukraine and Israel, and the Compacts of Free Association (COFA). “While this year is quickly coming to an end, our work in this body is far from over—especially as it relates to our national security,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “At a time of global instability, it is essential that we pass this conference report—as we have every year for the last 62 years—to protect our nation and reaffirm our global leadership.” Senator Hirono highlighted critical investments in our country’s servicemembers, military infrastructure, and provisions to strengthen our posture throughout the Indo-Pacific included in the FY 2024 NDAA. She also condemned Republicans for holding up essential aid for Ukraine and Israel in exchange for unrelated policy changes regarding immigration and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement. “The United States plays a key role and a vital role in supporting our allies across the globe,” continued Senator Hirono. “That’s why the Senate is also working on a supplemental funding package to provide much-needed assistance to our international partners, including two nations defending their right to exist.” In her remarks, Senator Hirono also emphasized the importance of renewing COFA, agreements that are critical to our country’s national security. “These Compacts—with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia—provide the U.S. exclusive military jurisdiction in these strategic Pacific nations—critical to our national security—in exchange for defense and other benefits for COFA citizens,” the Senator continued. “It is hard to overstate the importance of these Compacts to our operat… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-case-legislation-to-study-health-impacts-of-red-hill-water-contamination-included-in-national-defense-bill Schatz-Case Legislation To Study Health Impacts Of Red Hill Water Contamination Included In National Defense Bill 2023-12-07 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) today secured the inclusion of several provisions to the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), including bipartisan legislation to collect data, study, and help better understand the health impacts of those exposed to water contamination from the Red Hill fuel leak. The Schatz-Case provision is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) in the Senate and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) in the House of Representatives. “People who were exposed to toxic fuel from this leak should know what kind of impact that might have on their long-term health and what kind of additional federal help they can get,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “This study will give doctors, public health experts, and those affected by the leak a better understanding of what that kind of exposure can do to someone’s health.” “The potential health impacts of this crisis remain one of my highest priorities,” said Congressman Ed Case (HI-01), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. “To address these concerns, this year’s NDAA also directs the government to track the health implications of fuel leaks from Red Hill for members of the armed forces and their dependents. These actions must be done in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawai‘i Department of Health to ensure a holistic and unified approach that documents and ultimately address illnesses affecting service members, dependents and civilians.” The bipartisan Red Hill Health Impact Act would require the Department of Defense to work with health experts to conduct a study to assess the health impacts of water contamination among those exposed to the Red Hill fuel leak and annually report on their findings in consultation with the impacted community. The bill also requires DoD to work with the State of Hawai‘i, the Centers for Disease Co… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-braun-blumenauer-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-help-stop-illegal-deforestation-around-the-world-fight-climate-change Schatz, Braun, Blumenauer, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Stop Illegal Deforestation Around The World, Fight Climate Change 2023-12-05 2023 2023-12 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) introduced the Fostering Overseas Rule of Law and Environmentally Sound Trade (FOREST) Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a framework for the federal government to deter commodity-driven illegal deforestation around the world. The FOREST Act restricts access to U.S. markets for commodities originating from illegally deforested land, reducing the incentive to sacrifice forests for agriculture use and using this market leverage to improve laws, monitoring, and enforcement in countries experiencing illegal deforestation. The United Kingdom and the European Union have recently enacted similar measures to fight deforestation. “Products of illegal deforestation are everywhere. Half of the products in American grocery stores contain palm oil and most of that is coming from illegally deforested land around the world,” said Senator Schatz. “Illegal deforestation is threatening local communities and wildlife and is a major driver of climate change. American consumers are unknowingly and unintentionally driving this destruction, and our bill will help put an end to that.” “The FOREST Act stops imported products that were created through illegal deforestation. This bill will help fight an international commodity-driven crime that subsidizes foreign competition and preserve at-risks forests around the world,” said Senator Braun. “Illegal logging threatens our most vulnerable forests and wildlife, intensifies the climate crisis, and exploits Indigenous people. American consumers should not have to worry if they are unintentionally contributing to this destruction. Building on the success of the Lacey Act amendments, our bipartisan legislation works to bring us closer to ending illegal deforestation for good,” said Representative Blumenauer. “Illegal deforestation poses a grave threat to our environment and our planet,” said Representative Fitzpatrick. “I am proud… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:14:16Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-urges-usda-to-provide-all-maui-students-with-free-school-meals Hawaii Delegation Urges USDA to Provide All Maui Students with Free School Meals 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging USDA to grant the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) the flexibility to provide all students on Maui with free school meals for at least the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. “Before the wildfires, more than 3,000 students and hundreds of teachers and staff members from HIDOE’s Lahainaluna Complex were getting ready to start their school year,” wrote the lawmakers. “But these students, teachers, and staff members had their lives completely upended by the wildfires, which displaced many of them to other communities. Since then, it has been clear that the impacts of the wildfires are being experienced by the entire island.” Following the devastating Lahaina wildfires, Maui has been impacted by higher unemployment rates, increased reliance on programs like the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and lower business revenue. The lawmakers’ request for would help to alleviate these burdens, providing thousands of students across the island with access to healthy, nutritious meals at no cost to their families during this difficult time. “Given the tremendous work that lies ahead for Maui, it would be fully appropriate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide HIDOE with the flexibility to provide all Maui students with free school meals for at least the remainder of 2023-2024 school year—and possibly longer,” concluded the lawmakers. The full text of the letter is below and available here. Dear Secretary Vilsack: We write today to request that you provide the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) with the flexibility to provide all students on Maui with free school meals for at least the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. Since the Hawaii Wildfires (DR-4724-HI) burned down Lahaina in August, students across Maui have been dealing with inco… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-vote-to-confirm-shanlyn-park-to-serve-on-us-district-court-for-hawaii Hirono, Schatz Vote to Confirm Shanlyn Park to Serve on U.S. District Court for Hawaii 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following statement after voting to confirm Shanlyn A.S. Park to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Park was among those recommended to President Biden by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission, and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 53-45. “With decades of experience practicing law in Hawaii, Judge Park has led a distinguished career dedicated to public service. She has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court. As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Park’s confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities. We were proud to support her nomination and know that she will serve Hawaii and our country with honor.” Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit Court on Oahu since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, L.L.P. and Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii from 1995 to 1996. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/29/2023/11/30/2023/schatz-van-hollen-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza Schatz, Hirono Vote To Confirm Shanlyn Park To Serve On U.S. District Court For Hawai‘i 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after voting to confirm Shanlyn A.S. Park to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Park was among those recommended to President Biden by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission, and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 53-45. “With decades of experience practicing law in Hawai‘i, Judge Park has led a distinguished career dedicated to public service. She has exhibited a commitment to justice, fairness, and impartiality throughout her career and is highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court. As the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge, Judge Park’s confirmation reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a federal judiciary that reflects the diversity of our communities. We were proud to support her nomination and know that she will serve Hawaii and our country with honor.” Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit Court on Oahu since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, L.L.P. and Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii from 1995 to 1996. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-hawaii-set-to-receive-76-million-to-protect-coastal-communities-fish-and-wildlife-across-the-state Schatz: Hawai‘i Set To Receive $7.6 Million To Protect Coastal Communities, Fish And Wildlife Across The State 2023-11-30 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced that Hawai‘i will receive $7.6 million in new grant funding to support natural infrastructure projects across the state. The six grants to Hawai‘i, provided by the Infrastructure Law, will support design and implementation of projects to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. “These projects across Hawai‘i will help restore or protect wetlands, watersheds, and coral reef and will help keep communities safe from flooding and coastal erosion,” said Senator Schatz. The projects receiving grant funding include: Kako‘o ‘Oiwi – $3.6 million The funding will be used to help restore 24 acres of wetland bird habitat, implement 20 acres of constructed wetlands/traditional agriculture integrated systems, protect and enhance 88 acres of traditional fishpond floodplain detainment basin and enhance 6 miles of coral reef shoreline. Moloka‘i Land Trust – $255,300 The grant will help build on multi-partner wetland prioritization planning that identified suitable wetlands for restoration in Moloka‘i by advancing priority sites to 50 percent design, assessing resiliency potential and planning Malama Haleakala Foundation – $354,000 The funding will be used to conduct site assessment and preliminary design for a detention basin along Kulanihako'i Stream to prevent flooding on the leeward slopes of Haleakala and protecting aquatic and marine habitats for many species of plants, birds, coral reefs, and fish. Hanalei Watershed Hui – $874,300 Complete final designs, specifications, construction cost estimates and permitting for a floodplain restoration plan and waterbird habitat enhancement in Hanalei, Hawai‘i. The project will increase system resiliency by creating detention basins to attenuate floods and provide waterbird habitat. County of Hawai‘i – $2 million The funding will help create a community resilience and watershed management plan that utilizes … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-colleagues-in-joint-statement-on-proposed-threats-to-asylum-system-in-supplemental-aid-package-negotiations Hirono Joins Colleagues in Joint Statement on Proposed Threats to Asylum System in Supplemental Aid Package Negotiations 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined ten of her Senate colleagues in issuing the following joint statement in response to reports of potentially harmful changes to the U.S. asylum system being considered in the ongoing bipartisan negotiations around the supplemental aid package: “As negotiations surrounding the supplemental aid package progress, we are concerned about reports of harmful changes to our asylum system that will potentially deny lifesaving humanitarian protection for vulnerable people, including children, and fail to deliver any meaningful improvement to the situation at the border. Using a one-time spending package to enact these unrelated permanent policy changes sets a dangerous precedent and risks assistance to our international partners. Any proposal considering permanent changes to our asylum and immigration system needs to include a clear path to legalization for long-standing undocumented immigrants. We remain committed to working in good faith to modernize our outdated immigration system on a bipartisan basis and through a deliberative process. We cannot truly secure our border and help American communities without increasing lawful pathways for migration and legalizing long-time undocumented immigrants who put food on our tables, care for our elderly, and form the fabric of our communities.” In addition to Senator Hirono, the statement was signed by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-schatz-vote-to-confirm-micah-smith-to-serve-on-us-district-court-for-hawaii Hirono, Schatz Vote to Confirm Micah Smith to Serve on U.S. District Court for Hawaii 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) released the following statement after voting to confirm Micah Smith to serve as a federal judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Smith was among those recommended to President Biden by Senators Hirono and Schatz, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission, and was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 57-41. “Throughout his career, Micah Smith has proven to be a fair and impartial jurist, and it’s the reason he was confirmed with broad bipartisan support. He has the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament to serve on the federal bench. We were proud to support his nomination and look forward to him serving Hawai‘i and the nation with integrity.” A graduate of Kauai High School, Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii since 2018. He is currently Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator in that office. He has also been the office’s Chief of Appeals and Legal Strategy since 2022. Previously, Smith served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate and counsel at O’Melveny & Myers L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. Smith served as a law clerk for Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Smith received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2006 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2003. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-condemns-republicans-anti-immigrant-proposal-calls-for-bipartisan-comprehensive-immigration-reform VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Condemns Republicans’ Anti-Immigrant Proposal, Calls for Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor emphasizing the need for bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform and condemning Congressional Republicans’ demand for permanent anti-immigrant policy changes in exchange for continued aid for Ukraine. “As the only immigrant serving currently in the Senate, I know that the challenges confronting immigrants are not hypothetical,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “This isn’t about statistics, it’s about people—people desperate for opportunity and the hope of building a better life in our country.” In exchange for one-time funding for Ukraine, Republicans are demanding drastic anti-immigrant policy changes that would effectively weaken the United States’ immigration system by complicating the country’s asylum system and sowing further chaos at the southern border. “Pitting vulnerable groups against each other—Ukrainians fighting an unjust invasion and asylum seekers fleeing persecution—is a recipe for bad policymaking,” continued Senator Hirono. “I stand ready to work in good faith with anyone looking to meaningfully improve our nation’s badly outdated and broken immigration system. However, that is not what the current Republican proposal does.” “The American people are tired of rhetoric—they are looking to us to act,” concluded Senator Hirono. “I believe this body has the ability to come together and enact comprehensive immigration reform, and I hope we—Democrats and Republicans, we both acknowledge that the immigration system is broken—can find the will to do so.” Senator Hirono’s full remarks are below and video is available for download here. M. President, I rise today alarmed at Republicans’ demand for drastic anti-immigrant policy changes in exchange for continued support for Ukraine. For nearly two years, our allies in Ukraine have fought off Putin’s unjust invasion with the support of the United States—support President Zelensky himself has said is es… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-highlights-support-for-hawaii-federal-judge-nominees-ahead-of-confirmation-votes VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Highlights Support for Hawaii Federal Judge Nominees Ahead of Confirmation Votes 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Shanlyn A.S. Park’s and Micah Smith’s nominations were announced by Senator Hirono and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) earlier this year. Smith was confirmed earlier today by a bipartisan vote of 57-41 and Park’s nomination is expected to be voted on tomorrow. “I’m glad that later today the Senate will vote to confirm Micah Smith and tomorrow, Shanlyn Park, as judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “I believe both nominees’ experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, will make them excellent judges on Hawaii’s District Court. I look forward to voting to confirm them.” Senator Hirono’s full remarks are below and video is available for download here. M. President, I’m glad that later today the Senate will vote to confirm Micah Smith and tomorrow, Shanlyn Park, as judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii. Shanlyn Park, who currently serves as a Hawaii Circuit Court judge, was born and raised in Hawaii, where her career has been spent almost entirely in public service. After graduating from Chaminade University and the William S. Richardson School of Law, Judge Park served as a Federal Public Defender in Hawaii for 20 years. As a judge, she has earned high marks for her evenhanded approach and well-reasoned decisions. Importantly, if confirmed, Judge Park would make history as the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge. It’s high time and long overdue. Representation matters. Like Judge Park, Micah Smith has also had an impressive legal career. After graduating from Lock Haven University and Harvard Law School, he clerked on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then on the … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/29/2023/schatz-van-hollen-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza Schatz, Hirono Vote To Confirm Micah Smith To Serve On U.S. District Court 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – By a vote of 57-41, the U.S. Senate today voted to confirm Micah Smith to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai‘i. Smith was recommended to President Biden by Senators Schatz and Hirono, and a merit-based Federal Judicial Selection Commission. “Throughout his career, Micah Smith has proven to be a fair and impartial jurist, and it’s the reason he was confirmed with broad bipartisan support. He has the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament to serve on the federal bench. We were proud to support his nomination and look forward to him serving Hawai‘i and the nation with integrity.” A graduate of Kaua‘i High School, Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawai‘i since 2018. He is currently Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator in that office. He has also been the office’s Chief of Appeals and Legal Strategy since 2022. Previously, Smith served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate and counsel at O’Melveny & Myers L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. Smith served as a law clerk for Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Smith received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2006 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2003. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-van-hollen-reed-release-statement-following-white-house-meeting-on-situation-in-israel-and-gaza Schatz, Van Hollen, Reed Release Statement Following White House Meeting On Situation In Israel & Gaza 2023-11-29 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland), and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) released the following statement on their meeting yesterday with White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and over a dozen of their colleagues to discuss the letter the Senators led with 23 of their colleagues to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. “Following the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel, America has stood united in our support for Israel’s duty to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. As we noted in our letter, we believe the U.S. should immediately provide Israel with funding to support this effort, including funds to replenish its defensive systems. “But to better understand the efficacy of U.S. funding that supports Israel’s operations inside Gaza, we requested answers from the President on how these funds are being used in order to ensure they support an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas while taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In our letter to President Biden, we raised several key issues, including maintaining a focus on returning hostages, reducing civilian casualties, delivering humanitarian aid, establishing a plan for post-war governance and the future of the region, and addressing extremist violence in the West Bank. During yesterday’s briefing, we had an opportunity to discuss with the Administration each of the questions raised in our letter. “As we expressed in the meeting, we are grateful for their leadership in negotiating a temporary ceasefire to secure the release of many hostages and to allow some desperately needed humanitarian assistance i… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-statement-on-red-hill-wai-report Hawaii Delegation Statement On Red Hill WAI Report 2023-11-28 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI) issued the following statement on the report released today by the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI). “As we’ve worked to secure the federal resources needed for defueling and closing Red Hill, we have consistently pushed to ensure DOD, EPA, and other federal agencies are responsive to community input. This report underscores the importance of continued collaboration between all levels of government throughout this process to ensure we protect the environment and Oahu’s drinking water. As this process moves forward, we will continue working as a delegation to ensure Hawaii has the resources it needs and that the federal government, working with the state and local governments in Hawaii, meets its obligation to keep our communities and environment safe.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-statement-on-red-hill-wai-report Hawai‘i Delegation Statement On Red Hill WAI Report 2023-11-28 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and Representatives Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement on the report released today by the Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI). “As we’ve worked to secure the federal resources needed for defueling and closing Red Hill, we have consistently pushed to ensure DOD, EPA, and other federal agencies are responsive to community input. This report underscores the importance of continued collaboration between all levels of government throughout this process to ensure we protect the environment and Oahu’s drinking water. As this process moves forward, we will continue working as a delegation to ensure Hawaii has the resources it needs and that the federal government, working with the state and local governments in Hawaii, meets its obligation to keep our communities and environment safe.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-fta-approves-updated-grant-agreement-set-for-final-hart-review Schatz: FTA Approves Updated Grant Agreement, Set For Final HART Review 2023-11-27 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Following a lengthy process facilitated by U.S Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit’s (HART) updated full funding grant agreement (FFGA), which is now set for a final review from the HART Board of Directors and the Honolulu City Council. “After a long and difficult process, we are close to finalizing an updated full funding grant agreement that will help us complete Honolulu’s Skyline. While we still have more work to do, this key milestone recognizes the hard work HART and the City have done to provide more accountability and get this project back on track. I will continue to work with our federal and state partners to make sure we close the deal and finish this project for the people of Honolulu.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-israel-hamas-agreement-to-release-hostages-and-enable-flow-of-humanitarian-aid Hirono Statement on Israel-Hamas Agreement to Release Hostages and Enable Flow of Humanitarian Aid 2023-11-22 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, released the following statement after Israel and Hamas agreed to a four-day humanitarian pause in order to facilitate the release of 50 hostages held by Hamas and allow for humanitarian aid to help Palestinian civilians in Gaza. “I welcome this agreement to allow for the release of American and Israeli hostages being cruelly and unjustly held by Hamas. This humanitarian pause will enable the flow of critical aid and supplies into Gaza and I commend President Biden and his team for their determination in facilitating this agreement. My thoughts are with all of the people and families who have endured this horrific violence. We must continue working to reunite all of the hostages with their families, secure humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza, and determine a way to achieve a two-state solution and facilitate peace in the region. ” Last month, Senator Hirono joined a group of her Senate colleagues in calling for humanitarian pauses and hostage releases in the Israel-Hamas war. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-colleagues-in-bipartisan-push-to-bolster-vas-emergency-response Hirono Joins Colleagues in Bipartisan Push to Bolster VA’s Emergency Response 2023-11-21 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) in introducing the Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2023, legislation to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) emergency response. “In August, one of the deadliest fires in U.S. history destroyed an entire town, causing devastation to businesses, families, and impacting entire communities on Maui and across the state of Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono. “Hawaii has been affected by other fires as well, most recently in upcountry Maui, on Hawaii Island, and on Oahu. As natural disasters and extreme weather events – such as wildfires – become increasingly common across the country, it is crucial that the VA has the resources it needs to respond to these events. The AVERT Crises Act will help the VA in its efforts to fulfill its emergency preparedness mission and enable Congress to determine how it can provide the agency with additional support to strengthen its response to future extreme weather events and disasters.” The AVERT Crises Act would improve VA’s response to natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies to ensure continuity of VA medical care for veterans, and that the Department is better prepared to activate their Fourth Mission authority—VA’s role in improving the nation’s response to emergencies. It would require VA to implement fully operational emergency communications systems throughout VA medical facilities, and improve VA’s emergency cache program—stored reserves at VA medical facilities containing drugs and medical supplies to be used during an emergency. The Senators’ legislation addresses lessons learned from VA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, recent natural disasters, and the findings of numerous reports from the VA Office of Inspector General. Recently, natural and weather-related disasters have increased in frequency and intensity, and VA plays a critical role in responding to these … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-resolution-to-commemorate-transgender-day-of-remembrance Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Resolution to Commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023-11-20 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led eight of her Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution commemorating November 20, 2023, as Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). The House companion bill was introduced by Representatives Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA). “Transgender and gender-nonconforming people, particularly trans women of color, continue to face senseless discrimination and violence throughout the country,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “This resolution honors the memory of the transgender and gender non-conforming people whose lives were lost in acts of violence and raises awareness of the dangers trans people face today. No one should have to live their lives in fear simply for existing. Trans rights are human rights, and I will continue fighting so people in Hawaii and across the country—regardless of their gender identity—can live their lives freely and authentically.” Following the still-unsolved murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman of color, Gwendolyn Ann Smith—a transgender writer, designer, and activist—founded TDOR to honor Hester and other transgender people whose lives were lost to violence. The TDOR resolution memorializes the lives of transgender people lost due to violence in the United States and around the world. In addition to Senator Hirono, the resolution was cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-over-66-million-to-improve-early-childhood-programs-and-services-in-hawaii Hirono Announces Over $6.6 Million to Improve Early Childhood Programs and Services in Hawaii 2023-11-17 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced that the University of Hawaii (UH) will receive over $6.6 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program. This funding will support existing child care programs in Hawaii and efforts to better connect and align child care programs and services throughout the state. “In 2023, federal and state early learning opportunities will serve nearly 9,000 children and families in Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono. “These programs provide supportive environments to build a strong foundation for our keiki and set them up to lead successful lives. Expanding access to high-quality, affordable early childhood programs has long been a priority of mine, which is why I am glad to announce this important investment. This funding will help children and families continue to access quality child care and early learning programs.” Senator Hirono has continued to play an important role in advocating for PDG B-5. Earlier this year, she, along with Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Tina Smith (D-MN), led 42 of their colleagues in sending a letter asking the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, to substantially increase funding for PDG B-5 and other early childhood programs such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, Head Start, and Early Head Start. Previously, in 2018, she also led a letter of support for the Hawaii State Department of Human Services to receive an initial grant through PDG B-5. In the letter, she advocated for funding to assist Hawaii’s plans to provide new and improve existing programing and services for children from birth to age five. PDG B-5 helps states improve their child care and early learning programs. The funding is used to provide working families, and their children, with access to high-quality early childhood programs. Specifically, the grants: Help improve quality and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-20-million-to-strengthen-climate-resilience-for-native-hawaiian-community Hirono Announces $20 Million to Strengthen Climate Resilience for Native Hawaiian Community 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced the availability of $20 million in funding to help strengthen climate resilience in the Native Hawaiian community. The funding will support the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Native Hawaiian Relations’ (ONHR) new Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program, which will provide Native Hawaiian organizations with resources to navigate the effects of climate change. “Compared to the rest of the country, Hawaii is unique in many ways—our food, our communities, our local culture—and the climate challenges we face are no exception,” said Senator Hirono. “Sea level rise, higher land and ocean temperatures, and invasive species all present serious challenges to our islands. By making $20 million available specifically for Native Hawaiian Organizations, this new program reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to supporting indigenous communities’ needs, values, and priorities. Environmental stewardship is an important part of Native Hawaiian culture, so I’m glad that this funding will be available to support the community’s efforts to combat the effects of climate change and strengthen climate resilience.” The funding is provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, which Senator Hirono helped pass into law in 2022. The funding follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s release of the Fifth National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report assessing the science of climate change in the United States, its impacts, and options for reducing present and future risk, including specific impacts on Hawaii and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. ONHR will be hosting two 120-minute virtual pre-proposal informational sessions on November 29 and December 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm HT to provide an overview of the Kapapahuliau Program and address questions for interested applicants. The deadline to apply for funding is Thursday, February 29, 2024. As a member of the Senate Energy and… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-protect-domestic-abuse-survivors-from-gun-violence Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), and U.S. Representative Jim Hymes (D-CT) in introducing the Lori Jackson – Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. The legislation would expand on a provision in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that denies firearm sales to dating partners with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions – and not just abusers who had been married to, lived with, or had children with their victim. The bill is named for two women who were both shot and killed by their abusive, estranged partners even after securing emergency restraining orders: Lori Jackson, from Oxford, Connecticut; and Nicolette Elias from Portland, Oregon. Lori Jackson was a 32-year-old mother of two who fled her home with her two children and filed for a restraining order to protect her family from her estranged husband. She moved in with her mother in Oxford, Connecticut, and the court granted her a temporary protective order while she waited for a hearing to obtain a permanent restraining order. The day before the hearing was scheduled, Lori's husband shot and killed her and injured her mother Merry Jackson using a gun he legally possessed because a permanent protective order was not yet in place. Nicolette Elias was a 46-year-old Portland mother of two young daughters who for years sought and secured restraining orders and temporary stalking orders against her estranged and abusive ex-husband. Despite all her attempts to protect herself and her daughters from a man who frequently threatened them and had access to firearms, in 2014, Nicolette was murdered by her former spouse in front of their children with a handgun that he refused to relinquish. He then forced their daughters out of the home, past their mother’s body, and kidnapped them, taking them to his own home. There, later that day, he took his own life, shooting himself in the chest in front of the polic… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-murkowski-kaine-reintroduce-resolution-calling-on-us-senate-to-ratify-un-convention-on-the-law-of-the-sea Hirono, Murkowski, Kaine Reintroduce Resolution Calling on U.S. Senate to Ratify UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, on the 29th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) entering into force, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a resolution calling on the U.S. Senate to ratify UNCLOS. UNCLOS, which has been ratified by 168 nations and the European Union, details the rights and responsibilities of countries regarding the world’s oceans, including guidelines for businesses and the management of marine natural resources, and provides a legal framework to protect those rights while avoiding conflict. “More than twenty years after UNCLOS took effect, the U.S. is one of just a handful of signatories that has not ratified it, preventing us from engaging in important international conversations about our oceans and seas,” said Senator Hirono. “This long overdue step would help strengthen our national security, expand oceanic access for maritime industries, and support efforts to preserve the environmental health of our oceans. Ratifying UNCLOS enables the U.S. to participate in the decision making process regarding our planet’s oceans and seas.” “The longer we sit out, the longer the rest of world will continue to set the agenda of maritime domain, from seabed mining to critical subsea infrastructure,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Ratifying the Law of the Sea Treaty will help us keep China’s illegal territorial advances at bay in the South China and is also critical to our national interest in the maritime domain, especially as other Arctic nations look to define their rights to seabed areas beyond their existing exclusive economic zones. It is time for America to not just join the world at the table, but to make sure we are helping to set the rules going forward.” “Ensuring our seas remain free and open is critical to protecting our economy and our national security. U.S. ratification of UNCLOS would underscore our commitment to freedom of navigation worldwide and the importance of this agreement. As Chairman of the A… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-cassidy-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-new-national-board-to-investigate-natural-disasters-provide-recommendations-to-mitigate-future-impact Schatz, Cassidy Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill To Create New National Board To Investigate Natural Disasters, Provide Recommendations To Mitigate Future Impact 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) today reintroduced the Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act, bipartisan legislation that would create an independent board to investigate major natural disasters nationwide. The National Disaster Safety Board (NDSB) would specifically study the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage, and make recommendations to all levels of government on how to make communities more resilient to the impacts of disasters. “Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and more severe every year, killing hundreds of people and destroying communities across the country – an unfortunate reality Hawai‘i witnessed this past summer with the devastating fires on Maui,” said Senator Schatz. “But much of this death and destruction is predictable and preventable, and we need to do everything we can to protect people and make our communities more resilient. Our bill would create an independent board to investigate major natural disasters and provide policymakers and the public with a full account of what happened as well as data-informed recommendations that will prepare them for the next crisis.” “Just because Louisiana had a relatively quiet hurricane season this year, doesn’t mean it will stay this way,” said Senator Cassidy. “A natural disaster safety board memorializes lessons learned from past storms to save lives and possibly prevent future disasters across the country.” Currently, policymakers have to rely on a patchwork of studies, after-action reports, audits, and media reports – which are inconsistent and vulnerable to political pressure – to understand the impacts of natural disasters. The NDSB would aim to be a centralized national hub for data collection and analysis, helping communities across the country better understand disaster impacts and learn best practices for improving resiliency. The NDSB is modeled after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) which investigates major transportation accidents a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-chairs-foreign-relations-committee-nominations-hearing-urges-swift-confirmation-of-american-diplomats Schatz Chairs Foreign Relations Committee Nominations Hearing, Urges Swift Confirmation Of American Diplomats 2023-11-16 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz today chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing to consider six nominees to the U.S. Department of State. The nominees include Jeffrey Prescott to be U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Charlie Crist to be U.S. Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Sean Patrick Maloney to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Cardell Kenneth Richardson, Sr., to be Inspector General for the Department of State, Nicole Shampaine to be Ambassador to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and Joann Lockard to be Ambassador to Burkina Faso. “There are few responsibilities as important as confirming nominees to represent the United States on matters of foreign policy and national security,” said Senator Schatz. “That is especially true given the backlog of nominees that must be confirmed for our government to work at full strength, and to pursue our interests and values around the world.” The full text of Senator Schatz’s opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, follows. We’re here today to consider six key nominations on two separate panels. I’m honored to serve as chair for this hearing. And I am pleased to be joined by my friend from Tennessee, Senator Hagerty. There are few responsibilities as important as confirming nominees to represent the United States on matters of foreign policy and national security. That is especially true given the backlog of nominees that must be confirmed for our government to work at full strength, and to pursue our interests and values around the world. Currently, there are 36 nominees on the floor who are awaiting confirmation, and another 20 pending in committee. I cannot overstate how important it is to get these vacancies filled as soon as possible. Our first panel will consider the nominations of: Mr. Jeffrey Prescott to be the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Ag… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-chu-lead-capac-members-in-urging-biden-harris-administration-to-ease-visa-backlog Hirono, Chu Lead CAPAC Members in Urging Biden-Harris Administration to Ease Visa Backlog 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) led 15 of their Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) colleagues in urging President Biden to reduce the visa backlog, which keeps millions of immigrants—including many immigrants from Asia—separated from their families. “This backlog shows the inability of our immigration system to meet the needs of Americans as well as prospective immigrants,” wrote the lawmakers. “While we continue to work toward an immigration system that truly centers the needs of families, we ask your administration to act and help alleviate the pressures of a system that has long needed reform.” Despite 4 million people waiting in family-based immigration backlogs, including 1.5 million people from Asia, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) records show only 165,642 of 226,000 available family-preference visas were issued in FY2022. The letter urges the administration to implement policies to that end, including the administrative recapture of unused visas from the past two decades to add to family- and employment-based visa caps as well as the expansion of the use of family-reunification parole for individuals waiting in the backlog. “These common-sense reforms will reunite families that have been separated for far too long and will also help alleviate the pressures of continuing labor shortages and increased push factors causing individuals to seek a better life here in the United States,” they conclude. “As Members of CAPAC, we are committed to working with you to help reform our broken immigration system. However, as Congress is unlikely to act as quickly as the moment demands, we ask that you act to help reunite families and contribute to the economic and societal well-being of our country.” In addition to Senator Hirono and Representative Chu, the letter was also signed by Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Al Green (D-TX), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-national-guard-and-reservists-debt-relief-extension-act Hirono, Colleagues Introduce National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in introducing the bipartisan National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act to reauthorize relief for an additional four years for qualifying members of the National Guard and Reserves experiencing financial hardship. The legislation would protect a long-standing bipartisan carveout from means-testing restrictions in Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. The National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Extension Act of 2023 would reauthorize the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008, which included a clause exempting qualifying members of reserve components of the Armed Forces and the National Guard from provisions in the Bankruptcy Code, which limit access to Chapter 7 bankruptcy based on recent income. Because National Guard members and reservists often receive higher pay while on active duty than at their civilian jobs, these limits could otherwise prevent them from receiving financial relief in bankruptcy. The National Guard and Reservist Debt Relief Extension Act ensures that they are not penalized for their service. In addition to Senator Hirono, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC). ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-biden-administration-to-expand-health-coverage-to-daca-recipients Hirono, Colleagues Urge Biden Administration to Expand Health Coverage to DACA Recipients 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined over a hundred colleagues from the House and Senate in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to finalize their proposed rule to expand health coverage for those participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, crime victims, and immigrant children. “DACA recipients are also disproportionately uninsured and tend to experience higher barriers to health care—these trends all contribute to racial health disparities in the U.S.,” wrote the lawmakers. “Youth approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status often have to wait years before receiving a status adjustment. Due to confusion around current rule implementation, access to health coverage has been delayed for many.” In April 2023, the Department of HHS proposed a regulation to make DACA recipients eligible for coverage under Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This rule also enhances coverage for other groups, including those approved for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) status and children applying for humanitarian relief. If this rule is not soon finalized, individuals in need may not be able to fully benefit from the 2024 Affordable Care Act open enrollment period, which began on November 1, 2023. The lawmakers requested that the Biden Administration address the following questions: What is preventing HHS from finalizing the rule, and how can congressional allies help address any barriers? When the rule is finalized, what resources will your administration devote to ensuring newly eligible people are aware of their health coverage options? The preamble of the proposed rule stated, “implementation of these changes would be most effective during a period when there are many outreach and enrollment activities occurring.” The time to finalize this policy and expand health coverage is now. The letter, also led by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Representatives Ba… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-to-date-nearly-2-billion-allocated-to-hawaii-from-historic-infrastructure-law Schatz: To Date, Nearly $2 Billion Allocated To Hawai‘i From Historic Infrastructure Law 2023-11-15 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today released the following statement on the second anniversary of the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). As chair of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Schatz worked with congressional leaders and Hawai‘i officials to ensure the state received its fair share of federal funding. “Thanks to the historic investments we made in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, nearly $2 billion in federal funding has been awarded to Hawai‘i to improve our roads, bridges, ports, public transit, and water infrastructure,” said Senator Schatz. “The law is helping make high-speed internet a reality for people across the state while also creating jobs and cuttings costs for Hawai‘i families. We’ll keep working to make sure Hawai‘i continues to receive its fair share of federal dollars in the years to come.” To date, $1.9 billion in IIJA funding has been announced for more than 81 projects in Hawai‘i, including: $1.4 billion for transportation – to invest in roads, bridges, public transit, ports and airports; $164 million for clean water and water infrastructure; and $149.5 million to connect everyone in the state to reliable, high-speed internet which is helping more than 55,000 Hawai‘i households save on their monthly internet bills. Additional projects that are awarded funding from the law will continue to be announced in the coming months. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-congressional-leadership-to-replenish-affordable-connectivity-programs-funding Hirono, Colleagues Urge Congressional Leadership to Replenish Affordable Connectivity Program’s Funding 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper ~ Members advocate $6 billion be allocated to ACP, as requested by President Biden’s emergency supplemental funding proposal ~ WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined the Chairs of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and 100 of her colleagues in writing a letter to Senate and House of Representatives leadership, urging them to include $6 billion needed to replenish the highly popular and effective Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in any government funding package, as requested by President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2024 emergency supplemental funding proposal. “At current enrollment rates, ACP is expected to run out of funds as soon as Spring of 2024, cutting off this critical support for millions of students, rural families, low-income households, elderly citizens, and other users,” wrote the Members. “Given today’s economy with so many jobs, services, resources, and cultural opportunities only available online, that should be unthinkable.” Created in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ACP has helped millions of American households obtain access to high speed internet. The $6 billion request would allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide free and discounted high speed internet for tens of millions of low-income households through December 2024. Without this funding, ACP will end and enrolled households will see the cost of internet service rise. “The impact of ACP exhaustion would be especially severe in communities of color where internet access and adoption still lag. Access to affordable and reliable internet is essential for full participation in today’s 21st century economy,” continued the Members. “Therefore, lack of affordable high-speed internet will put these communities further behind.” The full text of the letter is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-secretary-of-defense-to-improve-dod-processes-for-addressing-major-mishaps-across-services Hirono Urges Secretary of Defense to Improve DOD Processes for Addressing “Major Mishaps” Across Services 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, urged the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, to take steps to improve the way the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) handles major disasters across the services. “Over the last half decade, the Department of Defense has experienced a spate of major disasters during routine operations that have cost Servicemembers their lives and taxpayers billions of dollars,” wrote Senator Hirono. In her letter, Senator Hirono addresses the way DOD currently handles these incidents and points to several recent major mishaps across the services, including the fuel spills at Red Hill in Hawaii. “Though major disasters have occurred across all the Services, the mishap at Red Hill provides a particularly instructive example of inadequate processes and the Services’ inability to hold its own leaders fully accountable,” continued Senator Hirono. “While only a review of one specific example of the outcome of a major mishap, it is clear that the actions taken by Navy leadership to date are not sufficient to address the root causes of this catastrophe.” In order to ensure better accountability to prevent future disasters, Senator Hirono proposes eight specific changes in her letter, including: Establishing a new designation of “major mishaps” for mishaps that surpass $1 billion dollars in damage or incur a loss of 5 or more lives; Placing responsibility for investigations into major mishaps completely out of the impacted Service; Elevating the disposition authority for major mishaps above the Service Secretary of the impacted Service; Creating mandatory processing for administrative separation for Servicemembers materially involved in major mishaps; Expanding administrative options to hold Servicemembers and civilians accountable for their role in these major mishaps; Contemplating accountability for the Service Secretary and/or Service Chief for large-sca… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-biden-signs-hirono-legislation-to-help-korean-american-veterans-access-medical-services-through-va President Biden Signs Hirono Legislation to Help Korean American Veterans Access Medical Services Through VA 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – President Joseph R. Biden signed into law bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). The Korean American VALOR Act allows veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War, and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens, to become eligible for healthcare services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The House companion legislation was introduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA). “Thanks to the Korean American VALOR Act, approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans in Hawaii and across the country will be able to access medical services through the VA,” said Senator Hirono. “I am glad President Biden has signed our legislation into law, to help ensure our veterans have access to the quality VA healthcare they need and deserve.” Since 1958, the VA has provided healthcare services to veterans of allied European nations during World War I and World War II through the Allied Beneficiary Program. The Korean American VALOR Act amends title 38 of the U.S. Code to allow the VA Secretary to enter into a similar reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Korea. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens, and the VALOR Act would provide an avenue for these veterans to access medical services and care through the VA. The full text of the bill is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-20-million-for-native-hawaiian-climate-resilience Schatz: $20 Million For Native Hawaiian Climate Resilience 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, today announced $20 million in new funding for the Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program. The new U.S. Department of the Interior program, funded through a Schatz-authored provision of the Inflation Reduction Act, will support the Native Hawaiian Community’s climate resilience efforts. “Through the Kapapahuliau Climate Resilience Program, the federal government is directly funding Native Hawaiian-led climate solutions for the first time ever,” said Chairman Schatz. “This $20 million down payment – part of the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investment in climate action – recognizes the critical role of the Native Hawaiian Community in charting a path towards a sustainable, climate resilient future in Hawai‘i and beyond.” To learn more about the program and the funding opportunity visit the Native Hawaiian climate resilience webpage here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fifth-national-climate-assessment Schatz Statement On Fifth National Climate Assessment 2023-11-14 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today issued the following statement after the release of the fifth National Climate Assessment (NCA5), a comprehensive federal review of the impacts of climate change mandated by Congress. “This report makes clear what we’ve long known to be true: the impact of the climate crisis is only getting worse, and we need to take big, bold action to address it,” said Senator Schatz. “The historic investments Congress made through the Inflation Reduction Act and the infrastructure legislation are already helping unlock clean energy and making communities across America more climate-resilient. But there’s still much more work to do, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Biden administration to take the kind of bold steps we need on climate to meet this moment.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-leads-colleagues-in-introducing-legislation-to-incorporate-art-in-public-transport-facilities Hirono Leads Colleagues in Introducing Legislation to Incorporate Art in Public Transport Facilities 2023-11-09 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, ahead of World Public Transport Day, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led the introduction of the Saving Transit Art Resources (STAR) Act, legislation that would allow local transit authorities to incorporate art into federally-funded transportation project through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). “Through its many forms, art is a reflection of our cultural and societal values,” said Senator Hirono. “It has the power to engage people and form connections and art in public transit has been shown to provide numerous benefits, such as encouraging ridership, deterring vandalism, and enhancing rider experience. For example, each of the stations on the Honolulu rail line incorporate unique artwork that celebrates the history of those communities. The STAR Act would enable local transit authorities to utilize federal funding to incorporate art into public transportation facilities once again, making art more accessible to the public and fostering a sense of safety, place, and identity in communities across the country.” Since the 1800s, public art has been incorporated into U.S. transportation projects to help make mass transit friendly to commuters and communities. In addition to encouraging ridership and deterring vandalism, incorporating art into these projects has helped create a positive perception of public transit and increased safety and security. Transit agencies across America, including those in Hawaii, have employed artists as planners, engineers, community relations staff, and architects, to enhance their projects by integrating artistic elements. However, since 2015, federal transit law no longer allows FTA funds to be used towards the incremental costs of incorporating art or non-functional landscaping into facilities. In addition, once FTA funds are used for a transit project, local funding adopts the same federal restrictions, thereby limiting the ability to use those funds to incorporate art into these projects. The STAR Act would reverse this prohibition and rest… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-van-hollen-murphy-and-reed-lead-majority-of-democratic-caucus-in-push-for-more-information-around-strategy-to-defeat-hamas-protect-civilians-in-gaza Schatz, Van Hollen, Murphy, And Reed Lead Majority Of Democratic Caucus In Push For More Information Around Strategy To Defeat Hamas, Protect Civilians In Gaza 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) led the majority of the Senate Democratic Caucus in a letter to President Biden condemning the brutal terror attacks by Hamas, expressing support for immediate funding to replenish Israel’s defensive systems, and seeking information on two clear U.S. priorities: supporting an Israeli strategy that will effectively degrade and defeat the threat from Hamas and taking all possible measures to protect civilians in Gaza. In addition to Senators Schatz, Van Hollen, Murphy, and Reed the letter was signed by Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). “We have joined you in condemning the brutal terror attacks that Hamas conducted against Israel and agree with you that Israel has the right to defend itself and hold Hamas accountable. We applaud your actions to secure the release of two American citizens held hostage and support your continued efforts to free the remaining hostages. In the days and weeks since these attacks, you have rightly demonstrated America’s commitment to support Israel in this dark hour,” the Senators begin. They continue, “The attacks of October 7th brought back chilling memories of the United States’ own confrontation with terror twenty-two years ago. In light of our own experience, we want to underscore how critical it is that Israel: (1) learn from the mistakes the United States made in our fight against terrorism by focusing on realistic and achievable military goals; and … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/under-questioning-from-schatz-homeland-security-secretary-commits-to-helping-residents-impacted-by-maui-fires-stay-in-their-communities Under Questioning From Schatz, Homeland Security Secretary Commits To Helping Residents Impacted By Maui Fires Stay In Their Communities 2023-11-08 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) called on Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to commit to helping Maui residents impacted by the August fires remain in their communities. Schatz asked Secretary Mayorkas, “Should the federal government help disaster survivors stay in their communities?” In response, Mayorkas said, “Senator, I believe the answer is yes. We should strive to do everything possible to rebuild, restore, and prove the resiliency of a community… I do believe in devoting resources and energy to the rebuilding of a community, rather than solely an exodus from it.” “I don’t want the memory of the fire itself to fade,” said Senator Schatz. “Hawai‘i is the most isolated, heavily populated place on the planet. West Maui is even more isolated and even more expensive. As we think about helping people rebuild, it is not a matter of giving them a voucher and allowing them to fly to the mainland. And I appreciate your continued attention to this.” Since the devastating fires in August, FEMA has provided nearly $250 million in federal assistance, while the Small Business Administration has delivered more than $215 million in disaster loans for affected Maui homeowners, renters and businesses. Schatz has led efforts to deliver additional federal disaster relief funding to Hawai‘i. Schatz worked with congressional leaders and his colleagues in the Hawai‘i delegation to ensure $16 billion in disaster relief money was included in the short-term spending bill signed into law in September. Video of Schatz’s full exchange with Secretary Mayorkas is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-reauthorize-and-reform-key-surveillance-law-secure-protections-for-americans-rights Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize and Reform Key Surveillance Law, Secure Protections for Americans’ Rights 2023-11-07 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Government Surveillance Reform Act, to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act with important new protections for Americans’ constitutional rights. The bill, led by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Mike Lee (R-UT), reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 4 years, allowing intelligence agencies to continue to use the authorities granted by that law, but with key new protections against documented abuses and new accountability measures when abuses occur. It also includes a host of reforms to government surveillance authorities beyond Section 702, including requiring warrants for government purchases of private data from data brokers. Although surveillance proponents claimed that the previous 702 reauthorization included sufficient safeguards to prevent abuse, intelligence agencies have documented extensive new violations in recent years. Abuses include warrantless searches for a U.S. Senator, a member of Congress, and a state court judge, among others. The bill’s reforms include: Protecting Americans from warrantless backdoor searches, ensuring that foreigners aren’t targeted as a pretext for spying on the Americans with whom they are communicating, and prohibiting the collection of domestic communications. Extending similar reforms to surveillance activities under Executive Order 12333, including by limiting warrantless searches of Americans’ communications and prohibiting the targeting of foreigners as a pretext for surveilling Americans. It also limits the acquisition of Americans’ information as part of large datasets. Requiring warrants for surveillance of Americans’ location data, web browsing and search records, including AI assistants like Alexa and Siri, vehicle data and by prohibiting the government from purchasing Americans’ data from data brokers. Exceptions to ensure the government can cont… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-on-senate-floor-hirono-supports-judiciary-committee-vote-to-subpoena-key-players-in-supreme-court-ethics-investigation VIDEO: On Senate Floor, Hirono Supports Judiciary Committee Vote to Subpoena Key Players in Supreme Court Ethics Investigation 2023-11-07 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights, delivered remarks on the Senate floor emphasizing the need for the Senate Judiciary Committee to vote to authorize issuing subpoenas to Harlan Crow, Leonard Leo, and Robin Arkley II as part of the Committee’s Supreme Court ethics investigation. The Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote on the authorization for this Thursday, November 9. “These are individuals with immense power—shouldn’t they be held to the highest level of ethical accountability?” said Senator Hirono during her remarks. “Not because we disagree with some of the Court’s decisions, but because its legitimacy depends on Americans having faith that those decisions were arrived at fairly and objectively, not influenced by moneyed special interests.” Congress has a well-established role in oversight of the judiciary and updating ethics laws that apply to federal officials including justices and judges. For instance, Congress passed the Ethics in Government Act, which the justices are subject to, and created the Judicial Conference, which administers that law. “Instead of having the strongest ethical rules—or any binding ethical rules, for that matter—the Supreme Court purports to follow a ‘collection of principles’ that are both nonbinding and weaker than the rules for government workers, for members of Congress, and for many private sector employees,” continued Senator Hirono. “If the Supreme Court will not adopt a code of conduct for itself, then Congress has the constitutional power and responsibility to impose a code of conduct on it.” Senator Hirono’s full remarks are below and video is available for download here. M. President, I rise today because I, like the majority of Americans, am increasingly concerned about the legitimacy crisis at the United States Supreme Court. The Court consists of 9 members who have lifetime appointments and can make decisions regarding the… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-fema-allocates-53-million-in-federal-funding-to-build-temporary-king-kamehameha-iii-elementary-school-in-west-maui Schatz: FEMA Allocates $53 Million In Federal Funding To Build Temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary School In West Maui 2023-11-06 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated $53 million in federal funding to build a temporary school in West Maui. The temporary facility will replace King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was destroyed by the Maui fires in August. The money from FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund comes after Schatz led efforts to include $16 billion in supplemental funding for the program in a short-term government spending bill which was signed into law on September 30. “This new funding will give King Kamehameha III students a new temporary school that will help provide them with the resources they need to learn, connect with friends, and heal,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “As the recovery effort in Lahaina continues, we’ll keep working as hard as we can to bring home more federal resources.” Following the fires that destroyed King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina, students began sharing campus facilities with Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary School. The new temporary school will be located in Pulelehua and will provide students and staff with additional space and facilities to continue instruction as a permanent structure is designed and rebuilt. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/heeding-call-from-hawaii-delegation-sba-announces-loan-deferments-for-maui-businesses Heeding Call from Hawaii Delegation, SBA Announces Loan Deferments for Maui Businesses 2023-11-03 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – In response to a letter from the Hawaii Congressional delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is implementing a 6-month deferment period for Maui businesses impacted by the Hawaii wildfires. This deferment period covers principal and interest payments, as well as a pause on interest accrual, and includes all COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and any previous disaster loans that are still being repaid. “Thousands of people, businesses, and families were impacted by the wildfires on Maui,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “As our communities continue the recovery process, this deferment period will provide borrowers who have been impacted by the wildfires with additional time to determine next steps after the destruction. We are grateful the SBA has heeded our call and we’ll continue to support our families, businesses, and communities to ensure they have the federal assistance they need to begin rebuilding.” SBA will automatically place all COVID-19 EIDL and disaster loans for borrowers in Maui County that are still in repayment into deferment for 6 months. At the end of the deferment period, loan payments will return to the normal payment amount and interest accrual will resume on the outstanding principal balance. Borrowers still experiencing financial hardship at the end of the 6-month deferment period should contact SBA to discuss additional options, such as the Hardship Accommodation Plan for COVID-19 EIDL borrowers. Borrowers located in Hawaii, but outside of Maui County, can request a deferment of their payments and pause on interest accrual for 6 months due to financial hardship caused by the wildfires by submitting a request to their loan servicing center. Borrowers who are in Hawaii, but outside of Maui County, should request their deferment through the messaging feature in the MySBA Loan Portal. Eligible COVID-19 EIDL borrowers can also contact the COVID-19 EIDL Customer Service Center at 833-853-5638 or by email at COVIDEIDLSe… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-federal-firearm-licensing-act Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Federal Firearm Licensing Act 2023-11-03 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and five of her colleagues in reintroducing the Federal Firearm Licensing Act, legislation that would require individuals to obtain a federal firearm license before purchasing or receiving a firearm. “Our nation is awash with guns—just this year alone, there have been more than 500 mass shootings in communities across our country,” said Senator Hirono. “As we work to combat our nation’s gun violence epidemic, I hope this bill will move us closer to stemming the scourge of gun violence. I’m proud to support the Federal Firearm Licensing Act to help protect our communities from gun violence.” Specifically, the legislation would require: An individual to complete firearm safety training, which must include a written test and hands-on training to ensure safe use and accuracy. Attorney General to conduct a history background check of any individual purchasing a firearm. The federal firearm license must be renewed every five years at which point the applicant will have to go through a background check and undergo firearm safety training again. The bill contains a mechanism for the U.S. Department of Justice to revoke a license if an individual poses a danger to themselves or to others. The legislation would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation to regularly conduct checks to ensure that individuals are in compliance with federal license requirements and keep in place requirements that all people purchasing firearms from a federal firearms licensee undergo a background check. Studies have shown that licensing laws can significantly reduce gun violence in places that have enacted them. For example, according to the Giffords Law Center, Connecticut saw its gun homicide and gun suicide rates decrease by 28% and 33%, respectively, after passing a state licensing law. In contrast, after Missouri repealed its firearm licensing law, the state saw a 47% increase in its gun homicide rate and 24% increase in its gun suicide rate. T… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/11/02/2023/statement-from-senator-schatz Statement From Senator Schatz 2023-11-02 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement: “The suffering in Gaza is worsening by the day, and a mutually agreed-upon humanitarian pause is the only way to deliver adequate aid to those in need, create space for negotiations for the release of hostages, and chart a path forward that protects civilians. Continued violence will no doubt compound this already dire situation. Israel has the right to defend its citizens from an ongoing terrorist threat, and a humanitarian pause does not undermine that right. While a temporary halt does not solve the fundamental, long-term security and humanitarian issues facing the region, the scale of human suffering right now is untenable. To achieve a just and lasting peace, we must redouble our efforts to get back on track to reach a two-state solution.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-braun-reintroduce-bipartisan-bicameral-bill-to-build-new-housing-near-public-transit-address-national-housing-shortage Schatz, Braun Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill To Build New Housing Near Public Transit, Address National Housing Shortage 2023-11-02 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) today reintroduced the Build More Housing Near Transit Act. The bipartisan legislation seeks to address America’s housing shortage by incentivizing local governments to build more housing near federally funded transit projects. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Ore.). “The clearest way out of our national housing shortage is by building more housing,” said Senator Schatz, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “Our bipartisan bill will incentivize cities to build housing when they expand or redevelop their public transit systems. This will help put more families in homes, grow local economies, and cut carbon pollution. It’s a win for everyone” Specifically, the legislation would direct the Secretary of Transportation to provide a scoring boost to the competitive grant application of public transit projects that include housing development near new stations. “For too long, transit and housing issues have run in parallel. This bill finally marries the two by giving local governments the tools they need to encourage high density and mixed use development to help relieve the affordable housing crisis. This bill gives local communities the resources they need to build more housing near transit systems and encourages them to enable their economies to grow through more housing options for families,” said Senator Braun. Currently, 47 percent of renter households are cost-burdened, meaning more than 30 percent of their income goes towards housing. Given that transportation costs are often a household’s second-largest expenditure behind housing, building more housing in transit areas would help cut down on both costs. Moreover, by offering easier access to transit centers, the Build More Housing Near Transit Act will connect more employees with jobs and boost economi… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-spending-package-with-key-hirono-priorities-including-over-285-million-in-congressionally-directed-spending-for-hawaii Senate Passes Bipartisan Spending Package with Key Hirono Priorities, Including Over $285 Million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Hawaii 2023-11-01 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) voted to pass a package of three Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills, which includes a provision secured by Senator Hirono to provide $2 million in federal funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture. The package—which includes the Agriculture; Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; and transportation, housing, and urban development appropriations bills—also includes more than $285 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) that Senator Hirono requested for nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Hawaii. The bill passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 85-12 and now must be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives. “This bipartisan funding package invests in key priorities for Hawaii and our country,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud that my legislation to address deferred maintenance projects at agriculture schools across the country was included in this bill, especially as Hawaii works to strengthen its food sustainability and increase support for local farmers. I am also glad that funding requests I submitted for projects across Hawaii were included—projects that will help protect native species, improve infrastructure, and construct facilities for keiki and kupuna in need. As we continue working to fund the federal government, I’ll keep fighting to secure federal investments for people and communities across our state.” Senator Hirono’s deferred maintenance provision would provide funding for grants for construction of agricultural research facilities at schools of agriculture across the country. The grants—available to universities and colleges of agriculture—go towards construction, alteration, acquisition, modernization, renovation, or remodeling of facilities and research equipment. Additionally, Senator Hirono secured nearly 40 CDS requests in the bill, which would provide over $285 million in federal funding for a wide range of projects in Hawaii covering agriculture; military construction… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-senate-democratic-women-respond-to-election-of-anti-abortion-extremist-mike-johnson-as-speaker-abortion-is-a-fundamental-right-we-will-not-budge-on VIDEO: Hirono, Senate Democratic Women Respond to Election of Anti-Abortion Extremist Mike Johnson as Speaker: Abortion is a Fundamental Right We Will Not Budge On 2023-11-01 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper ~ Video of Senator Hirono’s full remarks is available here ~ WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) in holding a press conference to respond to the recent election of anti-abortion extremist Mike Johnson (R-LA) as Speaker of the House. At the press conference, the senators reaffirmed Democrats’ unshakeable commitment to protecting abortion rights and sent a clear message that Johnson must put aside any extreme tactics and partisan policy riders when it comes to abortion—or any other issue—so that Congress can responsibly fund the government and tackle the other pressing challenges our nation is facing. “MAGA Mike Johnson is as radical as they come—he spent years as an attorney working to restrict abortion access, and has made clear that he wants to outlaw abortion nationwide,” said Senator Hirono. “With every member of the House GOP voting to make him Speaker, it’s clear his radical stance is now the mainstream position of the Republican party. If Mike Johnson thinks he’ll be able to get any anti-abortion legislation through this Congress, he better think again—Senate Democrats will continue working to protect and defend reproductive freedom for all.” Newly-elected House Speaker Mike Johnson has openly advocated for and backed multiple bills that would ban abortion nationwide and criminalize providers—including bans before many people even know they are pregnant and so-called personhood bills, which would not only criminalize abortion but also ban emergency contraception and other forms of birth control, stem cell research, and assisted reproductive technology like IVF. Johnson has received an A+ rating from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America for his long opposition to abortion rights and has celebrated efforts to criminalize health care providers, including praising a Louisiana law that would mean those who provide abortion care can be imprisoned a… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-housing-transportation-appropriations-bill Senate Passes Bipartisan Housing, Transportation Appropriations Bill 2023-11-01 2023 2023-11 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – With a vote of 82-15, the U.S. Senate today passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill. The government funding bill provides nearly $100 billion in discretionary funding. “Our bill directly addresses America’s housing crisis by protecting affordable housing and homeless assistance programs that will help more than 10 million people. It also includes record level of investment in Native housing, and maintains funding to improve public transit, airports, railways, and roads across the country,” said Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing. “As one of the first and only truly bipartisan appropriations bills to pass a chamber of Congress this year, it’s critical that the House consider and pass our bill so that these vital housing and transportation programs have the necessary funding to continuing serving communities in Hawai‘i and across the country.” Highlights – Housing and Urban Development Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): The bill provides $70 billion in funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development–to maintain all existing rental assistance while increasing efforts to reduce homelessness, connect people to both housing and health care, and remove barriers to housing opportunities and development, including unnecessary administrative burdens. Reduces Homelessness and Improves Connections to Health Care: The bill provides $3.9 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, a $275 million increase above the fiscal year 2023 enacted level. In addition to sustaining investments for existing projects, homeless youth, and survivors of domestic violence, the bill provides: $100 million for permanent supportive housing, a $25 million increase over fiscal year 2023; $31 million for capacity-building grants and direct technical assistance to communities that are leveraging other funds, like Medicaid, to connect individuals experiencing… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T01:01:09Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-equal-funding-for-domestic-emergencies-in-supplemental-appropriations-bill Hirono, Colleagues Urge Equal Funding for Domestic Emergencies in Supplemental Appropriations Bill 2023-10-31 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – As the United States Senate prepares an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to respond to the ongoing humanitarian and military crises in Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, and elsewhere, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined five of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Mitch Leader McConnell (R-KY) urging that an equal amount of funding is included in that appropriations bill to address the urgent and growing emergencies facing the American people at home. “The supplemental cannot just be about responding to emergencies abroad,” wrote the Senators. “In America today, working families, the children, the elderly, the sick and the poor are struggling to deal with major crises at home that demand our immediate attention. How can we tell our constituents who are struggling to pay for the basic necessities of life that Congress can immediately provide tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer funding to deal with emergencies abroad, but we somehow cannot afford to respond to the severe economic pain that they are feeling at home?” The senators highlighted the following emergencies at home that should be addressed in the supplemental: Our child care system is in a state of emergency. As a result of the child care funding cliff, 3.2 million kids in our country are in danger of losing the child care they currently have, over 70,000 child care programs will likely shut down, and over 230,000 child care workers could lose their jobs. Congress must provide adequate funding in the supplemental to make sure that every working family in America has access to affordable and high-quality child care. Our primary health care system is in a state of emergency. In America today, it has been estimated that 68,000 people die each year because they cannot afford to go to a doctor when they get sick. Moreover, tens of millions of Americans are unable to access the primary care, dental care and behavioral health care that they desperately need. The massive short… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-helps-secure-more-than-23-million-to-improve-kawaihae-harbor-on-hawaii-island Schatz Helps Secure More Than $23 Million To Improve Kawaihae Harbor On Hawai‘i Island 2023-10-31 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that Hawai‘i will receive $23.5 million to improve Kawaihae Harbor on Hawai‘i Island. The funding, from the Port Infrastructure Development Program, follows Schatz-authored legislation signed into law last year that made it easier for Hawai‘i to compete for grant funding through this program. Schatz’s office also worked closely with the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation throughout the grant application process. “As West Hawai‘i continues to grow, its port is critical to keeping goods flowing and its local economy moving,” said Senator Schatz, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation. “This new funding will help improve Kawaihae Harbor so that residents can continue to get the food and supplies they need, while lowering shipping costs for everyone.” The funding will be used to widen the highway adjacent to the port, pave 10 acres in the cargo yard, build a new 80-foot mast lighting to replace lower lighting equipment, install conduit and raised transformer pads for expanded reefer plug-ins, and relocate an office building and a maintenance shed. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-new-legislation-to-reform-governments-care-and-custody-of-unaccompanied-noncitizen-children Hirono, Colleagues Introduce New Legislation to Reform Government’s Care and Custody of Unaccompanied Noncitizen Children 2023-10-30 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in introducing new legislation to provide a comprehensive framework to reform the federal government’s care and custody of unaccompanied noncitizen children (UC). The Protecting Unaccompanied Children Act would address gaps in our system by improving existing safeguards for the release of UC from government custody, increasing UCs’ access to social services and legal protections, and creating new safeguards and services for children’s safety. “As the only immigrant currently serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to join in introducing this legislation to establish comprehensive policies to protect the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children while they navigate our immigration system,” said Senator Hirono. “I am especially pleased that this legislation includes provisions of my bill to provide counsel for unaccompanied minors, a critical support for a uniquely vulnerable population in our immigration system.” UC arrive in the United States without immigration status and without a parent or guardian to care for them. Congress passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, and President George W. Bush signed into law, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA), two pieces of legislation that improved protections for these children. These laws require screening such children for human trafficking, housing children in appropriate settings in the custody of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and family reunification whenever possible. Years after enactment of the HSA and TVPRA, new challenges have arisen requiring reforms to our system for caring for UC. The number of UC arriving at our southern border has greatly increased. Many children were separated from their parents by the Trump… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-joins-47-senate-colleagues-in-urging-the-biden-administration-to-require-insurers-to-fully-cover-over-the-counter-birth-control-with-no-out-of-pocket-costs-or-prescription-barrier Hirono Joins 47 Senate Colleagues in Urging the Biden Administration to Require Insurers to Fully Cover Over-the-Counter Birth Control, With No Out-of-Pocket Costs or Prescription Barrier 2023-10-30 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined a letter led by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) urging the Biden Administration to require federally and state-regulated health insurance plans to fully cover over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill—the first-ever FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control pill, which will become available in early 2024—with no copays or out of pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. A total of 48 Senators signed the letter. “We urge you to improve health insurance coverage, both public and private, of the full range of FDA-approved, granted, or cleared contraceptive products—including birth control that is available over-the-counter (OTC) without requiring a prescription for coverage,” the senators wrote today in their letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Department of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, and the Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su. “Over 19 million women live in counties with limited access to health care providers that offer comprehensive contraceptive services, and about one-third of women who have received prescription contraceptives have reported barriers to access. Expanding access to affordable coverage for eligible, uninsured populations would improve the quality of contraceptive care that patients receive.” “The availability of safe and effective OTC birth control products has enormous potential to help people overcome significant barriers to consistent contraceptive use, including the many logistical and financial challenges to obtaining a prescription. The FDA’s approval of Opill is a milestone; however, for an OTC birth control pill to meet its potential and be truly accessible, federal departments must ensure that it is covered without cost-sharing and without the need for a prescription as a condition of coverage,” the senators continued. “To expand access to affordable contraception, we urge the tr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-lead-hawaii-and-alaska-delegations-in-introducing-bill-to-expand-opportunities-for-native-hawaiian-and-alaska-natives-in-agriculture Hirono, Tokuda Lead Hawaii and Alaska Delegations in Introducing Bill to Expand Opportunities for Native Hawaiian and Alaska Natives in Agriculture 2023-10-30 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) led the Hawaii and Alaska delegations in introducing the Parity for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Students in Agriculture Act, legislation that would reauthorize the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program for another five years and increase the authorized funding level of the program from $10 million to $15 million. The bill would also ensure grant awards could be used over multiple years to reduce administrative burdens on institutions. “At a time when people in Hawaii and across the country lack access to healthy and affordable food and produce, it is important that we invest in institutions that are working to address these issues,” said Senator Hirono. “This grant program provides essential funding for institutions that support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursuing these issues. By investing in our students, we are also investing in the future of our communities and economies—helping to strengthen long-term food sustainability.” The program promotes the ability of institutions like the University of Hawaii and University of Alaska to improve and expand their capacity to provide supplemental educational services to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. Grant funds can be used to carry out education, applied research, and related community development programs and to address educational needs within food and agricultural sciences-related disciplines. Priority is given to projects that enhance educational equity for underrepresented students; strengthen institutional educational capacities; prepare students for careers related to the food, agricultural, and natural resource systems; and maximize the development and use of resources to improve food and agricultural sciences teaching programs. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Repr… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-new-biden-ai-order-key-to-fighting-misinformation-providing-transparency Schatz: New Biden AI Order Key To Fighting Misinformation, Providing Transparency 2023-10-30 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement on a new executive action announced by President Joe Biden on managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI), including labeling. The announcement follows bipartisan legislation authored by Schatz to ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures. “People deserve to know whether or not the videos, photos, and content they see and read online is real or not,” said Senator Schatz. “This new order will ensure that content made by AI is clearly labeled so that people are aware and aren’t fooled or scammed. It’s a step in the right direction, and I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in Congress on making AI safer for everyone.” Schatz’s AI Labeling Act, introduced earlier this year, would: Require that developers of generative AI systems include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying AI-generated content and AI chatbots; Make developers and third-party licensees take reasonable steps to prevent systematic publication of content without disclosures; and Establish a working group to create non-binding technical standards so that social media platforms can automatically identify AI-generated content. The AI Labeling Act is supported by National Consumers League, Consumer Action, Common Sense Media, Public Citizen, Common Cause, Future of Life Institute, Consumer Federation of America, National Association of Voice Actors, SAG-AFTRA, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Accountable Tech, American Federation of Teachers, Writers Guild of America, East, Authors Guild, Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, Society of Composers & Lyricists, and the Songwriters Guild of America. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-over-74-million-to-help-households-in-hawaii-with-home-energy-costs Hirono Announces Over $7.4 Million to Help Households in Hawaii with Home Energy Costs 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced that Hawaii was awarded over $7.4 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This funding will help individuals and families with low incomes in Hawaii lower their home energy costs, such as their cooling bills in the summer. “As we work to lower costs for families in Hawaii and across the country, it is crucial we enable families and communities to access affordable and reliable home energy,” said Senator Hirono. “By helping to ensure people across our state can afford energy, this funding will help promote the health and safety of keiki, kupuna, and families across the state.” LIHEAP can also be used to pay home heating costs; reconnect energy services that have been disconnected; provide minor energy-related home repairs; weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient; and mitigate energy emergencies during disasters and extreme weather. The grant—administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)—includes $100 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Senator Hirono voted to pass in 2021. Additionally, the Office of Community Services (OCS)—a department within HHS—launched its LIHEAP Eligibility Tool today. The user-friendly tool allows households across the country to quickly identify whether they are eligible for LIHEAP assistance by inputting basic information, such as income and household size. The LIHEAP Eligibility Tool can be accessed here and is available in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Those interested in applying for energy assistance can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-call-for-humanitarian-pauses-and-hostage-releases-in-israel-hamas-war-echoing-united-states-resolution-at-united-nations Hirono, Colleagues Call for Humanitarian Pauses and Hostage Releases in Israel-Hamas War, Echoing United States Resolution at United Nations 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT) in releasing the following statement on the Israel-Hamas War: “Israel has a right to defend its citizens after Hamas’s terrorist attacks, which have driven the region into turmoil and cost thousands of lives. The war in Gaza has become a humanitarian crisis and has claimed the lives of innocent Palestinians. As the United States put forward at the United Nations, we are calling for humanitarian pauses to allow full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance for civilians and the immediate, unconditional release of all remaining hostages.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-new-supreme-court-term-limits-bill Hirono, Colleagues Introduce New Supreme Court Term Limits Bill 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), joined seven of her colleagues in introducing the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, legislation to establish 18-year term limits and regularized appointments for Supreme Court justices. Under the senators’ legislation, a new justice would take the bench every two years and spend 18 years participating in all Supreme Court cases, after which the justice would be limited to hearing a small number of constitutionally required cases. The Constitution requires that Supreme Court justices hear a small number of cases under the Court’s “original jurisdiction.” These cases include a narrow category of disputes between states or foreign officials in which the Court is the first and only venue where the case is heard. Under this legislation, all justices would continue to hear original jurisdiction cases. The vast majority of the cases the Court hears are brought under the Court’s “appellate jurisdiction”—cases decided by lower courts that are appealed to the Supreme Court. These include major cases like Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Shelby County v. Holder, and Citizens United v. FEC. The Constitution makes clear that the Supreme Court’s “appellate jurisdiction” is subject to any “Exceptions” or “Regulations as the Congress shall make.” Congress has long used this authority to adjust the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction. Under the Supreme Court Biennial Appointments and Term Limits Act, only the nine most recently appointed justices would sit for appellate jurisdiction cases. The justices who no longer hear appellate jurisdiction cases would retain the authority to hear original jurisdiction cases and to exercise all other powers of the office. If one of the justices who regularly hears appellate jurisdiction cases has a conflict of interest or is otherwise unavailable to hear a case, another justice who hears only original jurisdiction cases may fill in. This legislation also creates regular appointments of Supreme Court justices… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-murphy-van-hollen-welch-merkley-lead-20-senate-colleagues-calling-for-fuel-deliveries-to-hospitals-and-water-treatment-centers-in-gaza Schatz, Murphy, Van Hollen, Welch, Merkley Lead 20 Senate Colleagues Calling For Fuel Deliveries To Hospitals And Water Treatment Centers In Gaza 2023-10-27 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) led 20 of their Senate colleagues in releasing the following statement on the need for fuel deliveries to hospitals and water treatment centers in Gaza. “We condemn Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, for which Israel must hold Hamas accountable. In the course of that endeavor, every effort must be made to protect innocent civilians. Right now, hospitals in Gaza are hours away from running out of fuel that powers ventilators, incubators for babies, and other lifesaving equipment, and diseases are rapidly spreading without power to treat and pump clean drinking water. To prevent a potential health crisis and help save countless lives, we believe it is possible to transport fuel directly to these hospitals, desalination plants, and water pumping stations with full transparency to prevent diversion to Hamas. There are extensive oversight mechanisms in place that will track the fuel deliveries directly to the intended sites where they can be used immediately to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians, including babies and children. We encourage the Biden administration to work with our Israeli, Egyptian, and UN partners to enable these lifesaving deliveries,” the senators said. Schatz, Murphy, Van Hollen, Welch, and Merkley are joined by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Cory Booker (D-N.J), Tom Carper (D-Del.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Angus King (I-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-recognizing-national-womens-small-business-month Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing National Women’s Small Business Month 2023-10-26 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, joined Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and more than 50 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution that recognizes October 2023 as National Women’s Small Business Month. The resolution passed the Senate floor with unanimous support. Specifically, the resolution underscores the significant contributions of women small business owners and women entrepreneurs to the small business community as a whole: There are over $12 million women-owned businesses in the United States; Women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion in total receipts; Women-owned businesses employ over $9.2 million workers; and 38 percent of small business are women-owned. In addition to Senators Hirono, Shaheen, and Ernst, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators James Risch (R-ID), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Patty Murray (D-WA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mike Braun (R-IN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Hoeven (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Barasso (R-WY), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), John Coryn (R-TX), Tina Smith (D-MN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), James Lankford (R-OK), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Boozman (R-AR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Todd Young (R-IN), Peter Welch (D-VT), Rick Scott (R-FL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mark Warner (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA). The … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-jayapal-reintroduce-legislation-requiring-data-disaggregation-for-aanhpi-students Hirono, Jayapal Reintroduce Legislation Requiring Data Disaggregation for AANHPI Students 2023-10-26 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the All Students Count Act of 2023, legislation that would require more comprehensive and equitable disaggregation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student data in K-12 schools, helping to ensure that AANHPI student groups are better accounted for and supported by schools across the country. Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “In Hawaii, we especially understand the importance of diversity and how it impacts the experiences of our communities,” said Senator Hirono. “Without data disaggregation, it’s harder for our schools to address the unique needs of our students. Every keiki deserves to be seen and supported by our education system—this bill will help ensure they are.” “As someone who came to this country alone, at 16, with nothing in my pockets – I deeply understand the unique challenges in the US education system that immigrant communities face and persist for generations after,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “Our students deserve visibility at all levels. By ensuring that the Department of Education, state education agencies, and school districts collect and report data for a minimum of 15 Asian American and six Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander subgroups, we can work to close the education gap in our communities.” School districts, state education agencies, and the federal government have made significant progress in disaggregating and improving data on K-12 student achievement for major racial and ethnic groups, including “Asian” and “Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.” However, these two categories collapse dozens of distinct ethnic groups, each with unique histories and varying access to social and economic opportunities, making it difficult to identify or address disparities between students from those unique ethnic subgroups. The All Students Count Act of 2023 would support equitable access to education by ensu… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-judiciary-committee-vote-to-advance-two-hawaii-federal-judge-nominees Hirono, Judiciary Committee Vote to Advance Two Hawaii Federal Judge Nominees 2023-10-26 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted to advance the nominations of two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii during a full committee hearing. The nominations of Shanlyn A.S. Park’s and Micah Smith’s were advanced out of the Judiciary Committee with bipartisan support, and now must be confirmed by the full U.S. Senate on the Senate floor. “Judge Park and Micah Smith are both highly qualified to serve on the U.S. District Court—both have led impressive legal careers and have exhibited a strong commitment to justice, fairness, and objectivity,” said Senator Hirono. “Their nominations reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s dedication to establishing a diverse federal judiciary that has the experience and dedication necessary to serve on the federal bench. I look forward to voting to confirm both Judge Park and Mr. Smith on the Senate floor.” Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, the Senate has successfully confirmed 147 federal judges nominated by President Biden. Judge Shanlyn Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit Court on Oahu since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mukai MacKinnon, L.L.P. and Gallagher Kane Amai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served as an assistant federal public defender in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawaii. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Magistrate Judge Francis I. Yamashita on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii from 1995 to 1996. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991. A graduate of Kauai High School, Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/photos-hirono-hawaii-delegation-unveil-portrait-honoring-late-senator-daniel-k-inouye PHOTOS: Hirono, Hawaii Delegation Unveil Portrait Honoring Late Senator Daniel K. Inouye 2023-10-25 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI), along with Representatives Ed Case (D-HI) and Jill Tokuda (D-HI), unveiled a portrait of the late U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye. The unveiling ceremony was held at the U.S. Capitol and the Hawaii Congressional delegation was joined by members of Senator Inouye’s family, as well as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Senator Inouye’s portrait, which will be displayed just off the Senate floor in the Capitol, is the first portrait of a person of color in the U.S. Senate’s leadership portrait series. “Senator Inouye and I worked together for decades and I was glad to honor his memory and celebrate his life today,” said Senator Hirono. “His legacy lives on in Hawaii and here in the Senate, and this portrait will serve as an important reminder of his work for years to come.” “Senator Daniel K. Inouye was an extraordinary public servant for Hawai‘i and America and it’s fitting that he’s being honored with an official portrait here in the Senate where he was respected and beloved by so many,” said Senator Brian Schatz. “His remarkable legacy and immeasurable contributions will continue to better people’s lives for generations to come.” “In the history of our country only some 2,000 of our fellow citizens have served in the United States Senate, and of them only a very few are honored and remembered in our Capitol for their service,” said Congressman Ed Case. “U.S. Senator Daniel Ken Inouye richly deserves this honor and remembrance, not for the quantity but for the quality and example and enduring legacy of his service. His are timeless lessons in faith in our country, commitment to our values and steady stewardship of our ideals that justly serve as a guide for the opportunities and challenges to come.” “Over a decade after his passing, Senator Inouye continues to break barriers. As the first person of color to be included in the U.S. Senate leadership portrait collection,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-2-million-for-environmental-justice-projects-in-hawaii Hirono Announces $2 Million for Environmental Justice Projects in Hawaii 2023-10-24 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper ~ Hawaii projects announced as part of nationwide investments through EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement program ~ WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, announced $2 million in federal support for three projects working to advance environmental justice across Hawaii. The projects will ensure that disadvantaged communities, who have historically suffered from underinvestment, have access to clean air and water and climate resilience solutions. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) will receive $500,000; Kaunalewa will receive $500,000; and the City and County of Honolulu will receive $1 million. “People deserve fair access to a clean and healthy environment and to be protected from environmental hazards, so this funding will invest in communities disproportionately affected by environmental burdens,” said Senator Hirono. “I am proud to have helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act last year—historic legislation which made this funding possible—and I will continue working to ensure historically marginalized communities have access to the resources they need to live healthier, more sustainable lives.” The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will utilize the funds for its Solarize808 project, an initiative that will provide at least 100 households with energy efficiency education. Kaunalewa—a nonprofit organization on Kauai—will utilize the funds for improvements in water quality awareness, testing, enforcement, and management. The City and County of Honolulu will use the funding for the Oahu Climate Champions program, which will pair community-based organizations with local climate champions to implement adaptation projects. The organizations were selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving Cooperative Agreement and Environmental Justice Government-to-Government programs. This funding was ma… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-calls-for-ai-generated-content-to-be-clearly-labeled-to-combat-misinformation-fraud Schatz Calls For AI-Generated Content To Be Clearly Labeled To Combat Misinformation, Fraud 2023-10-24 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor about the need for content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to be labeled in an effort to prevent rampant misinformation and fraud as use of the technology increases. Schatz introduced a bipartisan bill with Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) that would require clear labels and disclosures on AI-made content and AI chatbots. “Content made by AI should be clearly labeled as such so people know what they’re looking at. That’s exactly what the bipartisan AI Labeling Act that Senator Kennedy and I introduced calls for,” said Senator Schatz. “It puts the onus where it belongs – on companies, not consumers. Because people shouldn’t have to double and triple check, or parse through thick lines of code, to find out whether something was made by AI. It should be right there, in the open, clearly marked with a label.” Of the challenges presented by AI-generated content, Senator Schatz added, “Deception is not new. Fraud is not new. Misinformation is not new. These are all age-old problems. What is new, though, is how quickly and easily someone can deceive or defraud – and do it at staggering scale. With powerful generative AI tools at their fingertips, all con artists need are just a few minutes to spin up a scam or a lie.” The full text of his remarks can be found below and a video is available here. Seeing is believing, we often say. But that's not really true anymore. Because thanks to artificial intelligence, we're increasingly encountering fake images, doctored videos, and manipulated audio. Whether we're watching TV, answering the phone, or scrolling through our social media feeds, it has become harder and harder to trust our own eyes and our own ears. The boundaries of reality are becoming blurrier every day. We've always consumed information under the assumption that what we're seeing and hearing is coming from the source that it says it's from – and that a human has created it. It's such a basic notion and it's left unsaid … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-kennedy-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-provide-more-transparency-on-ai-generated-content Schatz, Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Provide More Transparency On AI-Generated Content 2023-10-24 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced bipartisan legislation to provide more transparency on content generated by artificial intelligence (AI). The new bill would help ensure people know when they are viewing AI-made content or interacting with an AI chatbot by requiring clear labels and disclosures. “People deserve to know whether or not the videos, photos, and content they see and read online is real or not,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill is simple – if any content is made by artificial intelligence, it should be labeled so that people are aware and aren’t fooled or scammed.” “AI is moving quickly, and so are the companies that are developing it. Our bill would set an AI-based standard to protect U.S. consumers by telling them whether what they’re reading, seeing or hearing is the product of AI, and that’s clarity that people desperately need,” said Senator Kennedy. In May, an artificial photo of an explosion near the Pentagon went viral, duping Americans and triggering a dip in the stock market. Deepfake images of President Trump being arrested were viewed by millions on social media, demonstrating the types of manipulation that could be used during elections. And fraudsters are already abusing AI systems to generate scam calls, impersonating a loved one’s voice and scamming Americans out of their hard-earned money. As generative AI becomes increasingly convincing and widespread, new measures must be adopted to ensure that Americans can determine genuine from machine-generated content. The Schatz-Kennedy AI Labeling Act would: Require that developers of generative AI systems include a clear and conspicuous disclosure identifying AI-generated content and AI chatbots; Make developers and third-party licensees take reasonable steps to prevent systematic publication of content without disclosures; and Establish a working group to create non-binding technical standards so that social media platforms can automatically identify AI-generated content. The AI La… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-announces-senate-passage-of-bipartisan-korean-american-valor-act Hirono Announces Senate Passage of Bipartisan Korean American VALOR Act 2023-10-20 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) announced the Senate passage of the Korean American VALOR Act, a bipartisan bill she co-led with Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). The bill allows veterans who served in the armed forces of the Republic of Korea during the Vietnam War, and have since become naturalized U.S. citizens, to become eligible for healthcare services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The House companion legislation introduced by Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) passed in May, and the bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. “Thanks to the Korean American VALOR Act, approximately 3,000 Korean American veterans in Hawaii and across the country will be able to access medical services through the VA,” said Senator Hirono. “I am glad our bill has passed the Senate and will soon be signed into law, to help ensure our veterans have access to the quality VA healthcare they need and deserve.” Since 1958, the VA has provided healthcare services to veterans of allied European nations during World War I and World War II through the Allied Beneficiary Program. The Korean American VALOR Act would amend title 38 of the U.S. Code to allow the VA Secretary to enter into a similar reciprocal agreement with the Republic of Korea. Approximately 3,000 Korean American Vietnam veterans are naturalized citizens, and the VALOR Act would provide an avenue for these veterans to access medical services and care through the VA.? The full text of the bill is available here. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-tokuda-introduce-bill-to-lessen-tax-burden-for-those-impacted-by-natural-disasters Hirono, Tokuda Introduce Bill to Lessen Tax Burden for Those Impacted by Natural Disasters 2023-10-20 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (D-HI) introduced the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023. The bill would lessen the tax burden on people impacted by major natural disasters in 2023. It would allow more individuals impacted by the wildfires to claim a personal casualty loss by eliminating the requirement to itemize deductions and removing the 10 percent loss requirement to qualify. It would also waive the 10 percent penalty on hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts to help those impacted by the fires make ends meet. “As communities on Maui continue to heal and recover from the devastating wildfires, this bill will help provide relief to those who have lost so much as a result of this disaster,” said Senator Hirono. “By easing the financial burden on those impacted by the wildfires, as well as other disasters across our country, the Natural Disaster Tax Relief Act will help bring some peace of mind for families and individuals and help ensure they have the necessary resources to support themselves.” The legislation is also cosponsored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Representative Ed Case (D-HI). The full text of the bill is available here. Senator Hirono is committed to providing a rapid response to the devastating wildfires on Maui and delivering federal assistance to those affected by the disaster. Earlier this month, Senator Hirono joined the Hawaii Congressional delegation in introducing a bicameral resolution honoring the first responders and those who lost their lives in the devastating wildfires on Maui and expressing support for the communities of West and Upcountry Maui. Additionally, following advocacy by the Hawaii Congressional delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is extending the application deadline for physical damage loans for those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires. In September, Senator Hirono voted to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government and deliver disaste… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-young-introduce-new-legislation-to-help-stop-child-labor Schatz, Young Introduce New Legislation To Help Stop Child Labor 2023-10-20 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) this week introduced new legislation to help stop illegal child labor. The bipartisan Stop Child Labor Act would increase maximum fines for violations, establish new criminal penalties, allow victims harmed by violations to file private lawsuits, and encourage collaboration between employers and government to stop child labor violations before they occur. “Right now, our laws are allowing some of the worst employers to get away with exploiting kids for labor with nothing more than weak fines,” said Senator Schatz. “Our bill will strengthen our child labor laws, hold bad employers accountable, and protect kids from this illicit practice.” “Recent data shows that child labor exploitation is not a thing of the past or a problem limited to the developing world. This bipartisan bill would strengthen our nation’s labor laws to better protect our children,” said Senator Young. This week, DOL released new data showing child labor violations at their highest level in two decades. In fiscal year 2023, violations soared to 5,792, an 88 percent increase from 2019. This is due to companies increasingly circumventing child labor laws to fill positions due to the tight labor market. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) imposes weak fines for violations, making it financially easier for companies to skirt child labor laws. Earlier this year, it was revealed that migrant child labor is being used for hazardous jobs in factories making products for well-known brands like Cheetos, Fruit of the Loom, and Lucky Charms. In addition, DOL announced this year that it found more than 100 children across eight states cleaning dangerous meat processing equipment using hazardous chemicals for a contractor of major meat producer JBS Foods. While several child workers were injured on the job, DOL levied its maximum fine, just $15,138 for each count. To stop child labor and hold bad employers accountable, the Stop Child Labor Act would: Increase child lab… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-urge-access-for-humanitarian-aid-to-gaza Hirono, Colleagues Urge Access for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza 2023-10-19 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 35 other Senators in issuing a statement warning that a humanitarian collapse in Gaza would threaten regional stability. “We urge the swift implementation of sustained access for humanitarian aid, including water and medical supplies, to save civilian lives in Gaza,” Senator Hirono and the group wrote. Senator Hirono is joined by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jack Reed (D-RI), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Angus King (I-ME), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tom Carper (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Fetterman (D-PA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-hawaii-delegation-applaud-179-million-in-department-of-energy-grants-to-improve-renewable-energy-utilization-and-the-resilience-of-hawaii-power-systems Hirono, Hawaii Delegation Applaud $17.9 Million in Department of Energy Grants to Improve Renewable Energy Utilization and the Resilience of Hawaii Power Systems 2023-10-19 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) applauded the news that the Department of Energy is awarding a combined $17.9 million in grants to the Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism. $1.7 million will go toward enabling high penetration renewables with Synchronous Condenser Conversion Technology and $16.3 million will go toward solar grid forming technology. “As we work to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events, it’s important that communities across the islands are equipped with reliable, resilient energy infrastructure,” said Senator Hirono. “This funding will help strengthen the electrical grid in Hawaii and across the country, increasing access to affordable, renewable, and reliable electricity to better serve our communities.” This funding, via the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, is part of a larger $3.5 billion in grants to 58 projects across 44 states to strengthen electric grid resilience and reliability across America. The GRIP Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021 by the Biden Adminstration, accelerates the deployment of transformative projects that will help to ensure the reliability of the power sector’s infrastructure, so that all communities have access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity. As a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee, Senator Hirono has championed legislation to protect Hawaii’s environment, fish, wildlife, and plants, while also working to support local farmers and agriculture, and speed the transition to clean, renewable energy in Hawaii and across the country. In September 2023, Senator Hirono introduced the AuGmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful (AG RESEARCH) Act, legislation to provide billions in funding to address deferred maintenance at U.S. schools of agriculture, including the University of … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-urges-congressional-leaders-to-extend-funding-for-affordable-connectivity-program Hirono Urges Congressional Leaders to Extend Funding for Affordable Connectivity Program 2023-10-19 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined 31 of her colleagues in urging Congressional leaders to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides financial assistance to access high-speed internet for more than 21 million working families across the nation. The program is so popular that its funds are set to run out in a few months, well ahead of the anticipated date included in the law. Currently, over 53,000 households in Hawaii are enrolled in the ACP. “We write to urge you to extend funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides over 21 million working families with financial assistance for broadband access, to help bridge the digital divide so they can continue to afford the broadband services they need for work, school, health care, and more,” wrote the Senators. “Should ACP funding not be extended, millions of Americans could be at risk of losing access to broadband.” “Failing to extend funding would be irresponsible,” they continued. “We urge you to extend funding for the ACP in a government appropriations package and include a long-term solution that ensures efficient spending of taxpayer dollars.” The letter was led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). In addition to Senators Hirono and Rosen, the letter was also signed by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Jon Tester (D-MT), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR). The full text of the letter is available here and below. D… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-reintroduces-legislation-to-guarantee-legal-representation-for-unaccompanied-children-in-immigration-proceedings VIDEO: Hirono Reintroduces Legislation to Guarantee Legal Representation for Unaccompanied Children in Immigration Proceedings 2023-10-18 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reintroduced legislation to provide unaccompanied children with access to legal representation when they appear in proceedings before an immigration judge. Senator Hirono announced the reintroduction of the bill, The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on the status of U.S. immigration courts. “Nearly half of all unaccompanied children go into immigration court without a lawyer. For every child who is lucky enough to be represented by an attorney, another is left to fend for themselves,” said Senator Hirono during the hearing. “Children cannot represent themselves in Court—it’s that simple. And that’s why I have reintroduced the Fair Day in Court for Kids Act, which would provide unaccompanied children with legal representation when they go through the process—earlier in the process.” Nearly half of all unaccompanied children represent themselves during legal proceedings and it is extremely difficult for children to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration system without an attorney—unrepresented children appear alone in immigration court to face a judge and an adversarial government attorney seeking their removal from the United States. Many of these children, some as young as 3-years old, are unable to speak English and unable to understand our complicated legal system. Immigration judges are nearly 100 times less likely to grant relief to unaccompanied children without counsel compared to those with counsel. Specifically, the The Fair Day in Court for Kids Act: Requires that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide counsel to noncitizen unaccompanied children appearing before the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state court, unless the child has obtained counsel at their own expense; Extends the government’s duty to ensure counsel for unaccompanied children to the end of the immigration proceedings,… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-colleagues-reintroduce-youth-voting-rights-act-to-empower-young-people-expand-access-to-ballot-box Hirono, Colleagues Reintroduce Youth Voting Rights Act to Empower Young People, Expand Access to Ballot Box 2023-10-16 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in reintroducing the Youth Voting Rights Act of 2023, comprehensive legislation to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment and expand youth access to voting. The bill would ease many of the barriers young people face in voting, including high rates of provisional ballot rejections, lack of accessible polling places, and restrictive residency and voter ID requirements. The bill also ensures federal elections are free from age-based restrictions on access to vote-by-mail. “Voting is a constitutional right and a fundamental aspect of our democracy,” said Senator Hirono. “Voting is a habit and it is important to empower the next generation to become lifelong voters and encourage civic engagement. As we continue to fight against extreme Republicans’ attacks on voting rights, this legislation will help ensure eligible voters, especially young voters, can participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard.” In the 2022 midterms, young people had the second highest turnout in a midterm election in the past three decades. Despite this enthusiasm, young people continue to face barriers to the ballot box that weaken their voice and influence over electoral politics. Their provisional ballots and mail-in ballots are rejected at disproportionate rates, and they routinely face serious obstacles to voter registration and in-person voting. Specifically, the Youth Voting Rights Act of 2023 would: Empower individuals and the government to enforce the Twenty-Sixth Amendment; Expand voter registration services at public colleges and universities; Allow young people in every state to pre-register to vote before turning 18; Require institutions of higher education to have on-campus polling places; Prohibit durational residency requirements for all federal elections; Guarantee that states accept student IDs to meet voter-identification requirements; Create a grant program dedicated to youth involvement in elections; Gather… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/statement-from-senators-schatz-van-hollen-and-welch Statement From Senators Schatz, Van Hollen, And Welch 2023-10-16 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), released the following joint statement: “We are appalled by the unfathomable violence against Israeli civilians and unequivocally condemn Hamas and its brutal actions. We mourn for those who were ruthlessly murdered and injured, as well as for their loved ones and communities who are living through a nightmare. We must do everything possible to rescue the hostages who remain in the hands of Hamas terrorists. “There is no justification for these cruel acts, and our support for Israel as a home for the Jewish people is steadfast. We stand with the President and our allies in our commitment to support Israel as it defends itself, in accordance with international law. That includes protections for the two million civilians currently trapped in Gaza, who must have realistic options for avoiding military operations. Every effort must be made to prevent further civilian death and suffering and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need. A just war cannot be won without the strictest adherence to civilian protection, as difficult as that is with a terrorist adversary that does not share those standards. “We welcome the Biden administration’s naming of a special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, as immense work remains ahead. We all must remain united in our commitment to human rights, and to a just and lasting peace in the region. “Also, in a time of increased anti-Semitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic rhetoric and violence here at home and around the world, we must be vigilant, reject hate, and stand with the communities being threatened.” ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/hawaii-delegation-introduces-bicameral-resolution-to-honor-victims-and-first-responders-in-maui-wildfires Hawaii Delegation Introduces Bicameral Resolution to Honor Victims and First Responders in Maui Wildfires 2023-10-11 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and Ed Case (D-HI) introduced a bicameral resolution honoring the first responders and those who lost their lives in the devastating wildfires on Maui and expressing support for the communities of West and Upcountry Maui. The resolution was led by Senator Hirono in the Senate and Rep. Tokuda in the House, and passed the Senate with the unanimous consent of all Senators. “As Lahaina and Upcountry Maui continue the recovery and rebuilding process from the August wildfires, this resolution acknowledges and honors the many sacrifices of first responders, as well as those whose lives were lost,” said Senator Hirono. “I’m glad to see this resolution pass the Senate with unanimous support. I will continue advocating for the federal resources necessary for Maui to recover, guided by the community voices and values of those who call Maui home.” “We mourn every victim whose life was cut short, honor the first responders and those across Hawai‘i who did everything they could to help their neighbors and communities, and recognize those whose lives have been upended,” said Senator Schatz. “As the recovery continues, we will keep doing everything we can to ensure Maui gets the support it needs from the federal government.” "I am proud to join my Hawaii delegation colleagues in introducing this important resolution lifting up those who lost their lives in the Maui fires and honoring our first responders,” said Representative Tokuda. “Their sacrifice and heroism will not be forgotten, and I will continue to fight for the resources and support Lahaina and our Maui ohana need to recover and rebuild.” “As we pass into the third month since the Maui wildfires, we honor our ‘ohana lost and our first responders who saved many more even at their own expense, both in recognition of the worst and best of this tragedy but also in recommittal to the long road still ahead to recovery,” said Representative Case. Th… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/heeding-call-from-hawaii-delegation-sba-extends-application-deadline-for-wildfire-relief-loans Heeding Call from Hawaii Delegation, SBA Extends Application Deadline for Wildfire Relief Loans 2023-10-05 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following advocacy by the Hawaii Congressional delegation, today the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is extending the application deadline for physical damage loans for those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires. The loan application deadline has been extended from October 10, 2023, to November 9, 2023. “As we continue to mourn the destruction and tragic loss of life on Maui, it is crucial that the Maui community has the federal assistance and relief it needs,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “The loan deadline extension will provide businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters who have been impacted by this tragedy with additional time to navigate the loan process and submit their applications without the added pressure of a tight timeline. We appreciate the SBA for heeding our call and we will continue working to ensure that Maui has the federal funding and support needed to recover and rebuild.” Last week, Senator Hirono led the Hawaii Congressional delegation in a letter to Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the SBA, urging the agency to extend this deadline. Thus far, the SBA has approved over $106 million in disaster loans for impacted individuals and businesses on Maui. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-hirono-introduces-nominees-for-two-federal-judgeships-in-hawaii-during-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing VIDEO: Hirono Introduces Nominees for Two Federal Judgeships in Hawaii During Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing 2023-10-04 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Mazie K. Hirono H001042 www.hirono.senate.gov hirono https://www.hirono.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper ~ Video of Senator Hirono’s full opening remarks is available here ~ WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced two nominees to serve as federal judges on the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii during a full committee hearing considering their nominations. Shanlyn A.S. Park’s and Micah Smith’s nominations were announced by Senator Hirono and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) earlier this year to fill two upcoming vacancies on the U.S. District Court for Hawaii. Introducing Judge Park at the hearing, Senator Hirono said: “Judge Park was born and raised in Hawaii where her distinguished career has been spent almost entirely in public service, inspired no doubt by her father’s work as a longtime Honolulu police officer. As a judge, she has earned high marks from practitioners and litigants for her evenhanded approach and well-reasoned decisions. Judge Park is held in high regard in the Hawaii legal community, as demonstrated by letters of support the Committee has received.” During her remarks, Senator Hirono also highlighted that when confirmed, Judge Park will become the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as a federal district court judge. Of Micah Smith, Senator Hirono said: “Micah has an impressive legal career. Micah spent four years at O’Melveny & Myers, where he helped author a brief in U.S. v. Jones, a pivotal 4th Amendment case. He then became a federal prosecutor, a job he has held for the last 12 years. Even with all his success, Micah never forgot where he came from.” “I know that both of these nominees have the kind of experience, temperament, and demonstrated commitment to public service, along with their deep roots in Hawaii, which will make them excellent judges in the Hawaii District Court,” concluded Senator Hirono. The Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on both nominations in the weeks ahead before they are sent to the full Senate for final confirmation. A link to download video of Senator Hirono’s full … 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-introduces-hawaii-nominees-to-us-district-court-micah-smith-and-judge-shanlyn-park-at-senate-judiciary-committee-hearing Schatz Introduces Hawai‘i Nominees To U.S. District Court Micah Smith And Judge Shanlyn Park At Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing 2023-10-04 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today helped introduce Micah Smith and Judge Shanlyn Park to the Senate Judiciary Committee during a hearing to consider their nominations to the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawai‘i. “They have the legal acumen as well as the character and temperament required to fulfill the duties of U.S. District Court judges. It’s for these reasons that I’m proud to support their nominations to the federal bench,” said Senator Schatz. Video of Senator Schatz’s introductory remarks can be found here. The full text of the remarks, as prepared for delivery, is below. Photos of the nominees are available here. Chairman Durbin, Ranking Member Graham, members of the committee: I’m proud to support the nominations of Micah Smith and Judge Shanlyn Park to serve as judges on the U.S. District Court in Hawai‘i. Both of them are exceptionally qualified and I appreciate the opportunity to help introduce them to this committee. Micah Smith’s story is a quintessentially American one. The son of an immigrant, he grew up in a housing project on Kaua‘i attending public schools before going to Lock Haven University where he graduated with top honors and later to Harvard Law School. For the past 11 years, he has served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, first in the renowned Southern District of New York and more recently in the District of Hawai‘i where he serves as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. Those who know him often highlight his abiding sense of fairness and balanced temperament. A colleague noted, “he listens and considers carefully before voicing his opinion,” adding that he has “an unwavering commitment to achieve a better system of justice that provides access to justice for all.” That same commitment to equal justice underpinned Judge Shanlyn Park’s two decades as a public defender giving voice to those most in need. A graduate of the University of Hawai‘i’s Richardson School of Law, she represented low-income defendants on a variety of… 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases/schatz-more-than-17-million-heading-to-maui-for-mental-health-support-after-fires Schatz: More Than $17 Million Heading To Maui For Mental Health Support After Fires 2023-10-04 2023 2023-10 Democrat Senate HI Brian Schatz S001194 www.schatz.senate.gov schatz https://www.schatz.senate.gov/news/press-releases scraper WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded $17.3 million in funding to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health for emergency behavioral health support in the aftermath of the Maui fires. “The people of Maui have experienced so much loss, trauma, and grief, and addressing the mental health toll is just as important as dealing with the physical damage,” said Senator Schatz. “This new funding will provide necessary resources to help those who need it in a timely and culturally-informed way.” The emergency funding will help provide mental health interventions for families, community organizations and schools; deliver culturally-informed substance use services; and help build Hawai‘i’s behavioral health workforce. The funding is four times the amount SAMHSA provided to Hawai‘i in 2022 to support comprehensive community mental health services. ### 1 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z 2026-04-08T00:49:26Z

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