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://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/star-advertiser-new-federal-law-protect-keiki-service-ohana,Star Advertiser: New federal law to protect keiki in service ohana,2016-12-30,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Originally published in the Honolulu Star Advertiser: http://www.staradvertiser.com/2016/12/30/hawaii-news/new-federal-law-to-protect-keiki-in-service-ohana/
 New federal law to protect keiki in service ohana 
Suspected cases of child abuse on military bases must now be reported to state child welfare officials under a new federal law that was championed by U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono.
The measure, known as Talia’s Law, named for a young girl who was beaten to death by her father at Wheeler Army Airfield in Wahiawa, was signed into law by President Barack Obama last week as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Talia Williams was just 5 years old when her father punched her in the chest so hard that she fell backward, hitting her head on the concrete floor of the family’s military quarters and dying. She had suffered months of abuse by her father and stepmother, who are imprisoned for her murder. Williams’ father is serving a life sentence after escaping the death penalty.
Until now the military has dealt with cases of child abuse internally. Under Talia’s Law physicians, social workers, teachers and other professionals who serve military personnel and their families are required to also report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect directly to state Child Protective Services or its equivalent agency within a state.
Supporters of the measure hope that it will give an added layer of protection to children who are being abused on military bases.
“We are absolutely thrilled that this horrible tragedy that befell this little girl is ultimately going to result in a fix that may save hundreds and hundreds of kids who are at risk of abuse within the military,” said Honolulu attorney Mark Davis, who represented Talia Williams’ biological mother, Tarshia Hampton, in a civil case against the U.S. government, winning a $2 million settlement.
“When the obligation is to report to the chain of command, the whole outlook is to treat the abuser as if it is a disciplinary problem that can be reported, whereas in the state system the whole emphasis is on protecting the child,” he said.
In the Army alone, beatings, torture and starvation caused the death of 118 children between 2003 and 2012, according to an investigation by Military Times published in 2013. Overall, nearly 30,000 children had suffered from some type of abuse or neglect.
The rate of child abuse in the Army was 4.5 cases per 1,000 children for 2011, compared with a civilian rate of 27.4 cases per 1,000 children. However, the investigation found that Army cases had spiked 28 percent between 2008 and 2011.
The final punch that Naeem Williams delivered to his daughter left knuckle imprints in her chest, according to Davis. At trial the girl’s stepmother testified that Talia Williams had been denied food for days at a time, duct-taped to a bed and whipped. Her father admitted that she had been abused daily, much of it over her problems with potty training.
Gabbard introduced Talia’s Law, which was unanimously by passed the House of Representatives in February. In the Senate, Hirono included it as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
“Until now, the same gaps in the military’s reporting requirements that failed to protect Talia and so many other military children remained,” Gabbard said in a news release. “Enactment of Talia’s Law closes these gaps by requiring the same protections that exist for any other child to also protect children in military families.”
While Gabbard was a champion of Talia’s Law, she voted against the National Defense Authorization Act, which easily made it through both the Senate and House. Gabbard opposed the act, in part, because she said it would worsen the war in Syria, which she opposes.
Hirono also said that the law would help close gaps in protections for children of military personnel.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/la-times-child-abuse-military-failing-those-most-need,LA Times: Child abuse in the military: Failing those most in need,2016-12-29,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Originally published in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-child-abuse-military-20161229-htmlstory.html
 Child abuse in the military: Failing those most in need 
In  September 2011, Army Sgt. 1st Class Crispen Hanson’s commander at Ft. Bliss ordered him into a military treatment program for child abusers.
Texas child welfare authorities had formally reported a “reason to believe” the 20-year Army veteran had severely beaten his 6-month-old son, Malachi, leaving him with a broken leg.
For the next four months, Hanson met weekly with a therapist from the Family Advocacy Program, a $200-million-a-year Pentagon program known as FAP that seeks to prevent child abuse in the ranks.
When Hanson completed the therapy, FAP officials closed the case and a state judge allowed him to see his infant son.
But three months later, on April 9, 2012, El Paso paramedics called to Hanson’s house found Malachi dead. An autopsy found “blunt force injuries” and “innumerable contusions of the head, torso and extremities.”
The county medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Last year, Hanson pleaded guilty to two counts of injuring a child after prosecutors agreed to drop murder charges. A state judge sentenced him to probation. The Army gave him an honorable discharge and a full pension of about $28,000 a year.
Army officials said the decision to close the FAP case before the infant’s death was appropriate. “No program has a 100% guarantee of success when dealing with individuals,” said William Costlow, an Army spokesman. 
The Pentagon has struggled to deal with a little-noticed cascade of child abuse and neglect cases in military families in the years since America went to war in Iraq and Afghanistan, a Times investigation has found.
Previously unreleased reports by the Army, Navy and Air Force reveal numerous cases where military officials knew or suspected that child abuse or neglect was occurring — but failed to intervene or to alert the Family Advocacy Program or state child welfare agencies, The Times found.
In many cases, the reports blamed military personnel for failing to report cases of abuse and neglect to FAP officials. 
FAP “is not accessing those most in need due to … failure on the part of others to report concerns or maltreatment incidents,” warned an  internal 2014 report on 27 deaths in Army families.
“In several cases, command was aware of ongoing abuse but failed to report it,” it added.
A 2014 report on 50 deaths in Air Force families over five years reached a similar conclusion.
“In numerous cases … Air Force employees and other individuals were aware of suspected child maltreatment or domestic abuse and did not report it to FAP or any other authority,” it said.
Citing privacy restrictions, Pentagon officials redacted parts of each report, which were released in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. The Times was able to identify many victims and their abusers by comparing the reports with court records and other legal documents.
Even senior FAP officials concede they are able to help only a fraction of the children who suffer abuse.
“We get about 25% of the incidents,” said Rene Robichaux, who oversees an Army-wide clinical child abuse treatment program from the Army Medical Command in San Antonio. “The rest occur behind closed doors.”
America’s longest wars already have been associated with poor mental health in military families, behavioral problems in children, a higher risk of divorce, and higher rates of suicide, studies show.
Experts now add child abuse to that tragic list.
“We have a relatively high rate of child maltreatment,” said Dr. Sharon Cooper, a pediatrician and retired Army colonel who treats child abuse victims at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. “And we know that child abuse and neglect is highly influenced by deployment.”
Child fatalities have soared even as the armed forces have shrunk by 10% in recent years.
Fatalities more than doubled from 14 in 2003 to 38 in 2012. They remained above 30 a year through 2014 before dropping to 23 in 2015, the last year that Pentagon records are available. Overall, FAP counted 5,378 child abuse and neglect victims in military families in 2015.
The Pentagon long has claimed that child abuse is less severe in the military than in the civilian population. The military weeds out alcohol and drug users with random tests and annual fitness reports, and the mental strain of unemployment isn’t a problem.
Moreover, base commanders are supposed to monitor their troops’ daily lives and the welfare of their families. They can order FAP to counsel parents and even temporarily bar service members from contact with their families in abuse cases. 
Military bases also are required to cooperate closely with state child welfare agencies, which share responsibility for protecting children in military families living on and off U.S. installations.
But in the last five years, the rate of child abuse and neglect in the military has gone up sharply — from 4.8 incidents per 1,000 children to 7.2 incidents, according to Pentagon records. Civilian rates vary depending on how they’re counted, but generally are higher.
The failure of base commanders to intervene has sparked special concern among child welfare advocates.
Experts say those failures may occur because a criminal charge of child abuse can lead to a soldier’s discharge — costing the family its livelihood — and also can be seen as a blot on a commander’s record.
“There's a real reluctance to address child abuse fatalities in the military because it's a career-ender for soldiers,” said Theresa Covington, head of the National Center for the Review and Prevention of Child Deaths, a nonprofit group in Washington that works closely with the Pentagon.
Underlying the problems is the belief at senior levels of the Pentagon that the military can handle family violence by ordering an accused abuser into FAP counseling, experts say.
“Ultimately an allegation of abuse is plopped down on the desk of some commander, who is supposed to take action, as if ... you can discipline somebody who is abusing their children and make them stop, which is absurd,” said Mark Davis, an attorney involved in a decadelong lawsuit against the Army over the abuse death of 5-year-old girl on a military base in Hawaii.
Created after the Vietnam War, FAP now has more than 2,000 case workers and administrators. They offer help to 1.2 million active-duty couples and 1.1 million children at almost every U.S. military base, including in Germany, Japan and other overseas posts where families are allowed.
In the most violent cases, FAP officials can seek a protective order from the military that bars an abusive parent from contact with a child, or ask a civilian court to place a battered child in foster care.
FAP and Pentagon officials say the program provides valuable counseling, parenting classes, home visits and other help to thousands of military families, many of them young parents living on their own for the first time.
“The welfare of our service members and their family members warrants the highest priority in the Department of Defense,” said a Pentagon spokesman, Maj. Benjamin E. Sakrisson. “The department is actively committed to keeping children safe and healthy.”
The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines all have boosted training and staffing at their FAP operations over the last decade, officials say.
FAP staffing at Army bases, for instance, has grown from 136 to 390, with many new hires assigned to visit homes of new parents to teach parenting techniques.
But some FAP offices are overwhelmed, especially after units deployed overseas return home.
At Ft. Bragg, the nation’s largest Army base, soldiers often wait weeks to see a FAP therapist for routine counseling, said Anne Malena, a civilian social worker in private practice who mostly works with Ft. Bragg families.
“They’re extremely overworked, and they’re working on crisis situations most of the time,” she said.
FAP officials contend it is unfair to blame their staff for failing to foresee which military parents will abuse their children when warning signs often are fragmentary or ambiguous.
“Predicting these kinds of events is an extremely difficult thing to do,” said Dr. Terri Rau, a psychiatrist and senior policy analyst for the Navy’s Fleet and Family Support Programs in Norfolk, Va., which oversees FAP.
Yet in some cases, there were clear warning signs.
In August 2012, for example, Tamryn Klapheke starved to death in her crib at her parents’ house on Dyess Air Force Base in Texas. She was 22 months old.
State prosecutors said her mother, Tiffany Klapheke, had left the infant without food or water for four days while her husband, an Air Force enlisted man, was overseas. Her two other children were also badly malnourished.
Both the base FAP office and Texas’ Child Protective Services, the state agency responsible for investigating child abuse, had been repeatedly warned of neglect at the house.
Air Force doctors had notified both offices in 2010 and 2011 that the older children were underweight and had missed medical appointments.
“The consequences of not feeding the child could be fatal,” Edward Wilcock, the FAP social worker assigned to Tamryn’s case, wrote in her file in September 2011.
But FAP closed its case three months later when Klapheke completed her assigned doctor visits and Tamryn had gained a little weight, records show.
Child Protective Services in Taylor County, where Dyess is located, closed its own investigation a week before Tamryn starved to death. Its last face-to-face contact with the family was 10 months earlier, courts records show.
Klapheke, 23, was convicted of injury to a child and sentenced in state court to 30 years in prison. Four employees from Child Protective Services resigned over misconduct in the case. The two older children were placed with a foster family.
Wilcock, who remains employed by FAP at Dyess, declined to comment for this story.
Capt. Nicole Ferrara, a base spokeswoman, said the Air Force investigated whether “various personnel met their required duty obligations,” and said “appropriate action was taken to address the findings.” She declined to disclose the findings or the action taken.
FAP also failed Kylee Houston, who lived her entire brief life inside the secure gates of Naval Air Station New Orleans.
Just 14 weeks old, the malnourished infant died in a soiled crib at her home on March 15, 2015. An autopsy blamed accidental suffocation.
Kylee’s twin sister and four siblings, all under age 5, also suffered from extreme neglect, police found.
State prosecutors put them all in foster care and arrested the parents on charges of cruelty to juveniles and second-degree murder.
The father, Navy Seaman Xavier Houston, pleaded guilty in January to cruelty to juveniles and is serving a 10-year prison sentence. His wife, Calendria, is awaiting trial.
FAP was well aware of the danger.
On July 1, 2014, neighbors called the military police when they heard the parents fighting, a frequent occurrence. The police report noted that one child was filthy and the house reeked of dirty diapers.
The police shared the report with the base Fleet and Family Support Center, which oversees the FAP office. But the office didn’t inform Louisiana’s child welfare agency, as an agreement between the base and the state required.
A month later, on Aug. 5, Calendria Houston complained to base authorities that her husband had “left their four children, ranging in age from 3 years old to 5 months old, unattended at their residence,” according to a Navy investigation. 
At his commander’s urging, Xavier Houston had met a FAP counselor “a handful of times” to discuss his strained marriage, but not the welfare of his children, according to Houston’s attorney, Clarke Beljean.
That failure angers Charles J. Ballay, the district attorney in Louisiana’s Plaquemines Parish who is prosecuting the parents.
The military was “aware or should have been aware” that the Houstons were neglecting their children, Ballay said. “Somebody should have taken action to save the life of this young child.”
The Navy appears to agree.
Mike Andrews, a Navy spokesman, said “several” contractors involved in the Houston case resigned after Kylee’s death. He declined to identify them or say if they quit in response to pending disciplinary action.
Military police on the base were instructed for the first time to notify Louisiana’s child protection agency in cases “involving child welfare of any kind,” Andrews said.
FAP has come under fire before. 
In the early 1980s, about a decade after the Army, Navy and Air Force each developed programs for treating domestic violence on military installations, an investigation by federal auditors found the efforts were poorly funded, understaffed and often inadequate.
Congress provided additional money in response and ordered the Pentagon to keep better track of personnel accused of abuse. After cases continued to increase, Congress in 2001 created an independent task force to evaluate the military’s efforts.
The panel issued 193 recommendations, including a call for the Pentagon to hire hundreds of “victim advocates” on military bases to help abused children and spouses, whom panel members felt often received short shrift from FAP.
The task force delivered its report to Congress on the same day in March 2003 that U.S. forces invaded Iraq. During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, distracted lawmakers ducked into side rooms to watch the invasion on TV. The Pentagon ultimately adopted many of the changes the panel proposed.
In 2011, Jessica Wright, then undersecretary of Defense for personnel and readiness, ordered another “top-level rapid review” of FAP. It produced 84 “preliminary ideas” for improvements.
It also led to creation of an Integrated Project Team to recommend ways to “help families in need and at risk as early as possible,” said Sakrisson, the Pentagon spokesman.
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a major in the Army National Guard, is one of the few lawmakers to focus on the issue.
Congress this month passed a national defense authorization bill that includes a provision Gabbard introduced that requires military personnel to immediately report suspected cases of child abuse to FAP and to state child protection agencies.
Yet even when the military and civilian agencies cooperate, victims go undetected.
In November 2011, for example, Laquita Lewis told police that her boyfriend, Jerrell Edwards, had punched and nearly strangled her after she complained he was driving too fast. Both sailors were stationed at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
Since her son Jaiden, who was 2 1/2, was in the vehicle and she was pregnant with Edwards’ child, the FAP office opened an investigation into “child neglect and domestic physical abuse,” records show.
Navy commanders ordered the couple to break off contact for a month.
But the base “incident determination committee” — a panel that includes senior officers, FAP officials, military police, hospital personnel and others who see abuse cases — voted to close the case three months later, ruling that Edwards’ behavior “did not meet criteria for abuse,” records show.
Virginia Child Protective Services, which had opened a separate investigation, closed its case after social workers made a single visit to Lewis’ apartment.
Edwards, who broke up with Lewis, was discharged from the Navy for using marijuana. But she let him move in after their baby was born.
In April 2012, Lewis found Edwards trying to revive Jaiden at the apartment. The toddler was unconscious and bleeding from the mouth, according to Navy documents.
Jaiden died at the hospital hours later, and an autopsy revealed a “ruptured stomach, lacerated liver and bruising to his colon,” as well as an apparent cigarette burn on his foot, the records show.
The incident determination committee reexamined the evidence. This time they concluded that Edwards had repeatedly subjected Jaiden to “severe physical abuse,” case records show.
Edwards was convicted in May 2014 in state court of murder and child abuse and sentenced to 30 years in prison. 
“I thought I was doing the right thing by letting him spend time with his new child,” Lewis said in a telephone interview. “It’s a decision I live with every day. But I can’t help feel that the Navy failed me and Jaiden in some way.”
No case better highlighted the military’s failure to protect children than the brutal death of 5-year-old Talia Williams. The tragedy inspired Gabbard, the Hawaii lawmaker hoping to reform FAP, to call her legislation “Talia’s Law.”
“This young girl was abused for months and not removed from the abuse, even though she was living in military housing and the military has mandatory reporting,” said Gabbard, a major in the Army National Guard. The procedures “failed Talia and they have failed many, many other children in military families.”
Talia was killed in July 2005 after months of near-daily beatings by her stepmother, Delilah Williams, and her father, Spc. Naeem Williams, a soldier at Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii.
At one point, military police took Talia to a base medical clinic after her day-care center reported bruises on her arms and back.
Talia told the staff that her father hit her with “Mr. Paddle” when he got angry, according to court testimony. But she was returned to her parents.
One of her stepmother’s co-workers later went directly to FAP to report her concerns that Talia was being abused. She recounted overhearing Williams say it was “OK to whip a child, just don’t leave any marks,” according to court records.
Hilda Borja, the FAP official who received the complaint, took no action, according to Army and court records.
An Army investigation later found Borja was “negligent in her duty to report suspected child abuse.” The report cited “a series of missed opportunities” by authorities that could have prevented Talia’s death.
Borja resigned before the Army finished its disciplinary proceedings, officials said. In a brief phone interview, she said “the truth is I had nothing to do with that family.”
Spc. Williams was sentenced last year to life in federal prison for murder. His wife was sentenced to 20 years in prison after she testified against him.
But the case had an unusual postscript.
In 2008, Tarshia Williams, Talia’s biological mother, sued the Army in federal court for negligence and wrongful death.
Justice Department lawyers argued that the Army could not be held liable for child abuse on military bases. Protecting battered children, even on a base, was the job of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, not the Army, the government lawyers argued.
“The Army has no legal framework for taking custody or otherwise acting formally to protect abused children, and therefore explicitly relies on” state child protection agencies, the Justice Department claimed in court documents.
U.S. District Judge Alan C. Kay rejected the government’s motion to dismiss the case. The Justice Department settled with Talia’s mother last year for $2 million.
Police responding to gunfire at a mobile home near Ft. Bragg one night found a soldier in full military gear, waving an AR-15 assault rifle and trying to get a child to snort a powerful prescription tranquilizer.
Spc. Devin Havis and Samantha Bryant, his girlfriend, were abusing Klonopin and urging Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Brittany, “to engage in this drug use,” according to a police report from the October 2015 incident.
Officers found the girl hiding in a closet with her 17-month-old half-brother Rylan.
Police charged Havis and Bryant with child abuse and “fighting with firearms in the presence of minors.” Bryant was committed to a local hospital’s mental health ward for three days. The two children were placed in foster care at Ft. Bragg for their protection while military and civilian agencies investigated.But America’s largest Army base —  a heavily guarded enclave that is home to 238,000 soldiers and civilians — proved no refuge. 
On April 14, four months after a state judge returned the two children to their mother, Rylan drowned in a pond near the mobile home.
Bryant was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child neglect and is in Moore County jail awaiting trial. Havis — who was not prosecuted on the earlier charges — was kicked out of the Army with a general discharge, one level below an honorable discharge. 
Rylan’s death was one of at least five child fatalities or severe abuse and neglect cases at Ft. Bragg over the last 14 months.
Ft. Bragg officials declined to discuss the five cases, citing legal proceedings. But it’s clear, from court records and interviews, that the system failed toddler Rylan Ott.
His father, Spc. Corey Ott, had married Samantha Bryant in 2014, and their relationship was volatile.
“She liked to drink and party, and so did I, but when she drank, she got crazy,” Ott said in an interview.
They lived in a cramped apartment on Ft. Bragg after Rylan was born, and then moved to an on-base house. Bryant’s daughter, Brittany, came from Texas to live with them.
But after Ott began an eight-month deployment to the United Arab Emirates, Bryant moved to a mobile home off base with the two children. She also began seeing Havis, a military policeman.
“She got my boy and my truck and just took off,” Ott said. “I felt like I was losing my family.” 
When Ott returned in September 2015, Bryant refused to rejoin him. She showed him a new AR-15 rifle with a high-powered sight, saying she had bought it herself. Ott didn’t believe her, convinced that the weapon was proof she was seeing another soldier.
Bryant and Havis were arrested three weeks later for firing the AR-15 and sniffing Klonopin, an anti-seizure medication that is often abused, around her children. 
Sgt. Shane Mills and his wife, Amanda, whose daughters attended school with Brittany, agreed to act as foster parents while the Moore County child protective services agency investigated the case.
Rylan was “real quiet” and very thin when he arrived on Nov. 2, Amanda Mills recalled. After a month, he had become a  “sweet, smiling, laughing” little boy, she said.
The toddler’s mother was allowed to visit three times a week. But Bryant was so disruptive that the Mills asked authorities to halt the visits. After that, social workers drove the children to offices 25 miles away so Bryant could see them in supervised visits. 
On Dec. 17, 2015, after a daylong hearing, North Carolina District Judge Scott C. Etheridge ordered Rylan and Brittany returned to their mother. He cited a state law that calls for courts to seek family reunification whenever possible.
The Moore County social services department backed the ruling, noting that Bryant had finished a class on parenting.
The judge rebuffed pleas from the foster parents and from Pamela Reed, a court-appointed social worker who had urged him not to send the children back to their mother.
The judge also rejected Ott’s request for custody, ruling he hadn’t spent enough time with the boy — mostly due to his long overseas deployment — to be a good father.
“I left that courthouse in tears,” recalled Ott, who quit the Army the next day.
When child protection workers arrived to take Rylan and Brittany to their mother, Shane and Amanda Mills also broke into tears, fearing for the children’s safety, they said.
“When this thing goes south — not if, but when — you call me, day or night,” Shane Mills said he told the social workers. “I will be there to pick up these children.”
The Mills never got a call. They learned Rylan had drowned when Brittany posted a photo on Instagram last April of the smiling toddler in her lap.
“RIP. This little boy is my little brother and he was really a blessing,” she wrote. “I love you Rylan Ott … but [you’re] with God now.”
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-gabbard-s-talias-law-strengthen-protections-military-children,President Signs Gabbards Talia's Law to Strengthen Protections for Military Children,2016-12-27,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI—Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below after “Talia’s Law” was signed into law by President Obama:
“More than a decade after Talia Williams’s tragic death, there have been more than 29,000 cases of child abuse and neglect in military homes. Until now, the same gaps in the military’s reporting requirements that failed to protect Talia and so many other military children remained. Enactment of Talia’s Law closes these gaps by requiring the same protections that exist for any other child to also protect children in military families. While this cannot right the wrongs that failed to protect Talia, Talia’s Law honors her life by helping to get military children, and their families, the support and care they need and deserve,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. 
“My daughter went through so much pain and agony and I am so proud that Talia’s Law will prevent other kids from experiencing what my daughter went through. I am thankful and honored that my daughter’s legacy will live on through Talia’s Law, and I am grateful for everyone who played a part in getting her law passed, moving one step forward to saving a child’s life,” said Tarshia W. Hampton, Talia Williams’ mother who wrote the original concept of Talia’s Law. Tarshia brought the concept to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to introduce in Congress.
“Protection and early intervention can prevent situations like what Talia faced from happening again. By passing Talia’s Law, Child and Family Service (CFS) anticipates that all military personnel will become more empowered to follow all of the child welfare reporting mandates without fear of retaliation from their command, that child abuse and neglect will no longer be underreported, and that reporting will no longer be discouraged by the military’s chain of command,” said Amanda Pump, Program Administrator for Child & Family Service.
“Talia’s Law will create a further safety net to prevent a child from going through what happened to Talia. An issue of child abuse or neglect that goes unreported or underreported is a failure to allow for a child’s right to safety and a healthy childhood. Abuse of any household member is simply unacceptable. Talia’s Law will enforce early identification and response which is critical to the protection from further abuse. Thank you Congresswoman Gabbard for standing up for our children to assure that their safety and their basic needs are preserved,” said Ryan Kusumoto, President/CEO of Parents And Children Together.
Background: In 2005, five year old Talia Williams was beaten to death by her father, who was a soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaiʻi. Leading up to her death, Talia suffered months of abuse from her father and stepmother. Despite multiple reports made to military officers, the case stayed within the military’s chain of command, and nothing was done to take Talia out of harm’s way.
Outside of the military, mandated reporters (generally, professionals that come into contact with children such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and others) are required to report any suspected cases of child abuse and neglect directly to State Child Protective Services. However, the military’s reporting requirements do not currently require the same direct reporting requirements to state authorities.
To close the communications gap that may exist between mandated reporters and those who may report to the State on their behalf, Talia’s Law:
 Requires servicemembers and their dependents to immediately report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect to their installation Family Advocacy Program Office. These offices are tasked with the prevention, education, intervention, and investigation of spouse and child abuse.
	Additionally requires servicemembers and their dependents to report any known or suspected child abuse directly to State Child Protective Services, or another appropriate state agency.
 In February, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Talia’s Law (H.R. 3894), introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono worked to include Talia’s Law in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was signed into law by President Obama on December 23.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-presidents-visit-to-pearl-harbor-strengthens-us-japan-alliance,Hirono: President’s Visit to Pearl Harbor Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance,2016-12-27,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono: President’s Visit to Pearl Harbor Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, December 27, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono attended joint remarks by President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe marking their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
“President Obama and Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Pearl Harbor is a testament to reconciliation and a continued, strong alliance between our two countries,” said Senator Hirono. “In the years ahead, the U.S-Japan alliance will remain a cornerstone in our unwavering commitment to promote stability and stronger economic partnerships with our Indo-Asia-Pacific partners.
Senator Hirono was accompanied by World War II veteran Dr. Yoshinobu Oshiro of Pearl City. Dr. Oshiro served in the Military Intelligence Service and later was the Senator’s sixth grade teacher.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/op-ed-gabbard-right-oppose-extremists-fighting-syrian-governm,Op-Ed: Gabbard right to oppose extremists fighting Syrian government,2016-12-26,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"By Salah Zakkour
As Syrians, we stand with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to end the war in Syria, and support her “Stop Arming Terrorists” bill (HR 6504) as the most effective way to bring an end to five years of suffering and bloodshed in our country.
Some claim that efforts to stop arming the “rebel” forces fighting to overthrow the Syrian government undermines the Syrian people’s struggle for democracy and reform. They incorrectly believe that the rebels fighting against the Syrian government today are the same people who were peacefully protesting in 2011. In reality, the “rebels” in Syria today have been overtaken by Salafist extremists who are aligned with the likes of al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups.
It’s easy to oversimplify the situation in Syria because of misinformation, propaganda, and a lack of understanding of Syria’s history and culture. While there were peaceful demands for reforms within Syria’s political system in 2011 — more freedom for political parties and the press, and removal of the state of emergency that had limited democratic freedoms — this peaceful reform movement was quickly hijacked by armed extremists, who came under the control of Muslim Brotherhood, al-Qaeda and other Salafist groups.
The nonviolent opposition resisted all forms of external intervention and violence and called for “a democratic national regime,” through “peaceful” and “gradual” change. But it was the violence of those sectarian extremists that forced the nonviolent protestors off the streets.
This is the reality of the Syria conflict: On the one hand we have extremists, supported by foreign fighters and terrorists from over 100 countries trying to overthrow the elected government of Syria, and on the other hand, we have the Syrian government and army who are defending Syria, with many innocent civilians caught in between. If Syrian President Bashar Assad is removed from power, the nonviolent opposition, religious minorities, and others will be wiped out as Syria will be taken over by the strongest fighting force on the ground — extremists led by groups like al-Qaeda.
Imagine what would happen to the people of Syria if these violent extremists, who have been carrying out some of the most brutal and disgusting acts against innocent civilians, took over our country. We only have to look at the chaos, devastation and terror in Libya or Iraq to see what will happen to Syria if they are successful.
These terrorist and extremist organizations who make up the “rebel forces” would not have lasted long without support from the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey and others. That is why Gabbard’s “Stop Arming Terrorists” bill is so important to our struggle in Syria. This bill neither supports Assad nor does it ignore the democratic rights of the Syria people. It simply prohibits U.S. government direct and indirect support for terrorist groups like Jabhat Fateh al-Sham or Ahrar al-Sham, and aims to put an end to a war that has led to the death of hundreds of thousands of Syrian people, resulted in the displacement of millions, and destroyed our country’s infrastructure. It will give the people of Syria the peace we need to decide for ourselves the future of Syria.
As Syrians and Syrian-Americans, we wholeheartedly support Congresswoman Gabbard’s courageous work. Furthermore, we do not object to robust screening of immigrants from regions beset by terrorism. Far from treating us as a “threat,” Gabbard has shown utmost concern and respect for our community, the Syrian people and for all new Americans, which is why so many Syrians at home and in the U.S. support her tireless efforts to bring peace to Syria.
 
Salah Zakkour is a Sunni Muslim Syrian-American from Aleppo who now works in Ohio. This was co-signed by fellow Syrians and Syrian-Americans: Rami Muamar • Micheile Muamar • Immanuel Kaplo • Hannah Youssef • Nabil Kaplo • Bairt Alkass • Malk Kouki • Ghazoah Hanna • Zane Alabdine Zakkour • Anne Zakkour • Fahed Zakkour • Nahla Zakkour • Saleh Zakkour • Khaled Baram • Afif Ghalwanji • Nadeem Habbal • Simon Khoury • Shawqia Adboudan • Geneivra Scott • Mamoun Alabbassi • Amen Tomeh • Rana Kouki • Mario Tomeh • Georgio Tomeh • Emanuel Wasouf • Tigram Hanonick • Lena Obied • Jamil Ibrahim • Talal Bitar • Mike Matook • Basal Rahal • Silva Barsoum",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/department-defense-announces-30m-modified-contract-award-f-22,DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ANNOUNCES $30m MODIFIED CONTRACT AWARD FOR F-22 MAINTENANCE,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, December 22, 2016, the Department of Defense announced that Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. has been awarded a $30,602,218 modification to a previously awarded contract for F-22 sustainment. Lockheed Martin will use the funding to support the F-22 Reliability and Maintainability Maturation Program. Honolulu’s Hickam Air Force Base was named as one of ten work sites around the nation, with work expected to be complete by the end of 2020. 
 
Congresswoman Hanabusa: I am very pleased by the announcement of significant additional funding for F-22 sustainment at Hickam Air Force Base. Our F-22 Raptors are a key component of the 21st century Air Force and are instrumental to protecting the skies over the Pacific. This additional support will improve our military readiness and make sure our airmen have the resources they need to carry out the crucial work of defending our state and our nation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-federal-funds-to-help-homeless-veterans,Hawaii to Receive Federal Funds to Help Homeless Veterans,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii to Receive Federal Funds to Help Homeless Veterans 
				
					 Funding Will Support 20 Homeless Veterans and Their Families 
				
			
			
				Thursday, December 22, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded $189,098 to the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority to provide affordable housing for an additional 20 homeless veterans and their families in Hawai‘i.
“We have a fundamental moral obligation to help house those who have served our country in uniform,” said Senator Schatz. “This funding will help struggling veterans secure reliable housing and give them access to vital clinical and counseling services. While we still have a long way to go toward solving the crisis of veteran homelessness, these grants will help us get closer to reaching that goal.”As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Schatz has continuously supported funding for the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, homeless assistance grants, and other affordable housing programs.This funding will support up to 20 homeless and vulnerable veterans and their families gain access to affordable rental housing units through the private market.The HUD-VASH funding announced today is in addition to a $1.25 million allotment received by the state in May, and a $330,960 allotment received in November. The combined $1.77 million in HUD-VASH funding is supporting more than 160 housing vouchers to help homeless veterans offset the cost of rental housing as well as provide them with counseling services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-ilwu-petition-to-us-department-of-labor,Schatz Statement on ILWU Petition to U.S. Department of Labor,2016-12-22,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on ILWU Petition to U.S. Department of Labor 
				
			
			
				Thursday, December 22, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) approving the International Longshore and Warehouse Union’s (ILWU) petition requesting adjustment assistance for bulk sugar workers as a result of the closing of HC&S:
“Truckers that hauled bulk sugar were directly and severely impacted by the closing of HC&S, and I’m very glad the Department of Labor approved the ILWU’s petition for assistance. Federal funding from the USDOL will help displaced workers make ends meet and provide opportunities to gain new skills and find new jobs. Losing a job can have a devastating impact on families and this funding will be able to provide some relief.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-welcomes-first-hawaiian-airlines-flight-from-haneda-to-kona,Hirono welcomes first Hawaiian Airlines flight from Haneda to Kona,2016-12-21,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono welcomes first Hawaiian Airlines flight from Haneda to Kona
				
			
			
			
				Wednesday, December 21, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono welcomed visitors from Hawaiian Airlines’ inaugural flight on its new direct route from Haneda Aiport in Tokyo to Kona International Airport.
“Today’s flight is the culmination of years of effort to reestablish international flights outside of North America to Kona, which is important for the Hawaii Island economy” said Senator Hirono. “The visitors we welcomed today will only be the first to experience our unique culture and everything that makes Hawaii a special place.”
Senator Hirono wrote to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to urge him to approve Hawaiian Airlines’ application for the direct route. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved Hawaiian Airlines’ application on May 13, 2016.
Senator Hirono also toured the new Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at Kona International Airport, which will process international visitors who fly directly to and from Kona. After the FIS facility closed in 2010, Senator Hirono worked with federal, state, and County officials, and community and business leaders to reestablish the facility.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-to-receive-more-than-11-million-to-help-the-homeless,Hawaii to Receive More Than $11 Million to Help the Homeless,2016-12-20,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii to Receive More Than $11 Million to Help the Homeless 
				
			
			
				Tuesday, December 20, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that Hawai‘i will receive 45 Continuum of Care (CoC) grants for 10 state, local and non-profit agencies totaling $11,519,682 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for fiscal year 2016.
“Homelessness is an urgent problem, and these funds will help homeless individuals and families get back on their feet and find a place to live,” said Senator Schatz. “As we work to address homelessness in Hawai‘i, I will continue to work with officials at HUD and elsewhere to make sure we receive our fair share of federal funding.”  
The state received an increase of nearly $150,000 in CoC grants in FY2016 compared to last year.  The CoC Program promotes planning and strategic use of federal resources to address homelessness in communities across the country. CoC grants support non-profits, as well as state and local governments in rehousing homeless individuals and families, and support self-sufficiency among homeless individuals and families.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-to-serve-on-judiciary-committee-continue-fighting-for-hawaii-priorities-in-united-states-senate,"Hirono to serve on Judiciary Committee, continue fighting for Hawaii priorities in United States Senate",2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono to serve on Judiciary Committee, continue fighting for Hawaii priorities in United States Senate
				
					Will also sit on Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Veterans’ Affairs
				
			
			
			
				Monday, December 19, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that she will return to serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee – which will be instrumental in defending civil rights, vetting a Trump administration’s Supreme Court nominees, and standing up for immigrant communities – in the 115th Congress.
Senator Hirono will also continue to serve on the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Energy and Natural Resources, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Veterans’ Affairs.
“The Senate Judiciary Committee will be on the front lines of fighting to protect Hawaii from the incoming Trump administration’s proposals that erode civil rights and target immigrants,” said Senator Hirono. “I look forward to continuing to advance Hawaii priorities on committees that are vital to our national security, growing Hawaii’s economy, and protecting the environment.”
Senator Hirono laid out the following priorities for her committees in the upcoming Congress:
Senate Armed Services Committee: Senator Hirono will continue to advocate for Hawaii’s interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, setting strong parameters about the use of our military, and advocating for military families.
As a member of the Armed Services Committee this year, Senator Hirono successfully included several Hawaii-focused provisions in this year’s defense authorization.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee: Senator Hirono will fight against policies that move our nation away from sustainable, clean energy sources, support research and development into the next generation of clean energy systems and sources, and ensure that Hawaii’s entrepreneurs and workforce can take advantage of advances in clean energy.
As a Committee member this year, Senator Hirono held a field hearing on strengthening Hawaii’s water security.
Senate Judiciary Committee: As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Hirono will defend voting and civil rights, vet the President-elect’s pick for the Supreme Court, and protect immigrant communities and DREAMers.
Senator Hirono previously served on the Judiciary Committee in the 113th Congress, where she was a key author of the Senate’s 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill.
Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee: Senator Hirono will continue to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and minorities, and make sure Hawaii businesses have a fair shot at federal opportunities.
As a member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, Senator Hirono held a field hearing on Maui to examine how to boost women and minority participation in STEM careers.
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee: Senator Hirono will continue her work expanding access to earned benefits, improving care for all veterans, and ensuring a smooth transition from active duty for veterans and their families.
As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Hirono passed legislation that equalizes paid leave for veterans who work for the Transportation Security Administration and Federal Aviation Administration, and improves access to health care and benefits for veterans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-appointed-to-banking-housing-and-urban-affairs-committee,"Schatz Appointed To Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs Committee",2016-12-19,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Appointed To Banking, Housing, And Urban Affairs Committee 
				
					 Senator to Continue on Appropriations, Commerce, Indian Affairs, and Ethics Committees 
				
			
			
				Monday, December 19, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU – Today, the Senate Democratic Steering Committee ratified committee assignments for the 115th Congress and announced that U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) will join the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Schatz will also continue to serve on the Senate committees on Appropriations; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Indian Affairs; and Ethics.

“This post is an important one because the Committee oversees federal housing and transit agencies, putting me in a better position to leverage federal resources to support Hawai‘i’s unique housing needs and advocate for local transit strategies in Honolulu and across the state.

“Combining this new role with my position on the Appropriations Committee will allow me to help create domestic policies and annual spending plans for each of the critical federal housing, transportation, and finance programs.

“This Committee also has broad jurisdiction over banks and the financial system and oversees international economic sanctions and export controls, which play an important role in U.S. foreign policy.  As a member, I plan to focus on improving policies that protect consumers from predatory financial products and services, and will work to make sure we provide effective oversight over the banking industry and prevent another financial crisis.

“This assignment is an honor, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee in the next Congress.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/garden-island-wwii-filipino-vet-receive-highest-civilian-award,Garden Island: WWII Filipino vet to receive highest civilian award,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Originally published in the Garden Island:https://thegardenisland.com/news/local/military/wwii-filipino-vet-to-receive-highest-civilian-award/article_15de57c0-8c5c-5549-9e1a-386100087ae7.html
 
	WWII Filipino vet to receive highest civilian award 
The islands last surviving Filipino World War II veteran will soon receive the nations highest civilian honor.
The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama Thursday, awarding Kauai resident and World War II veteran Sixto Tabay the medal.
Tabay is the last surviving Filipino veteran on Kauai  out of 13  who served on the 12th Infantry Division, a group of 10,473 Filipinos enlisted from the Philippines to fight for the United States.
Though the war ended in 1945, Tabay is considered a World War II veteran because he is among the Filipino veterans recruited to serve.
Im very thankful for my services in the United States Army, said Tabay in a previous TGI interview. The veteran served from 1946 to 1949 as a small arms repairman.
He is among the 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans alive today who will be with the countrys highest civilian award.
The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service. By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed, said Sen. Mazie Hirono, who along with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the bill.
After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award  a historic bill which President Obama signed into law, said Maj. General Antonio Taguba (Retired), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project.
History has been made as President Obama signs into law our bill to honor the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II, Gabbard said in a release. These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war. This recognition is a testament to each and every one of our Filipino World War II veterans who earned and deserve their place amongst our greatest generation.
The Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, awards the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelts call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II.
Hirono and Gabbard will work together with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project to organize Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-announces-11-million-for-hawaii-to-fight-zika-virus,Hirono announces $1.1 million for Hawaii to fight Zika virus,2016-12-16,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono announces $1.1 million for Hawaii to fight Zika virus
				
			
			
			
				Friday, December 16, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive $1.1 million in Centers for Disease Control funding to fight the Zika virus. The funding will bolster Hawaii’s lab testing capacity as well as a variety of education, and vector control measures.
“Hawaii needs to be vigilant against the continued threat posed by Zika, and this funding increases the Hawaii Department of Health’s capacity to prevent and respond to a potential Zika outbreak,” said Senator Hirono.
“We are grateful for the continued support provided to Hawaii by Congress and CDC to improve the Hawaii Department of Health’s capacity to protect our local communities by expanding Zika-related preparedness and response activities,” said Keith Kawaoka, Deputy Director of Environmental Health. “With the high volume of travel and warm weather we experience in Hawaii year-round, growing our Vector Control detection and response capabilities is crucial to preventing potential mosquito-borne disease outbreaks statewide.”
“These funds will allow us to support and enhance key Zika-related department programs to safeguard our state’s public health in the long run. In addition to building a greater capacity for disease investigation and laboratory testing, we’ll also be better able to support the mothers and babies who have been impacted by the effects of Zika,” said Dr. Sarah Park, Hawaii State Epidemiologist.
The grants were funded through emergency supplemental funding that Senator Hirono supported, and Congress approved, in September. Earlier this year, Senator Hirono met with Governor David Ige, Hawaii Director of Health Dr. Virginia Pressler, and top Hawaii public health experts to raise awareness of the threat Zika poses to Hawaii families.
Hawaii will receive federal Centers for Disease Control funding from three programs:
 
Zika Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Activities ($919,149) – This program supports vector control programs, strengthens laboratory capacity, and bolsters participation in the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry to monitor pregnant women with Zika and their infants.
Public Health Preparedness and Response Activities ($58,603) – This funding is awarded to communities at high risk for Zika outbreaks, and can be used to rapidly respond to a Zika outbreak, and to strengthen coordination between government and non-government first responders.
Zika Birth Defects Surveillance Activities ($200,000) – This program establishes systems to rapidly detect microcephaly–a serious birth defect directly linked to Zika– and other adverse outcomes potentially related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/hawaii-news-now-president-obama-signs-law-recognize-wwii-filipino-vets,Hawaii News Now: President Obama signs law to recognize WWII Filipino vets,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Originally published by Hawaii News Now:https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/34068451/wwii-filipino-vets-to-be-recognized-with-congressional-gold-medal-under-new-law
 
	President Obama signs law to recognize WWII Filipino vets 
The president has signed into law a measure that will award Filipino veterans of World War II the Congressional Gold Medal.
The measure was sponsored by U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii).
Hawaii's congressional leaders have been pushing for the measure to recognize the approximately 18,000 Filipino WWII veterans still alive in the U.S., as most of them are in their 90s.
The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service,"" Hirono said, in a news release. ""By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed.""
Gabbard said, ""These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war. It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service.""
Hirono and Gabbard said they'd work with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project to organize Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-gabbard-bill-award-filipino-veterans-congressional-gold-medal-signed-law,Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Signed into Law,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Barack Obama signed into law today the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act introduced by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard.
“The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service. By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans’ courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed,” said Senator Hirono. “This day is only possible thanks to the commitment of veterans, families, and advocates in Hawaii and across the country who worked tirelessly to see this effort through Congress. While this recognition is long overdue, the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice that these veterans made for our country.”
“Today, history has been made as President Obama signs into law our bill to honor the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II,” said Representative Tulsi Gabbard. “These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war.  It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service. Though less than 18,000 of our Filipino WWII veterans are still alive today, this recognition is a testament to each and every one of our Filipino WWII veterans who earned and deserve their place amongst our greatest generation. To our Filipino veterans, their families, and all who worked so hard to make today a reality, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”
“After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award - a historic bill which President Obama signed into law today. With deep gratitude, our nation has now come to fully recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave heroes who fought valiantly under the American flag,” said Major General Antonio Taguba (Retired), Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project.
“Today we celebrate the final step in the long-awaited process to award Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. We thank President Obama for signing this legislation to award our heroes with the highest civilian honor and reiterate our gratitude to our champions in Congress--especially Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard--and advocates such as the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project and NaFFAA, for making sure the legacy of Filipino World War II veterans is never forgotten,” said National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) National Director Christopher Kang.
S. 1555, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, awards the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II.
Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard will work together with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project to organize Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-gabbard-bill-to-award-filipino-veterans-congressional-gold-medal-signed-into-law,Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Signed into Law,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Signed into Law
				
			
			
			
				Thursday, December 15, 2016
			
			
	
			
			President Barack Obama signed into law today the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act introduced by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard.
“The Filipino veterans of World War II overcame many challenges in their fight for compensation, family reunification, and verification of wartime service. By signing our bill into law, President Obama recognized these veterans’ courage and perseverance, both during the war and in the decades of battles for benefits that followed,” said Senator Hirono. “This day is only possible thanks to the commitment of veterans, families, and advocates in Hawaii and across the country who worked tirelessly to see this effort through Congress. While this recognition is long overdue, the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to the sacrifice that these veterans made for our country.”
“Today, history has been made as President Obama signs into law our bill to honor the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II,” said Representative Gabbard. “These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, with many giving up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war.  It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service. Though less than 18,000 of our Filipino WWII veterans are still alive today, this recognition is a testament to each and every one of our Filipino WWII veterans who earned and deserve their place amongst our greatest generation. To our Filipino veterans, their families, and all who worked so hard to make today a reality, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”
“After enduring 75 years of injustice and humiliation, our Filipino World War II veterans regained their honor and dignity when Congress passed the Congressional Gold Medal Award - a historic bill which President Obama signed into law today. With deep gratitude, our nation has now come to fully recognize the service and sacrifice of our brave heroes who fought valiantly under the American flag,” said Major General Antonio Taguba (Retired), Chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project.
“Today we celebrate the final step in the long-awaited process to award Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. We thank President Obama for signing this legislation to award our heroes with the highest civilian honor and reiterate our gratitude to our champions in Congress--especially Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard--and advocates such as the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project and NaFFAA, for making sure the legacy of Filipino World War II veterans is never forgotten,” said National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) National Director Christopher Kang.
S. 1555, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, awards the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II.
Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard will work together with the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project to organize Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/president-obama-signs-schatz-hatch-tele-training-bill-into-law,President Obama Signs Schatz-Hatch Tele-Training Bill Into Law,2016-12-15,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"President Obama Signs Schatz-Hatch Tele-Training Bill Into Law 
				
					 Bipartisan Law Will Improve Health Care in Rural Areas 
				
			
			
				Thursday, December 15, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU - President Barack Obama signed into law the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). This law will increase access to high-quality health care in hard-to-reach regions.
“Technology has the potential to transform the way we train doctors and deliver health care,” said Senator Schatz. “This law will help connect primary care providers in underserved areas with specialists at academic hubs, making it easier for medical professionals to access the continuing education they need to provide high-quality health care to more people.”
Although nearly one-fourth of the population lives in rural areas, only about 10 percent of physicians practice in these hard-to-reach regions. People living in rural areas have higher rates of some chronic diseases and many face high transportation costs when they need to visit a doctor.
The ECHO model is an innovative continuing medical education program that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural and underserved areas. Together, they participate in weekly tele-clinics that combine teaching with mentoring and case-based learning. The ECHO Act aims to better integrate this model into health systems across the country, improving training for doctors and health care quality for patients. 
To learn more about the ECHO Act, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hawaii-island-receives-federal-funding-for-buses-that-reduce-toxic-pollutants,Hawaii Island receives federal funding for buses that reduce toxic pollutants,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii Island receives federal funding for buses that reduce toxic pollutants
				
			
			
			
				Wednesday, December 14, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Health will receive nearly $200,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace two diesel-powered buses on Hawaii Island with lower-emission buses. The new buses, part of Hawaii County’s Hele-On bus service, will reduce toxic pollutants released by diesel exhaust.
“Hawaii County’s Hele-On Bus provides an important means of transportation for residents and visitors across the island and these new buses with up-to-date emissions technology will result in cleaner air for Hawaii County and a positive impact on our climate,” said Senator Hirono, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“Hawaii County is grateful and appreciative of being a recipient of this grant from the EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program,” said Tiffany Kai, County of Hawaii Mass Transit Administrator. “The replacement buses will allow Hawaii County’s Mass Transit Agency to improve efficiency while reducing emission and increasing the lifetime of our buses. We are fortunate to be a part of this project as it will allow our county to lead by example in our ongoing effort to sustain a clean and healthy environment. We would also like to thank Senator Hirono for her tireless work in securing this grant on behalf of our island community.”
The two buses will be purchased with a combination Hawaii County funding and funding from the EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program. The project will reduce emissions of fine particulate matter by 1.1 tons, smog-forming nitrogen oxides by 16.6 tons and carbon monoxide by 4.7 tons over the lifetime of the buses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/an-open-letter-to-the-federal-employees-of-america,An Open Letter to the Federal Employees of America,2016-12-14,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Wednesday, December 14, 2016
            
                 An Open Letter to the Federal Employees of America 

                




    By: 
    Sen. Brian Schatz






        
                Wednesday, December 14, 2016
            
           


            
	

            
            Dear Federal Employees of America:
The end of 2016 is rapidly approaching. As you prepare to take time off to go home for the holidays and spend time with your families, many of you may be concerned about what lies ahead. You may be struggling with professional decisions like whether you should retire early or leave the public sector. So there is something I want to say to all federal workers: Your contributions are essential to our nation, and I’ve got your back.
We’ve all been hearing statements by politicians in the halls of Congress, in the news, and even on Twitter threatening to gut the federal workforce, cut earned benefits, reduce paychecks, make it easier to fire people at will, and other destructive and misguided actions. To you, as federal employees, these statements must be particularly hurtful. But I want to assure all federal workers that you’ve got allies in Congress and around the country ready to fight for you.
Eighty-five per cent of federal workers live and work outside of the D.C. area. You live and work in small towns, in urban centers, and around the country. You protect our borders, maintain our parks, and care for our veterans. The federal workforce represents the diversity of our country. You do crucial work for our government and for the American people.
In many places, the federal government is the main employer—and those jobs are vital to the local economy. The next administration should understand the importance of federal workers. Our federal workforce must not be used for purposes of partisan rhetoric and political games.
I want to let all federal workers know that we will continue to work in the Senate to fight efforts to undermine you and the work that you do. Our laws that protect workers have not changed and neither has our obligation to you. We will look for opportunities to improve the federal workplace and strengthen the federal workforce. So keep up the great work across America. 
Thank you for all that you do for our country. I wish you all a happy holiday season and the best in the new year.
Sincerely,
Brian Schatz
To read this post on Medium, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-hawai-i-receive-31-million-fight-invasive-species,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Hawaii to Receive $3.1 Million to Fight Invasive Species,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI—Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) announced today that Hawaiʻi will receive $3.1 million to fight invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, coffee berry borer, Rapid Ohia Death, and fruit flies. The funding, allocated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in accordance with Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill, is part of 513 projects supported nationwide that aim to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture and the environment, as well as ensure the availability of a healthy supply of clean plant stock. 
“In Hawaiʻi, invasive species like the coffee berry borer, fruit fly, and macadamia felted coccid have cost our farmers millions, and put hundreds of farms, thousands of local workers, and our agriculture industry at great risk,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “We need to provide more support to our farmers who contribute so much to our community and our economy.  This funding will provide Hawaiʻi with critical resources to combat these invasive pests.”
""The University of Hawaiʻi is very pleased to hear that a new project has been funded through USDA-APHIS on the management of the coffee berry borer in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico,” said Ray Carruthers, Specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. “The main thrust of this effect will be to coordinate control efforts with on-going Federal, State and local projects on CBB management, along with the additional development of new insect biological control technologies. We feel that developing, testing and the eventual use of insect parasitoids will be a key for long-term sustainable management of the CBB in both Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico.""
Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Areawide Integrated Pest Management (AIPM) Act (H.R.3893) and the Macadamia Tree Health Initiative (H.R.6249) in the 114th Congress to fight invasive species in Hawaiʻi and across the United States, and to fund critical research for invasive species like the macadamia felted coccid. In August, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard conducted an agriculture tour on Hawaiʻi Island where she met with local agriculture professionals and researchers about invasive species in Hawaiʻi.  
Today’s announcement includes the following funding for projects in Hawaiʻi:
 $87,771 for emerging diseases, viral spillover, and the risk to agricultural pollinators (Academia)
	$265,811 for the USDA Compendium of Fruit Fly Host Information (CoFFHI) (Academia)
	$27,600 for the National Survey of Honey Bee Pests and Diseases in Hawaiʻi (State Government)
	$148,000 for the Palm Commodity Survey (Academia)
	$165,500 for Hawaiʻi Pre-Clearance X-ray Support (APHIS)
	$260,000 for Genomic approaches to fruit fly exclusion and pathway analysis (year 3) (Academia)
	$303,000 for Genomic approaches to fruit fly exclusion and pathway analysis (year 3) (Non-APHIS-Federal)
	$42,090 for Little Fire Ant Education for Nursery Supply Stores (Academia)
	$40,995 for Integrated and Sustainable Approach to Manage New Invasive Pests of Ficus Trees in Hawaiʻi's Urban Landscapes - Year 2 (Academia)
	$41,000 for Activators and Attractants for Giant African Snail (Academia)
	$120,000 for Response to Rapid Ohia Death, a disease threatening forests (State Government)
	$125,000 for Systems approach for the management of coffee berry borer in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico with emphasis on biological control (Academia)
	$100,000 for Systems approach for the management of coffee berry borer in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico with emphasis on biological control (State Government)
	$115,000 for Systems approach for the management of coffee berry borer in Hawaiʻi and Puerto Rico with emphasis on biological control (Non-APHIS-Federal)
	$975,000 for Response to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Hawaiʻi (Academia)
	$250,000 for Response to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle in Hawaiʻi (State Government)
  
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-the-american-people-deserve-to-know-the-full-extent-of-russian-interference-in-2016-election,Hirono: The American people deserve to know the full extent of Russian interference in 2016 election,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono: The American people deserve to know the full extent of Russian interference in 2016 election
				
					2016 election Joins call for bipartisan, independent inquiry into Russian interference, leads call for President Obama to declassify relevant intelligence
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, December 13, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono – a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence – expressed her support for an independent, bipartisan, Congressional inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 election and raised six important questions this review should answer.
“The Intelligence Community’s assessment that Russia intended to interfere in the 2016 U.S. election is deeply disturbing,” said Senator Hirono. “Last month I joined my colleagues on the Senate Intelligence Committee in writing a letter to urge President Obama to de-classify information about Russian interference. The American people deserve to know as much as possible about Russia’s attacks on our democratic institutions. This is something he can and should do quickly.
“President Obama recently asked the Intelligence Community to provide an assessment before he leaves office. This is an important and positive step.
“I also support an independent, bipartisan, Congressional inquiry into this matter. This review should focus on answering, among others, the following core questions:
 
To what extent were computer systems at U.S. national party committees compromised?
To what extent was information stolen from those computer systems disclosed?
Was information leaked from both political party organizations equally – and if not, why not?
Did staff members of the presidential campaigns have any contact with Russian officials or Wikileaks during the campaign?
To what degree are Russian President Vladimir Putin or other high-ranking officials personally involved in directing these Russian activities?
How do we prevent Russia from interfering in future U.S. elections?”
 
Last month, Senator Hirono sent a letter to President Obama calling on him to declassify any and all intelligence pertaining to Russian interference in the 2016 election.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-sullivan-markey-international-fisheries-bill,Senate Passes Schatz-Sullivan-Markey International Fisheries Bill,2016-12-13,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Schatz-Sullivan-Markey International Fisheries Bill 
				
					 Bipartisan Legislation Will Implement Pacific and Atlantic Fisheries Treaties 
				
			
			
				Wednesday, May 18, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed S.1335, the Ensuring Access to Fisheries Act. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), will implement treaties ratified by the Senate last year to better manage certain fisheries in the North and South Pacific and the North Atlantic.“I thank Senator Sullivan and Senator Markey for their work to bring our oceans into international conservation and management,” said Senator Schatz.  “With the parts of this legislation that Senator Sullivan and I drafted, we have brought the remaining Pacific fisheries under international management.  Our legislation gives the U.S. an opportunity to ensure that our oceans are managed sustainably now and for the future.”“The Ensuring Access to Fisheries Act will rightfully give the United States a voice and assert our influence in both the fisheries management and conservation decisions in high seas areas of the Pacific Ocean covered by these treaties,” said Senator Sullivan.  “Doing so will provide opportunities for our fishermen in the future, and help to protect their current activities for generations to come.”“Fish do not follow political boundary lines on a map,” said Senator Markey. “International cooperation is essential to ensure healthy fishery resources in the North Atlantic and across the globe. I thank Senators Schatz and Sullivan for their partnership on this effort and look forward to getting this legislation signed by the President.” Together with other existing treaties S.1335 would bring all high seas fisheries in the Pacific Ocean under international management bodies to ensure access for U.S. fishermen, and responsible management of ocean resources. The bill will also implement updates to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention to better manage international North Atlantic fisheries. To streamline consideration, Senators Markey and Schatz combined their fisheries legislation—S. 1251, the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Amendments Act, and S. S. 1336, the South Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation Act.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-schatz-sasse-data-transparency-legislation,Senate Passes Schatz-Sasse Data Transparency Legislation,2016-12-12,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Schatz-Sasse Data Transparency Legislation 
				
			
			
				Monday, December 12, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Open, Public, Electronic and Necessary (OPEN) Government Data Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Ben Sasse (R-Neb.). The bipartisan bill will require public data to be accessible at Data.gov so individuals, organizations, and other government offices can utilize it.“Public information belongs to the public, and it’s the government’s job to make sure that data is available and easily accessible in today’s ever-changing digital world,” said Senator Schatz. “I thank Senator Sasse for working with me to get this through the Senate, and I look forward to continuing our work in the next Congress.” “I'm proud to work across the aisle with Senator Schatz to bring a 21st century solution to this city's antiquated, 20th century approach to data,” said Senator Sasse. “Because transparency keeps Washington accountable to the people, government data should be made public unless an administration makes a compelling reason not to. After passing the Senate with bipartisan support, we have momentum to carry this important work into the new year.” The OPEN Government Data Act will require, by default, the data included at Data.gov to be machine-readable format to make it accessible to anyone and easily searchable. It also protects privacy and national security information when making federal government data available to the public while requiring federal agencies use it to improve decision-making.“The passage of the OPEN Government Data Act marks another milestone in the open data movement,” said Hudson Hollister, Executive Director of the Data Coalition. “This bill builds on open data reforms such as the DATA Act. Our Coalition and the emerging open data industry thank Senators Sasse and Schatz for their leadership.”Supporters of the legislation include: the Sunlight Foundation, the Data Coalition, Center for Data Innovation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Taxpayers for Common Sense, and BSA/The Software Alliance.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-stands-up-for-american-workers,Hirono stands up for American workers,2016-12-10,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono stands up for American workers
				
					Votes to prevent cuts to health care for coal miners and widows
				
			
			
			
				Saturday, December 10, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined with 36 Senators – including Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Harry Reid (D-NV), and Brian Schatz (D-HI) – and voted to stand up for middle class workers after Congressional Republicans moved to deny thousands of mine workers and widows the health care they earned.
After the vote, Senator Hirono released the following statement:
“The working people in our country need to know who’s on their side. Workers in this country are getting screwed every single second, minute, and hour of the day. I’m taking a stand on this bill to stand with them.
“This fight is not just about coal miners. It’s about all working people. Today, it’s the coal miners. Tomorrow, it will be federal workers and other labor unions.
“I opposed this bill to send a message to Congressional Republicans and President-elect Trump. I will resist every attempt they make to weaken unions or to deny working people the benefits they’ve earned.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/talia-s-law-heads-president-s-desk,Talias Law Heads to the Presidents Desk,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below after Talia's Law passed the U.S. Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation now heads to the President for his signature.  
	  
	More than a decade after Talia Williams's tragic death in 2005, there have been more than 29,000 cases of child abuse and neglect in military homes. Yet the same gaps in the military's reporting requirements that failed to protect Talia and so many other military children remain unchanged. Today, in memory of Talia, the United States Congress passed my legislation to close these reporting gaps and better protect thousands of children in military families. While this cannot right the wrongs that failed to protect Talia, this action honors her life by making long-overdue changes to get military children, and their families, the support and care they need and deserve, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.   
	  
	I am happy and thrilled my daughter's law has been passed by Congress and is headed to the White House. My daughter went through so much pain and agony and I am so proud that Talia's Law will prevent other kids from experiencing what my daughter went through. I am thankful and honored that my daughter's legacy will live on through Talia's Law, and I am grateful for everyone who played a part in getting her law passed, moving one step forward to saving a child's life, said Tarshia W. Hampton, Talia Williams' mother who wrote the original concept of Talia's Law. Tarshia brought the concept to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to introduce in Congress. Protection and early intervention can prevent situations like what Talia faced from happening again. By passing Talia's Law, Child and Family Service (CFS) anticipates that all military personnel will become more empowered to follow all of the child welfare reporting mandates without fear of retaliation from their command, that child abuse and neglect will no longer be underreported, and that reporting will no longer be discouraged by the military's chain of command, said Amanda Pump, Program Administrator for Child & Family Service.  
	  
	The passing of Talia's Law will create a further safety net to prevent a child from going through what happened to Talia. An issue of child abuse or neglect that goes unreported or underreported is a failure to allow for a child's right to safety and a healthy childhood. Abuse of any household member is simply unacceptable. Talia's Law will enforce early identification and response which is critical to the protection from further abuse. Thank you Congresswoman Gabbard for standing up for our children to assure that their safety and their basic needs are preserved, said Ryan Kusumoto, President/CEO of Parents And Children Together.  
	  Background: In 2005, five year old Talia Williams was beaten to death by her father, who was a soldier stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. Leading up to her death, Talia suffered months of abuse from her father and stepmother. Despite multiple reports made to military officers, the case stayed within the military's chain of command, and nothing was done to take Talia out of harm's way.
Outside of the military, mandated reporters (generally, professionals that come into contact with children such as physicians, psychologists, social workers, teachers, and others) are required to report any suspected cases of child abuse and neglect directly to State Child Protective Services. However, the military's reporting requirements do not currently require the same direct reporting requirements to state authorities.  
	  
	To close the communications gap that may exist between mandated reporters and those who may report to the State on their behalf, Talia's Law would:
 Require servicemembers and their dependents to immediately report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect to their installation Family Advocacy Program Office. These offices are tasked with the prevention, education, intervention, and investigation of spouse and child abuse.
	Additionally require servicemembers and their dependents to report any known or suspected child abuse directly to State Child Protective Services, or another appropriate state agency.
   
	In February, the House of Representatives unanimously passed Talia's Law (H.R. 3894), introduced by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Senator Mazie Hirono worked to include Talia's Law in this year's National Defense Authorization Act.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-introduces-legislation-stop-arming-terrorists,VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Introduces Legislation to Stop Arming Terrorists,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists Act today. The legislation would prohibit the U.S. government from using American taxpayer dollars to provide funding, weapons, training, and intelligence support to groups like the Levant Front, Fursan al Ha and other allies of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, al-Qaeda and ISIS, or to countries who are providing direct or indirect support to those same groups.
The legislation is cosponsored by Reps. Peter Welch (D-VT-AL), Barbara Lee (D-CA-13), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA-48), and Thomas Massie (R-KY-04), and supported by the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) and the U.S. Peace Council.
Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's speech on the House floor is available here
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, Under U.S. law it is illegal for any American to provide money or assistance to al-Qaeda, ISIS or other terrorist groups. If you or I gave money, weapons or support to al-Qaeda or ISIS, we would be thrown in jail. Yet the U.S. government has been violating this law for years, quietly supporting allies and partners of al-Qaeda, ISIL, Jabhat Fateh al Sham and other terrorist groups with money, weapons, and intelligence support, in their fight to overthrow the Syrian government.[i]
The CIA has also been funneling weapons and money through Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and others who provide direct and indirect support to groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. This support has allowed al-Qaeda and their fellow terrorist organizations to establish strongholds throughout Syria, including in Aleppo.
A recent New York Times article confirmed that rebelgroups' supported by the U.S. have entered into battlefield alliances with the affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria, formerly known as alNusra.'This alliance has rendered the phrase moderate rebels' meaningless. Reports confirm that every armed anti-Assad organization unit in those provinces [ofIdliband Aleppo] is engaged in a military structure controlled by [al-Qaeda's]Nusramilitants.'
A recent Wall Street Journal article reported that many rebel groups are doubling down on their alliance' with alNusra. Some rebel groups are renewing their alliance, while others, likeNoural-Din al-Zinki,a former CIA-backed group and one of the largest factions in Aleppoare joining for the first time.The Syria Conquest Frontformerly known as the al-Qaeda-linkedNusraFrontis deeply intermingled with armed opposition groups of all stripes across Syria's battlefields.
The CIA has long been supporting a group calledFursanalHaqq, providing them with salaries, weapons and support, including surface to air missiles. This group is cooperating with and fighting alongside an al-Qaeda affiliated group trying to overthrow the Syrian government.The Levant Front is another so-called moderate umbrella group of Syrian opposition fighters. Over the past year, the United States has been working with Turkey to give this groupintelligence support and other forms of military assistance.This group has joined forces with al-Qaeda's offshoot group in Syria.
This madness must end.We must stop arming terrorists.The Government must end this hypocrisy and abide by the same laws that apply to its' citizens.
That is why I've introduced the Stop Arming Terrorists billlegislation based on congressional action during the Iran-Contra affair to stop the CIA's illegal arming of rebels in Nicaragua.It will prohibit any Federal agency from using taxpayer dollars to provide weapons, cash, intelligence, or any support to al-Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups, and it will prohibit the government from funneling money and weapons through other countries who are directly or indirectly supporting terrorists, concluded Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
Stephen Kinzer, a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University, and award-winning author and journalist said, The proposal to stop sending weapons to insurgents in Syria is based on the principle that pouring arms into a war zone only intensifies suffering and makes peace more difficult to achieve. Congress made a decision like this about the Nicaraguan contras during the 1980s. Aid to the contras was cut off by the Boland Amendment. The result was a peace process that finally brought an end to wars not only in Nicaragua, but also in El Salvador and Guatemala. This is the example we should be following. Cutting off arms shipments forces belligerents to negotiate. That is what we achieved in Nicaragua. It should be our goal in Syria as well.
Donna Smith, Executive Director of Progressive Democrats of America said, ""Progressive Democrats of America believes that it is fundamentally wrong for the United States to fund those groups or individuals aligned with al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, ISIS, or other terrorist/extremist organizations. The 'Stop Arming Terrorists' bill authored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, of Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, would help bring an end to the human tragedy unfolding in Syria where the haunting eyes of the innocent children of Aleppo call on us all to stop supporting those who threaten and kill them with ferocious intention. War is war, and terrorism is terrorism whether waged by the state or from external forces. PDA supports this measure.""
Alfred Marder, President of the U.S. Peace Council said, The U.S. Peace Council is honored to endorse and support the Stop Arming Terrorists Bill' as a major contribution to peace. This legislation will serve to galvanize the anti-war movement and the opposition to regime change policies that characterize our present foreign policy.
Background: The Stop Arming Terrorists bill prohibits U.S. government funds from being used to support al-Qaeda, ISIS or other terrorist groups. In the same way that Congress passed the Boland Amendment to prohibit the funding and support to CIA backed-Nicaraguan Contras during the 1980's, this bill would stop CIA or other Federal government activities in places like Syria by ensuring U.S. funds are not used to support al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, ISIS, or other terrorist groups working with them. It would also prohibit the Federal government from funding assistance to countries that are directly or indirectly supporting those terrorist groups. The bill achieves this by:
 Making it illegal for any U.S. Federal government funds to be used to provide assistance covered in this bill to terrorists.The assistance covered includes weapons, munitions, weapons platforms, intelligence, logistics, training, and cash.
	Making it illegal for the U.S. government to provide assistance covered in the bill to any nation that has given or continues to give such assistance to terrorists.
	Requiring the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to determine the individual and groups that should be considered terrorists, for the purposes of this bill, by determining: (a) the individuals and groups that are associated with, affiliated with, adherents to or cooperating with al-Qaeda, Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, or ISIS; (b) the countries that are providing assistance covered in this bill to those individuals or groups.
	Requiring the DNI to review and update the list of countries and groups to which assistance is prohibited every six months, in consultation with the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, as well as the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
	Requiring the DNI to brief Congress on the determinations.
 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-passes-defense-bill-that-includes-key-hawaii-priorities,Senate Passes Defense Bill That Includes Key Hawaii Priorities,2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Defense Bill That Includes Key Hawaii Priorities
				
					Strengthens Child Abuse Reporting Requirements in Honor of Talia Williams; 
				
			
			
			
				Thursday, December 8, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, secured Hawaii priorities in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today. The NDAA is a bill that lays out the resource levels and defense policy for the year. Senator Hirono is also a member of the NDAA Conference Committee, which reconciled differences between different versions of the bill passed by the Senate and House earlier this year.
“Hawaii’s vital role, especially in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance, continues to be reflected in our national security priorities for the coming year,” said Senator Hirono. “From securing nearly $300 million in military construction funding to including Talia’s Law, which improves child abuse reporting requirements in honor of Talia Williams, this comprehensive legislation strengthens our national security and benefits our service members.”
This year’s NDAA includes Hirono priorities to provide nearly $300 million to improve military installations in Hawaii, and prevents devastating cuts to Hawaii’s Impact Aid program. Senator Hirono also fought to include Talia’s Law, a measure named after five-year-old Talia Williams, who died after months of abuse by her father and stepmother, that requires Department of Defense employees who interact with children to report suspected abuse to civilian authorities like the Hawaii Child Welfare Services.
Senator Hirono was able to secure the following priorities for Hawaii:
Talia’s Law
The final bill includes the Senator’s provision to strengthen prompt reporting and action on child abuse. Talia’s Law, named in remembrance of Talia Williams, a five-year-old girl who died after months of abuse at the hands of her father and stepmother, requires immediate reporting of credible information to The Family Advocacy Program office at a military installation. Department of Defense employees who interact with children will also be required to report suspected abuse to civilian State Child Protective Services.
Over $277 Million for Hawaii’s Military Installations
 
$73 million for the Navy Regimental Consolidated Communications and Electrical facility at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (Oahu)
$40 million for the U.S. Army Pacific Headquarters Command and Control Facility at Fort Shafter (Oahu)
$32 million for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Upgrades (Oahu)
$30 million for the construction of a water transmission line for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Oahu)
$15 million for energy conservation projects at National Security Agency (NSA)-Hawaii in Wahiawa (Oahu)
$11 million for the Air National Guard’s F-22 Composite Repair Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Oahu)
$2.6 million for facility upgrades at the Defense Information Systems Agency Pacific Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Oahu)
$43 million for the Navy Power Plant & Electrical Distribution Systems at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands (Kauai)
$31 million for the Army National Guard Hilo Combined Support Maintenance Shop to support Pohakuloa Training Area (Hawaii Island)
 
Funding Dry Dock Repair at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
The final bill included a provision to allow for the repair, recapitalization, and certification of dry docks at Naval shipyards. This provision is intended to support the upkeep and maintenance of our nation’s shipyards, including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.
U.S.-Palau Compact
Senator Hirono has consistently pushed for the national security importance of the United States’ Compact Agreement with Palau and our obligations to Palau under the agreement. The final bill calls on the President to include funding for the agreement in the Fiscal year 2018 budget request.
INDO-ASIA-PACIFIC REBALANCE:
Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative Extension
The final bill includes Senator Hirono’s provision extending the Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative through 2020. The Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative is a joint effort with our allies and partners in Southeast Asia that helps countries share information, identifies potential threats, and works toward addressing challenges.
EDUCATION:
Saves Hawaii’s Impact Aid Funding
The Impact Aid program provides Hawaii funding to help finance the education of military-connected children. As a Co-Chair of the Senate Impact Aid Coalition, Sen. Hirono successfully fought to include strong funding for the Impact Aid program with $30 million in supplemental impact aid and $5 million for impact aid for children with severe disabilities.
Connecting Students to STEM Careers
During the Senate’s consideration of the NDAA, Senator Hirono partnered with Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) to protect the STARBASE program, which provides elementary students with opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The students served under the program are historically underrepresented in STEM fields. The final bill includes $25 million for the STARBASE program, which is consistent with the Senate’s bill and $5 million more than what the House had provided.
HEALTH CARE:
Creation of Online Patient Portal
The final bill includes Senator Hirono’s provision to create an online patient portal that would help patients with managing appointments, test results, and communications with providers. The bill implements a standardized appointment system and health care provider productivity standards.
Telehealth Services
Senator Hirono successfully included provisions in the bill that will enhance the use of telehealth services in the military health system.
Evaluation and Treatment of Veterans and Civilians at Military Treatment Facilities 
Senator Hirono supported a provision to provide access in special cases for civilians and veterans to be evaluated and treated at Military Treatment Facilities. This will improve access in Hawaii in cases where veterans and civilians are unable to access the care they need at other health care facilities.
Medically Necessary Foods
The final bill includes Senator Hirono’s provision that would allow special foods and nutrients necessary due to metabolic disorders and other conditions to be covered under TRICARE. Covering these medically necessary foods should improve beneficiary health and reduce hospitalization.
Rural and Remote Considerations for Health Care Services
Senator Hirono partnered with Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) to ensure that DoD takes into consideration the unique challenges of providing health care services in rural and remote locations when entering into medical support contracts with local providers.
MILITARY FAMILIES:
Reauthorization of National Guard and Reserve Suicide Prevention Programs
Scheduled to expire in 2017, a provision authored by Sen. Hirono extends to 2018 the requirement that the Department of Defense carry out programs that provide members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families in Hawaii and across the country with training in suicide prevention, resilience, and community healing and response to suicide, including provision of such training at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events.
Military Spouses
Senator Hirono championed language in the final bill which would improve the Department of Defense’s ability to hire military spouses as the military member moves from assignment to assignment.
SMALL BUSINESS:
Extension of the SBIR and STTR programs
The final bill includes a provision that Senator Hirono supported that extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for 5 years. Since both programs’ creation, Hawaii businesses have received 593 awards totaling over $161 million.
VETERANS:
Asian American and Pacific Islander Medal of Honor Review
Senator Hirono strongly supported a provision requiring the DoD to review the service records of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars to determine if the award of the Medal of Honor is appropriate.
Overseas Civilian Pay
Senator Hirono successfully included a provision to allow overtime pay for civilian employees temporarily assigned to support Navy ships forward deployed in Japan.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-senators-to-trump-medicare-and-medicaid-should-be-protected-not-cut,"Schatz, Senators to Trump: Medicare and Medicaid Should Be Protected, Not Cut",2016-12-08,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Senators to Trump: Medicare and Medicaid Should Be Protected, Not Cut 
				
					 More than 500,000 People in Hawai‘i Rely on Medicare and Medicaid 
				
			
			
				Thursday, December 8, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and 18 other senators called on President-elect Donald Trump to protect Medicare and Medicaid and not cut it, as his recent actions have suggested he might do. In a letter to Trump, the senators raised concerns over his choice for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price, and language on the transition website that calls for changes to Medicare and Medicaid.“Over one hundred million Americans rely on these programs for health care,” the senators wrote. “Low-income children and families and people with disabilities are the primary beneficiaries of Medicaid. Millions of seniors and individuals with disabilities have earned and rely on their Medicare benefits. Medicaid is the only assistance available to millions of low and middle-income families who have a loved one requiring nursing home care. As you noted when you extolled their benefits on your campaign website, cutting these programs would be devastating.”Today, nearly 245,000 people in Hawai‘i are Medicare beneficiaries, and more than 300,000 Hawai‘i residents are enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP. Since its creation, these programs have provided vital health care services for seniors and families in need.     In addition to Senators Schatz, Warren, and Wyden, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Bob Casey (D-Pa.), Al Franken (D-Minn.),  Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai‘i).Full text of the letter available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-honors-75th-anniversary-pearl-harbor,VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Honors 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCIn a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) honored the 75th Anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor:
Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's speech is available here
My heart is in Hawaii today. At almost this exact time, on this very day 75 years ago, the first bombs were dropped in the attack on Pearl Harbor. More than 2,400 people perished on that fateful day that will forever live in infamy.
We remember our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate price, and those who answered the call to serve in the months and years that followed, including our two former Senators Inouye and Akaka, and the more than 320,000 who gave their lives in that war. 
We remember the Japanese Americans whose lives forever changed when after the attack on Pearl Harbor, they were thrown into internment camps. And the brave Nisei, who in spite of these atrocities, volunteered to serve, forming the Nisei-only ""Go For Broke"" 442nd Infantry Regiment, serving courageously, and sacrificing greatly. 
May we never forget what happened at Pearl Harbor, the lessons learned, and the sacrifices of all who served.
Background: Last month, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard reintroduced a House resolution originally authored by Congressman Takai that commemorates the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and honoring the more than 320,000 men and women who gave their lives in defense of the United States during World War II.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representative-hanabusa-delivers-floor-speech-honoring-our-world-war-ii,REPRESENTATIVE HANABUSA DELIVERS FLOOR SPEECH HONORING OUR WORLD WAR II VETERANS ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL HARBOR,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, December 7, 2016, Representative Colleen Hanabusa delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives honoring our World War II veterans on December 7, 2016, the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. 
Congresswoman Hanabusa:  Over 2,400 Americans lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor.   Let us not forget the sacrifices of the greatest generation and the diversity of the men and women who fought hand-in-hand to protect the civil liberties for which our country is respected throughout the world.
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4635471/rep-hanabusa-pearl-harbor-75th",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/representative-hanabusa-meets-fta-acting-administrator-carolyn-flowers,REPRESENTATIVE HANABUSA MEETS WITH FTA ACTING ADMINISTRATOR CAROLYN FLOWERS,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – On Wednesday, December 7, 2016, Representative Colleen Hanabusa met with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers regarding the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) rail project and the FTA’s letter dated December 6, 2016.
Congresswoman Hanabusa:  I had a very productive meeting with Acting Administrator Carolyn Flowers today, and I remain confident of the FTA’s continuing commitment to partner with the City and County of Honolulu on the rail project.  While the FTA letter dated December 6, 2017 did not grant the City’s request for a July 30, 2017 Recovery Plan submission date, it did provide an earlier date (April 30, 2017) that will actually benefit the City by allowing access to the next layer (tronch) of federal funds following the submission of an acceptable Recovery Plan.  I encourage HART, under the leadership of Krishniah Murthy, to continue working closely with the FTA as they prepare their Recovery Plan consistent with FTA guidance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/21st-century-cures-act-to-advance-cancer-research-in-hawaii,21st Century CURES Act to advance cancer research in Hawaii,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"21st Century CURES Act to advance cancer research in Hawaii
				
					Bill also shores up access to essential medical equipment for Hawaii seniors
				
			
			
			
				Wednesday, December 7, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono voted to support the 21st Century CURES Act, a comprehensive bill to accelerate medical research, which passed the Senate today.
“This bill directs additional resources to Hawaii researchers on the cutting edge of uncovering new cancer treatments and strengthens seniors’ access to essential durable medical equipment under Medicare’s new reimbursement system,” said Senator Hirono.
""I am grateful for Senator Hirono's support of the 21st Century CURES Act,” said Dr. Randall Holcombe, Director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. “This legislation will accelerate the pace of cancer research at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and provide direct benefit for the people of Hawaii.”
“We are grateful that Congress included relief for Hawaii residents living in rural areas in this important legislation,” said George Greene, Healthcare Association of Hawaii President and CEO. “We also reiterate our thanks to Senator Hirono for her tireless work on this issue. This legislation will open the door to further actions that could address the access issues our providers have faced since cuts started almost four years ago. We look forward to continuing our work with Senator Hirono and our government officials in making sure that Hawaii’s seniors have access to the medical equipment and supplies they need.”
The bill includes $4.8 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health for research, including nearly $2 billion for Vice President Joe Biden’s moonshot initiative to accelerate finding cures for cancer. As one of only 69 National Cancer Center-designated centers in the nation, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center is eligible for funding to advance research on the genetic diversity of tumors and the mechanisms of cancer development.
The 21st Century CURES Act also includes language Senator Hirono fought for to help Hawaii seniors access essential medical equipment. Because of changes in Medicare reimbursement rates, Hawaii Medicare beneficiaries have been at a disadvantage in procuring medical equipment such as oxygen tanks and wheelchairs. The legislation passed today eases these cuts, as well as calling for the long-term evaluation of the detrimental effects the rate changes have on rural communities like those in Hawaii.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-leads-effort-to-recognize-the-75th-anniversary-of-attack-on-pearl-harbor,Hirono leads effort to recognize the 75th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono leads effort to recognize the 75th anniversary of attack on Pearl Harbor
				
					Resolution precedes visit from Japanese Prime Minister Abe and President Obama to Pearl Harbor on December 27
				
			
			
			
				Wednesday, December 7, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono led a bipartisan coalition in introducing a resolution marking the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“On this solemn anniversary we honor not only those who lost their lives in the attack on Pearl Harbor, but also those who sacrificed so much in the years that followed during World War II,” said Senator Hirono. “While we will always remember what happened 75 years ago, today is also an opportunity to reflect on the power of reconciliation, the strength of our alliance with Japan, and the importance of remaining engaged in the Asia-Pacific.”
The resolution was cosponsored by 30 Senators: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mark Warner (D-VA), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).
Senator Hirono’s resolution pays tribute to the thousands service members and civilians killed in the attack, and honors all American World War II service members. It also acknowledges the strong alliance the United States has forged with Japan since World War II ended. Click here to download a copy of the resolution.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fta-extension,Schatz Statement on FTA Extension,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on FTA Extension 
				
			
			
				Wednesday, December 7, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement regarding the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) approval of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit’s request for an extension to submit its Recovery Plan:“The city has developed a more clear-eyed, realistic plan to get the rail project back on track. More must be done in the coming months to ensure we can complete the project, but this extension is welcome news ‎for Honolulu and is further indication of the FTA’s commitment to the rail project.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-president-elect-trumps-nomination-of-scott-pruitt-as-epa-administrator,Schatz Statement on President-Elect Trumps Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator,2016-12-07,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on President-Elect Trump’s Nomination of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator 
				
			
			
				Wednesday, December 7, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement today regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).“Climate change is real, urgent, and caused by humans. It is a scientifically proven fact that any EPA Administrator should accept.  That’s why I cannot support Scott Pruitt, a denier of climate science, to lead the EPA. “The EPA has the enormous responsibility of protecting our environment and keeping Americans safe and healthy. Its administrator should share those goals, but Scott Pruitt’s record has shown us that he does not.  While the EPA is tasked with protecting our people and our environment from the impacts of climate change, he denies the science behind it.  And while the agency has worked to keep our air and water clean and safe, Scott Pruitt has worked to undermine the very rules that protect those resources. “The health of our planet and our people is too important to leave in the hands of someone who does not believe in scientific facts or the basic mission of the EPA.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-announces-more-than-3-million-in-federal-funding-to-fight-invasive-species,Hirono announces more than $3 million in federal funding to fight invasive species,2016-12-06,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono announces more than $3 million in federal funding to fight invasive species
				
					Will fund fight against Rapid Ohia Death, coffee berry borer, other invasive species
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, December 13, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that federal, state, and academic organizations in Hawaii will receive nearly $3.1 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to fight invasive specie­­s, which will address threats facing Hawaii’s environment and farmers, including Rapid Ohia Death, the coffee berry borer, the coconut rhinoceros beetle, and the little fire ant. The funding will also support agriculture pre-clearance inspections at airports.
“Hawaii is on the front line in addressing invasive pests, and early detection is critical to protecting our agriculture and environment,” said Senator Hirono. “This funding will advance critical programs that help farmers and land managers address invasive species, as well efforts to keep these pests from spreading to other communities.”
“The University of Hawaii is very pleased to hear that a new project has been funded through USDA-APHIS on the management of the coffee berry borer in Hawaii and Puerto Rico,” said Raymond Carruthers, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Extension Agent. “The main thrust of this effect will be to coordinate control efforts with on-going Federal, State and local projects on CBB management, along with the additional development of new insect biological control technologies. We feel that developing, testing and the eventual use of insect parasitoids will be a key for long-term sustainable management of the CBB in both Hawaii and Puerto Rico.”
“DLNR is very appreciative of the assistance from USDA APHIS through Farm Bill funding to contain the fungus causing Rapid Ohia Death on Hawaii Island. State, federal, private, and community efforts are all needed to deal with this urgent issue,” said Robert Hauff, State Protection Forester, Division of Forestry & Wildlife, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Earlier this year Senator Hirono wrote directly to USDA in support of this funding, which will be divided amongst USDA research efforts in Hawaii, the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. In 2015, Senator Hirono and USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden met with Hawaii Island farmers, where they saw firsthand the lasting impact that invasive species such as the coffee berry borer have on Hawaii’s coffee crops.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/rolling-stone-standing-rock-tulsi-gabbard-what-dakota-pipeline-decision-means,Rolling Stone: Standing Rock: Tulsi Gabbard on What the Dakota Pipeline Decision Means,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Thousands of U.S. veterans descended on Cannon Ball, North Dakota this weekend, determined to defend protesters opposing the construction of the final leg of the Dakota Access pipeline. Among them was U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. The Congresswoman landed in Bismarck at 10 p.m. on Friday night, ready to help resist if the North Dakota National Guard was in fact, as rumored, deployed to clear out the camp.
Then something unexpected happened: On Sunday night, the Army Corps of Engineers announced it would not grant Energy Transfer Partners, the corporation constructing the project, an easement to route the pipeline under Lake Oahe. The decision was a huge victory for the Standing Rock Sioux, whose reservation lies directly downriver. Gabbard spoke with Rolling Stone on a layover between her flights back to Washington on Monday to explain what the decision means.
I want to start by just hearing about your reaction to the news that broke yesterday that the Army Corps of Engineers' announcement that it would not grant the easement.
It was an unexpected turn of events. It was wonderful news that really showed the power of bringing people together in a peaceful way and raising their voices in unity for the protection of water, showed what's possible when that happens.
As word started trickling around in different sections  I started getting text messages and calls from different people asking if it's true  the tension and excitement was in the air [all around the camp] and, finally, the chairman of the tribe, Chairman Archambault, confirmed that it was true and, you know, it was very emotional moment to see how something that the tribe has been fighting for years, and thousands of people who had come from all over the country and even different parts of the world, had gathered there for months, raising their voices as water protectors  to see how all of that paid off was a very powerful moment.
[It] was a big moment for the people of Standing Rock, but it was [also] a symbol for the many other challenges that still exist and how we can go about bringing change.
Did you have any sense the decision was coming?
You know, I didn't. We've obviously been pressing for this exact action to occur, and I met with Chairman Archambault right when I got to Standing Rock on Saturday and the last question I asked him was, 'I've got to go back to Washington on Monday for votes: What's the number one message you want me to take back?' And he said: 'Deny the easement. Plain and simple: Deny the easement."" To hear that news come out just the following day  on a Sunday afternoon  it's a powerful thing to know the people's voices were actually heard.
What does yesterday's decision mean for the company, Energy Transfer Partners, building the pipeline?
Because the Army Corps has said they will not approve the easement for any pipeline to occur in that specific location under Lake Oahe, in effect, that will cause the [company building the] pipeline to look at other routes. So whether that means they are going to reexamine other routes that they had previously considered and ruled out, or if they are going to try to determine if there are any other additional routes that they had not previously considered  I don't know if it's one or the other or both. But the other key component, that is really important that goes along with this announcement is something [else] that the tribe has been pushing for for a long time, which is making sure that they order and environmental impact statement of the whole project in whatever route they end up choosing.
Wait... There wasn't an environmental impact statement prepared for this project already?
Shockingly, no. There was an environmental assessment done, which is not nearly as comprehensive as an environmental impact statement... With an environmental assessment they look at data and numbers and assess statistics, but what an environmental impact statement will do is it will mandate in-depth and extensive public hearings  conversations with the community and many other actions in an attempt to determine not only what the data shows, but will the actual impact of this project be on people and communities and their environment and their resources, such as water, so that's an important win as well. And I was shocked to learn that that had not been done previously. And that begs a bigger policy question: when you're building a gigantic pipeline that crosses through four different states, how is is possible that an EIS is not a mandatory part of that process?
What's next for the tribe, and for all of the demonstrators that came to Standing Rock  how long do they plan to remain at the encampment?
Well, there are other issues that they would like to pursue. One that was mentioned was actually trying to change the law and the policy. If you have a project that encroaches on or crosses over treaty lands, the current requirement is that the tribal leaders are simply consulted, but there is no consent required. They would like to change the consultation [requirement] to a requirement of consent before anything can be constructed over or through tribal lands. There are a number of other policy issues that they are going to continue to try to pursue.
And, look, they are also cognizant of the response that the Energy Transfer Partners company responded with to the Army Corps announcement. I spent quite a bit of time with [the tribe chairman and] other tribal leaders late in the evening and there was so much joy, but along with the joy in the announcement is resolve and an understanding that it's not over.
The work will continue, as far as the tribal leaders are concerned, and it's the same with the water protectors who have come there. I spent some time at the veterans camp last night after the announcement was made, and you know, they are concerned with the safety and security of the people there. Some of them shared with me that they plan to stay until the drilling pad is disassembled and the Dakota Access Pipeline construction team leaves  they want to see this all the way through to the end, and ensure that those who end up staying, they're able to help make sure that there is peace and stability for the gathering of the people there throughout the duration. ...But I think everyone is thinking hard about where they can be most helpful. Others are talking about where is the next fight to protect our water. There's a situation in Utah. There's a situation in New Mexico. There are people I met from Flint, Michigan who would like to see this same attention and resolve brought to resolve their situation there. You know, there's not a lack of things to do, unfortunately.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-meet-japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-honolulu-hawaii,"PRESIDENT OBAMA TO MEET WITH JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SHINZO ABE IN HONOLULU, HAWAII ON DECEMBER 27, 2016 AND VISIT THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL AT PEARL HARBOR",2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – On Monday, December 5, 2016, President Obama announced that he will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 27, 2016 to review their joint efforts over the past four years to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, including the close cooperation by the U.S. and Japan on a number of security, economic, and global challenges. President Obama will also accompany Prime Minister Abe to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor where the two will honor those killed in the war.  The two leaders’ visit will showcase the power of reconciliation that has turned former adversaries into the closest of allies, united by common interests and shared values. 
Congresswoman Hanabusa:  The visit by the Japanese Prime Minister to Pearl Harbor just over 75 years after Japan’s attack in 1941 is historic and symbolic of the strong relationship President Obama has forged with Prime Minister Abe and the people of Japan.  President Obama’s historic visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park last May opened the door for greater healing and deeper reconciliation between the two countries.  Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Pearl Harbor on December 27th will honor the 75th Commemoration of Pearl Harbor taking place this Wednesday, December 7, 2016, in Hawaii.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-fcc-investigation-into-sandwich-isles-communications,Schatz Statement on FCC Investigation into Sandwich Isles Communications,2016-12-05,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on FCC Investigation into Sandwich Isles Communications 
				
			
			
				Monday, December 5, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement relating to Sandwich Isles Communications’ (SIC) improper use of Universal Service Funds. 
“I fully support the FCC’s efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse of the Universal Service Fund by Sandwich Isles Communications.  The mishandling of these funds is morally and legally unacceptable, and I expect SIC to fully comply with the order without disruptions in service or additional costs to their customers on Hawaiian Home Lands. 
“At the core of the nation’s communications policies is the idea that all Americans deserve to have access to communications services – especially broadband.  The Universal Service Fund was created in an effort to ensure universal service and provides essential support to communications companies to provide telephone and broadband service in hard-to-serve areas of our country. As an island state with many rural communities, we understand the economic and social importance of telephone and broadband service and the need for a robust universal service support system.  But those companies who accept support from the fund must be good stewards of that money and use it appropriately.
“I have contacted FCC Chairman Wheeler to request his personal attention to this issue in order to ensure that customers are not made victims of SIC’s mishandling of funds. I am confident the FCC will apply all of its statutory and regulatory powers to protect customers on Hawaiian Home Lands from disruptions in service in this case.”
Click here to read Sen. Schatz’s letter to FCC Chairman Wheeler.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/huffington-post-hawaii-s-tulsi-gabbard-joins-water-protectors-standing-rock,Huffington Post: Hawaiis Tulsi Gabbard Joins Water Protectors at Standing Rock,2016-12-04,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. CongresswomanTulsi Gabbard's(D-HI) Twitter handle is an accurate summation of the unpretentious woman who stood before 400 Veterans and Water Protectors at Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates, North Dakota. It was a frigid Dakota Saturday night, and you could have heard the proverbial pin drop echo against the metal walls as she addressed the crowd. Gabbard served two tours of duty in the Middle East, and she continues her service as a Major in the Army National Guard. In 2005 she completed a 12-month tour in Iraq, where she served in a field medical unit as a specialist with a 29th Support Battalion medical company. Gabbard was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the end of the tour.
The vets were proud to have one of their own in a visible leadership role. It was written on their faces and obvious in the occasional tear that was quickly wiped away.
In a show of solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux, Congresswoman Gabbard is joining thousands of veterans from across the United States who have come to Standing Rock and the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation to protest the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). The pipeline, if approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, would cross under the Missouri River and threaten not only the water supplies of Standing Rock, but also that of the Cheyenne River Sioux to the south.
In a statement to the Oceti Sakowin Camp Gabbard said, I'm participating in the Dakota Access Pipeline protest because of the threat this project poses to water resources in four states serving millions of people.
Addressing the universal issue of water quality, Gabbard said, Whether it's the threat to essential water sources in this region, the lead contamination in Flint, Michigan, or the threat posed to a major Hawaii aquifer by the Red Hill fuel leak, each example underscores the vital importance of protecting our water resources.
Some may remember the Congresswoman as the person who introduced and nominated Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) for President of the United States during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last July 26. Gabbard quit her post as vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee to support Sanders in the primaries.
In recent days, Gabbard met with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team last Monday. Sources say she is possibly being considered for positions in the Defense Department, State Department and the United Nations, according to aCNN report.
Veterans for Standing Rock, are assembling at the Standing Rock Reservation from December 4-7 to relieve the water protectors from the harsh winter conditions and the constant emotional pressure and presence of militarized law enforcement.
We are veteransof the United States Armed Forces, including the U.S. Army, United States Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Coast Guard and we are calling for our fellow veterans to assemble as a peaceful, unarmed militia at the Standing Rock Indian Reservation on Dec 4-7 and defend the water protectors from assault and intimidation at the hands of the militarized police force and DAPL security, the organization said.
News reports of Morton County's use of the same weapons on Americans that veterans used against terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq have mobilized the veteran's community, including Wesley Clark, the son of Gen. Wesley Clark. Clark has been instrumental in fundraising for the group. So far they have raised over $1 million.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-army-corps-engineers-decision-not-grant-easement,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Army Corps of Engineers Decision to Not Grant Easement,2016-12-04,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cannon Ball, NDRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (ACE) decision to deny the federal easement for the construction of any pipeline below Lake Oahe, which is the current route of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL):
This is a historic moment for the Standing Rock Sioux and the water protectors who have gathered here from across the country. This announcement in effect requires the Dakota Access Pipeline to be reroutedan essential step in protecting water for millions of people in this region as well as respecting this sacred land.    
	  
	In my meeting yesterday with Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault, he emphasized the importance of caring for our planet not as a resource, but as our relative. Water is life; we cannot survive without it. Whether it's the threat to essential water sources in this region, lead contamination in Flint, Michigan, the potential threat posed to our water by the Red Hill fuel storage facility on Oahu, or the many other threats to our water across our nation, we must act now to protect our precious water for current and future generations to come. I join Chairman Archambault, my fellow veterans, the thousands of water protectors here at Standing Rock, and millions of people around the world in expressing tremendous gratitude for this announcement. While we are victorious in this effort, our work to protect our water and take care of our land is far from over. We must continue to raise our voices as one in this worthy fight.
This weekend, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and thousands of veterans from across the country joined the water protectors at Standing Rock to stand in solidarity and call for an immediate halt to the pipeline's construction. She will return to Washington, DC Monday in time for votes in the House of Representatives.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/garden-island-pipeline-project-should-matter-hawaii,Garden Island:  Pipeline project should matter to Hawaii,2016-12-03,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Something happening some 3,000 miles away on the mainland usually wouldnt attract too much attention from our states legislative leaders.
But the Dakota Access Pipeline project is drawing looks from the Aloha State, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard took a strong stand against it on Thursday.
She is right.
In a speech on the House floor, Gabbard called on President Barack Obama to immediately halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and announced plans to join thousands of veterans from across the country to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota this weekend.
Growing up in Hawaii, I learned the value of caring for our home, caring for our planet, and the basic principle that we are all connected in a great chain of cause and effect, she said.
The Dakota Access Pipeline is a threat to this great balance of life. Despite strong opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux and serious concerns raised by the EPA, the Department of Interior, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other Federal agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers approved permits to construct the Dakota Access Pipeline without adequately consulting the tribes, and without fully evaluating the potential impacts to neighboring tribal lands, sacred sites, and their water supply. Just one spill near the tribes reservation could release thousands of barrels of crude oil, contaminating the tribes drinking water.
Gabbard isnt just coming on board.
In September, she and 18 House Democrats wrote to the president calling on the United States Army Corps of Engineers to fulfill their responsibility of holding meaningful consultation and collaboration with the Standing Rock Sioux over the route of the Dakota Access Pipeline.
Since that didnt happen, shes clearly stating her position on this issue.
Which, again, leads one to question why folks in Hawaii should care about this project in a land far, far away Dont we have our own problems here? On Kauai, coral disease, a proposed dairy farm, a proposed landfill, water usage and polluted steams are just some of the areas in our environment that will affect the community. Our resources  land, water, air  are precious. Anyone who lives here knows this. They should be protected. They should be cared for.
The truth is, whether its the threat to essential water sources in this region, the lead contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, or the threat posed to a major Hawaii aquifer by the Red Hill fuel leak, each example underscores the vital importance of protecting our water resources, Gabbard said.
This pipeline, which has drawn continued protests of late, is consider by many, including Gabbard, a threat to the environment. Whether such projects are on an island in the ocean or cutting across land considered sacred, they must be vetted carefully. Many believe this did not happen with the Dakota Access Pipeline. Thats why many from Hawaii have traveled there to be part of the protests.
Gabbard points out Energy Transfer Partners, the company constructing the Dakota Pipeline, has a history of serious pipeline explosions, which have caused injury, death and property damage in the past decade. The future operator of the planned pipeline, Sunoco Logistics, has had over 200 environmentally damaging oil spills in the last six years alone.
These days, we should know better than to spoil the environment for  and this is what things usually come down to  money. Sometimes, we dont learn our lessons. Our track record at protecting the environment is blemished.
Gabbard put it well: Protecting our water is not a partisan political issue  it is an issue that is important to all people and all living beings everywhere. Water is life. We cannot survive without it. Once we allow an aquifer to be polluted, there is very little that can be done about it. This is why it is essential that we prevent water resources from being polluted in the first place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-against-arming-terrorists-defense-authorization-bill,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes Against Arming Terrorists in Defense Authorization Bill,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement after voting against the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):  
	  
	This bill contains the same deeply concerning and dangerous Syria train and equip measures that I've fought against since the program's inception.
First, it creates the potential for dangerous ground-to-air missiles getting in the hands of ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups. Several months ago, as this bill was being crafted, I and many of my colleagues voted for an amendment that would have prohibited the Department of Defense from transferring any Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems (MANPAD) to fighters in Syria. In the wrong hands, these dangerous weapons are capable of shooting American planes out of the sky. The final bill that passed today allows for the transfer of MANPADs, with some weak restrictions, which could allow terrorist groups to get ahold of them and use them against the United States and our allies.   
	  
	Second, the bill reauthorizes and extends the Syria train and equip program for two years. When the Department of Defense brought this program to Congress two years ago, I strongly opposed it due to a weak vetting process, and counterproductive objectives. As predicted, the program turned out to be a failure, and resulted in the United States wasting hundreds of millions of dollars, arming poorly vetted groups whoinstead of fighting against ISIS, al-Qaeda, or other terrorist groupsended up joining these terrorist groups in their battle to overthrow the Syrian government.  
	  
	Over the past 2 years, the Department of Defense has made several improvements to the vetting process and clarified the program's objectives. These improvements have helped to ensure that we work solely with forces that share our common goal of defeating ISIS. However, the bill that passed today leaves out all of these improvements, allowing these authorizing provisions to be used once again to further the illegal, counterproductive regime change war against the Syrian government. If successful, this war will strengthen groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and cause even greater destruction and suffering in Syria. I will continue to do all I can to end this devastating war, focus our resources on nation building here at home, and defeat terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS who threaten the American people.  
	  
	The FY17 NDAA passed the House today by a vote of 375-34. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and the Hawaii Congressional Delegation worked to secure the following provisions in the final bill:  
	 Talia's Law will help to better protect military children from abuse and strengthen mandatory reporting requirements. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced and passed Talia's Law through the House in February, and also included its language in this year's NDAA.  
	 Strengthened missile defense capabilities against the threat posed by North Korea, including upgrades for existing missile defense infrastructure in Hawaii  
	 Improved environmental protections for Hawaii, including requiring the Navy to brief Congress on the infrastructure plan to improve the Red Hill Underground Fuel Facility and protect the water aquifer from potential fuel leak contamination  
	 $72 million for projects at Kneohe Bay Marine Corps Base Hawaii for a consolidated communications and electrical facility in support of modernization projects  
	 $40 million for the second phase of the state-of-the-art Command and Control Facility at Fort Shafter  
	 $31 million for a National Guard combined support maintenance shop in Hilo to support ongoing training at Phakuloa Training Area  
	 More than $14 million for an energy conservation project at the National Security Agency-Hawaii in Kunia  
	 Over $43 million for the continued power grid consolidation at Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai  
	 $11 million for the Air National Guard F-22 Composite Repair Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam  
	
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-approves-schatz-thune-weather-forecasting-reforms,Senate Approves Schatz-Thune Weather Forecasting Reforms,2016-12-02,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Approves Schatz-Thune Weather Forecasting Reforms 
				
					 Passage Comes After House and Senate Negotiators Reach Deal for Provisions to Become Law 
				
			
			
				Friday, December 2, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate last night, approved H.R. 1561, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2016, by unanimous consent with a Senate amendment. The bill as amended, which leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Science Committee negotiated, adds other weather forecasting and research reform provisions from three bills (S. 1331, S. 1573, and H.R. 34), including reforms championed by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.), and House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas).
“This legislation opens the way for better outcomes when severe weather hits our communities,” said Senator Schatz. “The bill strengthens the science to forecast severe heat and cold, storms, tornadoes, tsunamis, draughts, floods, and hurricanes so that our warnings are more timely and accurate. The bill also improves how the government communicates these threats to the public, so that families and businesses can stay safe and be prepared so that they can recover quicker. We cannot stop a tsunami or a hurricane, but better forecasts and better warnings will save lives and livelihoods.”
“These reforms will help ensure that Americans benefit from advancements in weather forecasting and make federal forecasters better stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Thune. “From long-term forecasting that can prevent costly agricultural losses to more actionable information about severe weather, this legislation will help save lives and reduce avoidable property loss.” 
“This important bipartisan legislation will greatly improve our nation’s weather forecasting and allow NOAA to harness the growing potential of the commercial weather industry to save lives and property,"" said Representative Smith. “I'm proud to stand behind legislation that strengthens science while simultaneously fostering new research and programs to provide critical weather data.” 
Highlights of H.R. 1561 as approved by the U.S. Senate:
Seasonal forecasting – Directs the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its component agency the National Weather Service (NWS) to create usable, reliable, and timely subseasonal and seasonal forecasts, and determine the impact of these forecasts on a variety of other weather conditions. Through an authorization of $26.5 million out of funds appropriated to NWS through fiscal year 2018, the legislation anticipates significant improvements in usable and reliable forecasts for time periods of 2 weeks to 2 years. This improvement in forecasting would, for example, allow farmers to make more informed decisions about when and what to plant. 
Forecast communication – Requires the NWS to designate at least one employee in each of the established 122 weather forecast offices as the warning coordination meteorologist. Even when forecasters accurately predict dangerous weather events, preventable deaths, injuries, and property loss occur due to shortcomings in communications about what is happening and what at-risk populations should do. Warning coordination meteorologists will focus on the regional area covered by the weather forecast office and work with local officials, media, and other channels to maximize the usefulness and effectiveness of emergency communications.
Tornado and hurricane forecasting – Focuses on forecasting improvements and new research into extreme weather events. Establishes a tornado warning improvement and extension program for federal cooperation with private sector and academic partners to focus on developing and extending accurate tornado forecasts and warnings beyond one hour. It also creates a similar collaboration program for improving hurricane forecasting and communication of storm surges.
Tsunami warning – Authorizes NOAA to put tsunami sensors onto commercial and federal telecommunications cables as a cost-effective improvement to the tsunami detection network and study and research efforts of tsunamis. Also authorizes grant funding to survey for “paleotsunamis”—evidence of devastating waves in prehistoric times, or periods before records were kept.  By understanding past threats, communities can prepare better for future disasters.
Satellite governance – Reforms NOAA’s satellite procurement efforts by requiring consideration of existing systems and the overall cost of integrating new ones. The reform comes after the agency experienced costly difficulties in integrating new equipment with current ground and space systems. The bill further requires NOAA to enter into a pilot program contract to assess the private sector’s capabilities in providing weather data.  
Contracting disclosures – Addresses concerns about agency employees abusing the contracting process to enrich themselves with lucrative post-retirement contracts. The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to annually disclose information about full-time equivalent contractors and those who formerly worked at the agency as federal employees.
The legislation, which the House must also approve before it is sent to the White House for signature, does not propose closure of any NWS facilities. Click here for a copy of H.R. 1561, as amended by the Thune substitute and also an amendment from Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash,) added to the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/kona-international-airport-resume-international-flights,Kona International Airport to resume international flights,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"HONOLULU  Gov. David Y. Ige and the United States Customs and Border Protection announced the re-establishment of a Federal Inspection Service (FIS) facility at the Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA). The inaugural international flight from Kona to Tokyo, Japan is scheduled to depart on Dec. 20, 2016. The flight from Tokyo to Kona is scheduled to arrive at the Kona International Airport on Dec. 21, 2016.
The resumption of international flights to Kona will have a wide-ranging positive impact on Hawaii Island and the state as a whole by boosting tourism spending, creating jobs and generating millions of dollars for our economy, said Gov. David Y. Ige. I especially thank our partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for working with us to achieve this goal. This was a top priority for my administration and I am pleased that we were able to make the Federal Inspection Service facility in Kona a reality.
In fulfilling our important role protecting the border and fostering lawful travel, CBP relies on strong partnerships with stakeholders. This is why we are especially grateful for the commitment of Governor Ige and the people of Hawaii to providing adequate airport inspection facilities, said Brian Humphrey, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, director, field operations. In equal good faith, CBP is committed to providing a welcoming experience to passengers in Kona while we simultaneously protect America. 
The new FIS will benefit Hawaii in several ways. The Hawaii Department of Transportation estimates new international flights to Kona will result in more than $7 million in annual projected tax benefits. International visitors will also spend tens of millions of dollars at local businesses and attractions, further boosting the economy and generating jobs. Hawaii has seen the numbers of international travelers increase by more than one million passengers, or nearly 60 percent, since the economic downturn in 2009. The trend in international passenger arrivals in Hawaii is expected to continue to grow, enhancing the need for a second airport to accept flights from international destinations.
The secondary international point of entry in Kona will ease congestion at the Honolulu International Airport, especially during daily peak hours and busy travel seasons. The FIS will improve health and safety by increasing resiliency in an emergency. Should an unforeseen incident occur in Honolulu, international flights would still be able to land safely in Kona. Currently, Honolulu is the only landing option in the state for international flights.
The United States Department of Transportation approved Hawaiian Airlines' request to fly non-stop international flights between Kona and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo beginning in December.
We look forward to welcoming our Tokyo guests with our authentic Hawaiian hospitality as they enjoy the convenience of our direct flights to the spectacular Kona coast, said Peter Ingram, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Hawaiian Airlines. We are pleased to return international flights to the Big Island and thankful to all of our government, business and community partners for their support of our newest route.
Several improvements are being made to the international arrivals section at KOA, including the installation of security cameras and motion sensors, an upgraded access control system, 10 Automated Passport Control kiosks to process incoming international passengers quickly and efficiently, and refurbished restrooms.
After multiple meetings and on-site visits, we finally made it across the finish line, said Sen. Brian Schatz. I thank CBP and the Obama Administration for recognizing the potential of our visitor industry and for working with the State of Hawaii, the people of Kona, and many others in state government and the hospitality industry to finally get this done.
After six years of working closely with federal and state officials, and community partners to reestablish direct international flights to Kona International Airport, today's announcement is good news for Hawaii's tourism industry and the Hawaii Island economy. In particular, I want to acknowledge the efforts of Customs and Border Protection to work with the state on the Federal Inspection Service facility that made this a reality, said Sen. Mazie K. Hirono.
Today's announcement not only positively impacts our tourism-based economy, it addresses a critical safety and security need for our state by providing a secondary international port in case of emergency,"" said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02). ""This project has been a priority of mine, and became a reality through many years of hard work by community leaders, local businesses, and county, state, and Federal government. I especially want to thank HDOT and CBP for their leadership and upholding their commitment to reopening international travel to Kona.
Regularly scheduled international flights to Kona began in 1996 and were discontinued in October 2010.
News conference photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskPGAE9b
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-urges-president-immediately-halt-dakota-access-pipeline,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Urges President to Immediately Halt Dakota Access Pipeline,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCIn a speech on the House floor Thursday, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) called on President Obama to immediately halt construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline and announced plans to  
	join thousands of veterans from across the country to stand in solidarity with the Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota this weekend.
Full video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's speech on the House floor is available here
Growing up in Hawaii, I learned the value of caring for our home, caring for our planet, and the basic principle that we are all connected in a great chain of cause and effect.  
	  
	The Dakota Access Pipeline is a threat to this great balance of life. Despite strong opposition from the Standing Rock Sioux and serious concerns raised by the EPA, the Department of Interior, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other Federal agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers approved permits to construct the Dakota Access Pipeline without adequately consulting the tribes, and without fully evaluating the potential impacts to neighboring tribal lands, sacred sites, and their water supply. Just one spill near the tribe's reservation could release thousands of barrels of crude oil, contaminating the tribe's drinking water.  
	  
	The impact of the Dakota Access Pipeline is clear. Energy Transfer Partners, the company constructing the Dakota Pipeline, has a history of serious pipeline explosions, which have caused injury, death, and significant property damage in the past decade. The future operator of the planned pipeline, Sunoco Logistics, has had over 200 environmentally damaging oil spills in the last 6 years alonemore than any of its competitors.  
	  
	Protecting our water is not a partisan political issueit is an issue that is important to all people and all living beings everywhere. Water is life. We cannot survive without it. Once we allow an aquifer to be polluted, there is very little that can be done about it. This is why it is essential that we prevent water resources from being polluted in the first place.
Our Founding Fathers took great inspiration from Native American forms of governance, and the democratic principles that they were founded on. Their unique form of governance was built on an agreement called the Great Law of Peace, which states that before beginning their deliberations, the council shall be obliged, and I quote, to express their gratitude to their cousins and greet them, and they shall make an address and offer thanks to the earth where men dwell, to the streams of water, the pools, the springs and the lakes, to the maize and the fruits, to the medicinal herbs and trees, to the forest trees for their usefulness, and to the Great Creator who dwells in the heavens above, who gives all the things useful to men, and who is the source and the ruler of health and life.""
This recognition of our debt to the Creator and our responsibility to be responsible members of this great web of life was there from the beginning of Western democracy.  
	  
	Freedom is not a buzzword. The freedom of our Founding Fathers was not the freedom to bulldoze wherever you like.
Our freedom is a freedom of mind, a freedom of heart, freedom to worship as we see fit, freedom from tyranny and freedom from terror. That's the freedom this country was founded on, the freedom cultivated by America's Native people, and the freedom the Standing Rock Sioux are now exercising.  
	  
	This weekend I'm joining thousands of veterans from across the country at Standing Rock to stand in solidarity with our Native American brothers and sisters. Together we call on President Obama to immediately halt the construction of this pipeline, respect the sacred lands of the Standing Rock Sioux, and respect their right to clean water. The truth is, whether it's the threat to essential water sources in this region, the lead contaminated water in Flint, Michigan, or the threat posed to a major Hawaii aquifer by the Red Hill fuel leak, each example underscores the vital importance of protecting our water resources.  
	  
	We can't undo history, but we must learn lessons from the past and carry them forwardto encourage cooperation among free people, to protect the sacred, to care for the Earth and for our children, and our children's children. What's at stake is our shared heritage of freedom and democracy and our shared future on this Great Turtle Island, our great United States of America.   
	  Background: In September, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and 18 House Democrats wrote to President Barack Obama calling on the United States Army Corps of Engineers to fulfill their responsibility of holding meaningful consultation and collaboration with the Standing Rock Sioux over the route of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Full text of the letter is available here.  
	
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-votes-against-increasing-big-bank-risk,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Votes Against Increasing Big Bank Risk,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCToday, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) voted against H.R.6392, legislation that puts the economic security of millions of Americans at risk. The bill would undermine capital requirements put in place on large banks after the 2008 financial crisis, and water down the independent authority of the Federal Reserve to regulate large bank risk. The bill passed the House today by a vote of 254-161.
  Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard urging Members of Congress to oppose H.R.6392 is available here  
	
I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 6392, a dangerous bill that puts the economic security of millions of Americans at risk.  
	  
	Let's not forget that just 8 short years ago, the lives of Americans all across the country were shaken and devastated by the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.  
	  
	The livelihoods of hard-working families were put at risk, millions of Americans lost their homes and saw their life savings wiped outall because of risky banking practices and the overgrown too big to fail' banks.  
	  
	At that time Republicans and Democrats railed against the travesty that these banks exacted on the American people  
	  
	This bill threatens to unravel the very protections we put in place to prevent a repeat of this economic crisis. It would gut higher capital requirements on 27 banks that together hold over $4 trillion in assetsnearly a quarter of all banking system assets in the United Statesand water down the independent authority of the Federal Reserve to regulate large bank risk.    
	  
	8 years ago, the failure of large regional banks like Countrywide, Washington Mutual, and Wachoviamajor subprime mortgage lenders leading up the crisiscreated shockwaves throughout our financial system and hurt the American people. This bill would scale back the Federal Reserve's ability to regulate these banks, placing greater risk and burden on the backs of the American people.  
	  
	I urge my colleagues to stand with the people and vote against this dangerous legislation.  
	  Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has long-supported true financial reform, including a restoration of the Glass-Steagall Act, breaking up the big banks, and increased capital requirements for the nation's largest banks. She has supported legislation like the Return to Prudent Banking Act, which would reinstate provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act to keep investment banking separate from commercial banking, as well as prevent the largest banks from engaging in speculative trading.
  
	###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-announces-more-than-57-million-in-federal-funding-for-hawaiis-public-preschools,Hirono Announces More Than $5.7 Million in Federal Funding for Hawaii’s Public Preschools,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Announces More Than $5.7 Million in Federal Funding for Hawaii’s Public Preschools
				
					Program Gives Nearly 1,000 Hawaii Preschoolers Access to Early Education
				
			
			
			
				Thursday, December 1, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that Hawaii will receive $5.74 million in continued support under the Preschool Development Grant program, which funds high-quality preschool in Hawaii’s public charter schools, including Hawaiian language immersion programs.
“Hawaii’s Preschool Development Grant makes it possible for hundreds of Hawaii students to attend preschool, which is foundational for success in school and in life,” said Senator Hirono. “I will work to see that the federal government comes through on its full four-year commitment to this vital program.”
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for public charter schools in Hawaii to expand the educational offerings available to their communities by providing high-quality preschool programs. We are thrilled that this grant will enable us to continue to provide access to families who may otherwise be unable to afford preschool for their keiki,” said Sione Thompson, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Public Charter School Commission.
Hawaii is one of 18 states nationwide that will receive more than $247.4 million in funding to continue their work in expanding access to high-quality preschool for children from low- to moderate-income families. The funding marks the third year of Hawaii’s four-year Preschool Development Grant, which Senator Hirono worked to create. The four-year grant gives nearly 1,000 Hawaii students access to early education.
Senator Hirono has continued to support early childhood education and expanded access to early learning programs in Hawaii’s public schools. As Lieutenant Governor, she started Pre-Plus, which established public preschool classrooms on elementary school campuses in the State. Senator Hirono is also the author of the Providing Resources Early for Kids Act, or PRE-K Act, to further promote early childhood education, which she has advocated for in Congress since 2007. Last year, Senator Hirono worked with her colleagues to ensure that robust funding for the Preschool Development Grant program was included in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which became law on December 10, 2015 and updates federal K-12 programs and policies.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-reestablishment-of-kona-federal-inspection-facility-benefits-hawaii-economy,Hirono: Reestablishment of Kona Federal Inspection Facility Benefits Hawaii Economy,2016-12-01,2016,2016-12,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono: Reestablishment of Kona Federal Inspection Facility Benefits Hawaii Economy
				
					Direct International Flights to and from Kona to Resume on December 20
				
			
			
			
				Thursday, December 1, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono applauded today’s announcement that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection will reestablish a Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at Kona International Airport.  The FIS checkpoint allows for international visitors to fly directly to and from Kona. 
“After six years of working closely with federal and state officials, and community partners to reestablish direct international flights to Kona International Airport, today’s announcement is good news for Hawaii’s tourism industry and the Hawaii Island economy,” said Senator Hirono. “In particular, I want to acknowledge the efforts of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to work with the state on the Federal Inspection Service facility that made this a reality.”
“The resumption of international flights to Kona will have a wide-range of positive impacts on Hawaii Island and the state as a whole by boosting tourism spending, creating jobs and generating millions of dollars for our economy,” said Gov. David Y. Ige. “I especially thank our partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for working with us to achieve this goal. This was a top priority for my administration and I am pleased that we were able to make the Federal Inspection Service facility in Kona a reality.”
“The advocacy of Sen. Hirono and the entire Hawaii Congressional delegation was instrumental in making our Haneda-Kona route a reality,” said Peter Ingram, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Hawaiian Airlines. “We are excited to bring back international flights to the Big Island by offering our Japanese guests convenient access to the beautiful Kona coast.”
Hawaiian Airlines will begin three-times weekly direct service from Kona to Haneda Airport in Tokyo on December 20, 2016. Senator Hirono wrote to Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to urge him to approve Hawaiian Airlines’ application for the direct route. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved Hawaiian Airlines’ application on May 13, 2016.
After the temporary Kona FIS facility was shut down in 2010, Senator Hirono brought together top state and federal officials, and community leaders to work on establishing a permanent facility. Senator Hirono also supported legislation and advocated directly to CBP to grant the State of Hawaii the ability to reimburse the federal government for expanded service to process international travelers.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/op-ed-giving-voice-millions-americans-end-us-wars-intervention,Op-Ed: Giving Voice to Millions of Americans: End U.S. Wars of Intervention,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Giving Voice to Millions of Americans: End U.S. Wars of Intervention 
By Tulsi Gabbard
I recently met with President-elect Donald Trump to give voice to the millions of Americans, including my fellow veterans, who desperately want to end our country's illegal, counterproductive war to overthrow the Syrian government. We had an hour-long, meaningful, back-and-forth discussion about the problems with current U.S. policy in Syria and where to go from here.
I felt it critical to meet with him now, before warmongering neocons convince him to escalate this war that has already taken more than 400,000 lives and left millions of Syrians homeless and in search of safety for themselves and their families.
I conveyed to the President-elect how the post-9/11 neocon agenda of interventionism and regime-change has left U.S. foreign policy absurdly disconnected from our actual security interests. Our actions to overthrow secular dictators in Iraq and Libya, and attempts now to do the same in Syria, have resulted in tremendous loss of life, failed nations, and even worse humanitarian crises while strengthening the very terrorist organizations that have declared war on America.
Since 2011, the United Statesworking with Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, and Turkeyhas been providing support to rebel groups fighting to overthrow the government and take over Syria. A recent New York Times article reported that these rebel groups supported by the U.S. have entered into battlefield alliances with the affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria, formerly known as al-Nusra. How the United States can work hand-in-hand with the very terrorist organization that is responsible for the killing of 3,000 Americans on 9/11 boggles my mind and curdles my blood.
This absurd alliance has allowed terrorist groups like al-Qaeda to establish strongholds throughout Syria, including in Aleppo, where they are now using the civilian population as human shields and their deaths as propaganda tools. 
Additionally, escalating this regime-change war by implementing a ""no fly/safe zone"" in Syria would not only be ineffective, it would put the U.S. in direct military confrontation with nuclear-power Russia, require tens of thousands of ground troops and a massive U.S. air presence, and commit us to yet another endless war in the Middle East that does not serve American or Syrian interests.
In short, even if the U.S.-Saudi alliance were successful in overthrowing the Syrian government, we would be saddled with the responsibility of building a new nation in Syria. Trillions of U.S. taxpayer dollars, and who knows how many American lives, will be lost, and there will be little to show for it. As was true in Iraq and Libya, the U.S. has no credible government or leader able to bring order, security, and freedom to the people of Syria if Assad is overthrown. To maintain order after Assads fall would require at least 500,000 troops in a never-ending occupation.
The most likely outcome of this regime-change war is that it will open the door for ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist groups who are the most powerful fighting forces on the ground, to take over all of Syria, amass powerful weapons (many of which will have been provided to them by the U.S.), and pose a far worse threat to the Syrian people, religious minorities, and to the world.
The crux of my advice to President-elect Trump was this: we must end this ill-conceived, counterproductive regime-change war immediately. We must focus our precious resources on investing in and rebuilding our own country and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups that pose a threat to the American people.
###
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard is a member of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. She is a combat veteran of two Middle East deployments and currently serves as a Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. She has been a leading progressive advocate for ending U.S.-led regime change wars of intervention, and has introduced legislation to end the counterproductive regime change war in Syria. She was recently re-elected to serve a third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she represents Hawaiis 2nd Congressional District.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-representatives-unanimously-approves-hirono-gabbard-bill-award-filipino,House of Representatives Unanimously Approves Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.- The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (S.1555), sponsored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bill in July, which recognizes Filipino soldiers who fought under U.S. command during World War II.
For months, we have said that time is running out to recognize Filipino World War II veterans for their brave service, said Senator Hirono. Today's House passage is the culminationof decades of work by these veterans and their families to recognize their key role in the Allied victory, and their decades-long fight for benefits.
Today, the United States Congress took an historic step forward in honoring the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II. With unanimous support from the United State Congress, our bill now heads to the President's desk, said Representative Gabbard. Our Filipino WWII veterans have waited decades for this recognition alongside units like the Tuskegee Airmen and Hawaii's own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medalour nation's highest civilian honor. With just 18,000 of these Filipino World War II veterans still alive today, we cannot afford to wait any longer. I urge the President to sign this bill into law before the year's end, and honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition.
Today is truly a great day, a significant seminal period in American history  second only to the liberation of the Philippines and surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces on August 15, 1945, says Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). Now we can tell our veterans with pride in our hearts that this grateful nation has, at last, granted them recognition for the selfless sacrifice they endured in war, and restored their dignity and honor in service to their nation.
For the hundreds of thousands of Filipino and Filipino American veterans who fought courageously for our country, we celebrate Congress' passage of the Congressional Gold Medal Act and look forward to President Obama signing this legislation, said National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) National Director Christopher Kang. We thank Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard for their long-time leadership in recognizing our heroes. The passage of this law is significant in showing our immense gratitude for the men and women who made great sacrifices to serve our country, and awarding the highest civilian honor will ensure that history will always remember them.
Senator Mazie Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard have been instrumental in getting the Congressional Gold Medal for the World War II Filipino veterans, said Ben Acohido, Service Officer, VFW Post 1572 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars-Hawaii Chapter. Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard's leadership is appreciated in finally getting the recognition for the veterans nearly 75 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor and Manila.
S.1555, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, awards the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt's call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II. The bill now heads to the President for his signature.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/house-of-representatives-unanimously-approves-hirono-gabbard-bill-to-award-filipino-veterans-congressional-gold-medal,House of Representatives Unanimously Approves Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal,2016-11-30,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"House of Representatives Unanimously Approves Hirono-Gabbard Bill to Award Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal
				
					Provides Long Overdue Recognition to Filipino World War II Veterans
				
			
			
			
				Wednesday, November 30, 2016
			
			
	
			
			The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (S.1555), sponsored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard. The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bill in July, which recognizes Filipino soldiers who fought under U.S. command during World War II.
“For months, we have said that time is running out to recognize Filipino World War II veterans for their brave service,” said Senator Hirono. “Today’s House passage is the culmination of decades of work by these veterans and their families to recognize their key role in the Allied victory, and their decades-long fight for benefits.”
“Today, the United States Congress took an historic step forward in honoring the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers that served our country during World War II. With unanimous support from the United State Congress, our bill now heads to the President’s desk,” said Representative Gabbard. “Our Filipino WWII veterans have waited decades for this recognition alongside units like the Tuskegee Airmen and Hawaii’s own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medal—our nation’s highest civilian honor. With just 18,000 of these Filipino World War II veterans still alive today, we cannot afford to wait any longer. I urge the President to sign this bill into law before the year’s end, and honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition.”
 “Today is truly a great day, a significant seminal period in American history – second only to the liberation of the Philippines and surrender of the Japanese Imperial Forces on August 15, 1945,” says Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP). “Now we can tell our veterans with pride in our hearts that this grateful nation has, at last, granted them recognition for the selfless sacrifice they endured in war, and restored their dignity and honor in service to their nation.”
“For the hundreds of thousands of Filipino and Filipino American veterans who fought courageously for our country, we celebrate Congress' passage of the Congressional Gold Medal Act and look forward to President Obama signing this legislation,” said National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) National Director Christopher Kang. “We thank Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard for their long-time leadership in recognizing our heroes. The passage of this law is significant in showing our immense gratitude for the men and women who made great sacrifices to serve our country, and awarding the highest civilian honor will ensure that history will always remember them.”
“Senator Mazie Hirono and Representative Tulsi Gabbard have been instrumental in getting the Congressional Gold Medal for the World War II Filipino veterans,” said Ben Acohido, Service Officer, VFW Post 1572 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars-Hawaii Chapter. “Senator Hirono and Representative Gabbard’s leadership is appreciated in finally getting the recognition for the veterans nearly 75 years after the attack on Pearl Harbor and Manila.”
S.1555, the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, awards the medal collectively to the over 260,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag during World War II. The bill now heads to the President for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/gabbard-stewart-bill-expand-veterans-healthcare-passes-house,Gabbard-Stewart Bill to Expand Veterans Healthcare Passes House,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below after the House unanimously passed the Veterans TRICARE Choice Act (H.R.5458). The congresswoman introduced the legislation with Rep. Chris Stewart (UT-02) in 2015. The bill expands veterans' healthcare options by allowing veterans to temporarily pause their TRICARE benefits to participate in an employer's Health Savings Account (HSA) program if they so choose. Under current federal law, it is illegal for a TRICARE-eligible veteran to participate in an HSA program.
As a soldier and a veteran, I have seen firsthand the tremendous sacrifice our veterans and their families make in service to our country. That service should never limit their access to quality healthcare, and the ability to make decisions about their own health, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act gives our veterans the ability to choose the best healthcare options for themselves and their families.
Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's speech on the House floor is available here
Our veterans deserve our most profound gratitude, said Rep. Chris Stewart. Nothing about their military service should prevent them from accessing the same benefits as their non-veteran co-workers. The very least we can do is ensure they receive the benefits we've promised them, and that the process goes as smoothly as possible. We still have a lot of work to do on that front, but the passage of this bill is a great step in the right direction.
Background: Health Savings Accounts have proven to be an effective way to pay for medical costs and proactively save for future medical expenses. Employees invest and save tax-free money in HSAs, which are then used to pay for qualified medical expenses. These have become increasingly popular healthcare plans in the private sector.
Under current federal law, it is illegal for a TRICARE-eligible veterans to participate in an HSA program. The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act simply gives veterans the choice to voluntarily pause their TRICARE benefits in order to participate in an HSA program.
The Veterans TRICARE Choice Act is supported by the Association of the United States Navy (AUSN) and the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS).
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-passes-gabbard-cook-bill-encouraging-employers-hire-more-veterans,House Passes Gabbard-Cook Bill Encouraging Employers to Hire More Veterans,2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCThe HIRE Vets Act (H.R.3286), introduced by Reps. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Paul Cook (CA-08), unanimously passed the House today. This bipartisan bill would promote private sector recruiting, hiring, and retaining of men and women who served honorably in the U.S. military through a voluntary and effective program. Specifically, it would create a medallion program recognizing the meaningful, verifiable efforts undertaken by employers  both large and small  to hire and retain veterans. This bill will now move to the Senate.
Video of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's speech on the House floor is available here
Roughly 500 veterans return to civilian life every single day, joining the more than 2.9 million veterans that have returned home since 9/11. While we've taken some important steps to encourage employers to hire more veterans, more than 400,000 veterans across the country are still unemployed today, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Through their service, veterans develop unique skills, experiences, and leadership training that make them especially valuable to employers. The HIRE Vets Act incentivizes employers to hire veterans, and recognizes employers that provide a supportive work environment to retain veteran employees.
Background: The bipartisan HIRE Vets Act would promote private sector recruiting, hiring, and retaining of men and women who served honorably in the U.S. military through a voluntary and efficient program. Specifically, it would create an awards program recognizing the meaningful, verifiable efforts undertaken by employers  both large and small  to hire and retain veterans. Cook and Gabbard designed the program to be self-funded.
Through the U.S. Department of Labor, the HIRE Vets Act would allow businesses to display HIRE Vets Medallions on products and marketing materials. These medallions would be awarded as part of a four-tiered system  Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum  associated with specific hiring and retention goals each year.
The program also establishes similar tiered awards for small and mid-sized businesses with less than 500 employees. To ensure proper oversight, the Secretary of Labor would be required to provide Congress with annual reports on the success of the program with regard to veteran employment and retention results.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/reps-tulsi-gabbard-don-young-introduce-bipartisan-resolution-givingtuesday,"Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, Don Young Introduce Bipartisan Resolution on #GivingTuesday",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and Congressman Don Young (AK-AL) introduced a bipartisan resolution today recognizing #GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving and volunteerism. #GivingTuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, begins the holiday season in the spirit of service, following widely-recognized shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The resolution recognizes that philanthropy and charitable giving transcend party divides and unite people across boundaries.
Too often, we focus on the issues that divide us, rather than those that unite us. #GivingTuesday highlights the principles of service, volunteerism, giving back to our communities, and helping those in need, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Every single day, each of us can choose to be of service, whether it's helping a friend or family member, caring for our community and our planet, having a positive impact on those around us, or giving our time to a cause we care about. #GivingTuesday recognizes our opportunity to put service before self and to be a force for positive change in the world.  
	  
	As we kick off the holiday season, it's extremely important to recognize the hard work and dedication of our many service organizations and non-profits, said Congressman Don Young. Because of your tremendous support and generous donations, these organizations are able to assist countless families and communities across the nation. Alaskans are often recognized for our hospitality and goodwill, and I encourage everyone back home to take part in this special day and share what you can with your local charity or non-profit.
Background: #GivingTuesday was launched by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation in 2012, and has since become a worldwide movement, harnessing the power of social media and the generosity of people around the world to bring about real change. In its first year, #GivingTuesday brought together more than 2,500 organizations in all 50 States, and it has continued to gain momentum every year since, with more than 35,000 partners in the United States and around the world.  
	  
	Full text of the resolution can be found HERE. 
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-hatch-health-tele-training-bill-passes-unanimously-in-the-senate,"Schatz, Hatch Health Tele-Training Bill Passes Unanimously in the Senate",2016-11-29,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz, Hatch Health Tele-Training Bill Passes Unanimously in the Senate 
				
			
			
				Tuesday, November 29, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) issued the following statements after the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act, legislation they introduced, passed in the Senate by a vote of 97-0. This legislation will increase access to high-quality health care in hard-to-reach regions.“We’re now one step closer to supporting new ways to train health providers and deliver health care,” said Senator Schatz, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. “Technology is changing the way medical professionals connect with each other and their patients.  Our bill capitalizes on this technology to give health professionals in hard-to-reach areas the specialized training they need and help them reach more patients.”“On a recent visit to southern Utah, I had the opportunity to visit a rural health center and speak to some of the families that rely on services included in the ECHO Act,” Senator Hatch said. “Some of these individuals had health conditions that required specialized care or could be managed much closer to home by health professionals they know and trust. By using technology to connect patients and providers, this bill will benefit Utah’s families by helping them receive the care they need, when they need it.  I’m grateful for the valuable input Utah’s health leaders have provided in crafting this proposal.” Statements of Support Kelley Withy, MD, PhD, Director of the Hawai‘i/Pacific Basin Area Health Education Center, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii   “ECHO has been helping dozens of providers a month better understand behavioral health situations, geriatric cases, dementia sequelae and endocrine implications. It will be really helpful to the State to expand the offerings, and even to include mainland and Pacific groups as well.”Dr. Barbara McAneny, Immediate Past Chair of the American Medical Association:   “Project ECHO is bridging geographic divides to connect physicians and experts with patients in underserved, rural areas. An exemplary model of using new technologies to improve patient care, Project ECHO has potential to bolster access to specialists, reduce incidence of chronic disease, and rein in costs through reduced travel and fewer ER visits. The AMA believes the ECHO Act would provide policymakers with critical information to expand such models to improve clinical practice.”Dan Hawkins, Senior VP, Public Policy and Research, National Association of Community Health Centers:   “The Expanding Connectivity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act is a bipartisan and innovative response to the need to connect primary care providers to specialists in rural and underserved areas.  Because health centers are all located in medically underserved urban and rural areas or serve medically underserved populations, they regularly become the medical home for patients with complex needs and chronic conditions.  This need is often amplified in rural areas which may have higher rates of chronic diseases and less access to specialty providers. By connecting specialists with primary care providers, the Project ECHO model allows for patients to access quality care close to home and creates opportunities for primary care physicians to manage complex needs in their own health centers. We applaud the efforts of Senator Hatch and Senator Schatz to examine the use of, and opportunities to use, technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity building models, such as Project ECHO, to improve patient care and provider education.”Dr. Sanjeev Arora, M.D., Founder and Director, Project ECHO, University of New Mexico School of Medicine:   “Medical knowledge is exploding, but it’s often not traveling the last mile to ensure that patients get the right care in the right place at the right time. If we can leverage technology to spread best practices through case-based learning and mentoring of providers, we can move knowledge – instead of patients – to get better care to rural and underserved communities across the country.”  BackgroundRural Health Challenges
 
Only about 10 percent of physicians practice in rural areas of the United States despite nearly one-fourth of the population living in these areas. 
Rural areas have higher rates of some chronic diseases and face many challenges, including transportation, connectivity, and isolation.
It is difficult to recruit health care providers to work in rural and underserved areas, and opportunities for professional development and support in such areas can be difficult.
 
   Project ECHO Model
 
Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) is an innovative continuing medical education model that uses interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams (“hubs”) with primary care providers (“spokes”) in rural and underserved areas. Together, they participate in weekly teleECHO clinics that combine didactic teaching with mentoring and case-based learning.
Demonstrated uses of Project ECHO have been numerous and include:

Addressing disease conditions and topic areas, including hepatitis C, integrated addictions and psychiatry, chronic pain/headache management, and diabetes;
A complex care program offering support to multidisciplinary teams providing primary and behavioral health care to high-need, high-cost patients; and
Public health interventions, including addressing H1N1, HIV, and tuberculosis as well as improving health and wellness within Native American populations.


 
   Benefits of Project ECHO model for:
 
Patients: Improved access to quality and accessible care, with high-patient satisfaction
Providers: Increased knowledge for providers in rural/underserved areas, with ability to serve as a local resource; improved provider network; enhanced professional satisfaction and reduced isolation; more access to specialists.
Health care system: Higher retention of providers in rural/underserved areas; better care delivered in the right place at the right time by the right person; decreased costs (less travel for specialty visits, less hospitalizations and ER visits, better quality of care close to home, and treatment of chronic diseases earlier before complications arise).
Current health care challenges: Project ECHO has successfully been used to increase the number of physicians able to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid abuse, to quickly educate health providers on public health crises such as H1N1, and to train providers to address complex mental health disorders.
 
   The Enhancing Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act:
 
The ECHO Act aims to better integrate the Project ECHO model—referred to as a “technology-enabled collaborative learning and capacity-building model”—into health systems across the country.  The bill does the following:

Requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), to prioritize analysis of the model, its impacts on provider capacity and workforce issues, and evidence of its effects on quality of patient care.
Requests a GAO report regarding opportunities for increased adoption of such models, efficiencies and potential cost savings from such models, ways to improve health care through such models, and field recommendations to advance the use of such models.
Requires the HHS Secretary to submit a report to Congress on the findings of the GAO report and the HHS report, including ways such models have been funded by HHS and how to integrate these models into current funding streams and innovative grant proposals.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/hirono-gabbard-announce-house-vote-filipino-veterans-congressional-gold-medal,"Hirono, Gabbard Announce House Vote on Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Bill",2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCSenator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-02) announced today the House will vote on legislation to award WWII Filipino Veterans the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in July, and is scheduled for a vote in the House on Wednesday, November 30. Should the bill pass the House, it will be sent to the President to be signed in to law.  
	  
	This week, Congress will take the next step to recognize the brave and courageous service of Filipino World War II veterans like Domingo Los Banos from Kauai, said Senator Mazie Hirono. This Veterans Day, I joined Domingo aboard the USS Missouri to recount how these veterans were instrumental to our victory in the Pacific, but had to fight for decades to receive the benefits they earned. The unanimous support this bill earned in the Senate and the overwhelming backing it has in the House honors the sacrifice so many of these veterans made for our country.  
	  
	This week, the House will take a historic vote to honor our Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medalour highest civilian honor. These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, and gave up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war, and have waited decades for their service to be recognized. They cannot afford to wait any longer, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this timely legislation, and to honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition.   
	  Background: Senator Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act in 2015, and have worked together toward the bill's final passage. The legislation acknowledges the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt's call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S Congress.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-gabbard-announce-house-vote-on-filipino-veterans-congressional-gold-medal-bill,"Hirono, Gabbard Announce House Vote on Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Bill",2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono, Gabbard Announce House Vote on Filipino Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Bill
				
			
			
			
				Monday, November 28, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI-02) announced today the House will vote on legislation to award WWII Filipino Veterans the Congressional Gold Medal. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in July, and is scheduled for a vote in the House on Wednesday, November 30. Should the bill pass the House, it will be sent to the President to be signed in to law.
“This week, Congress will take the next step to recognize the brave and courageous service of Filipino World War II veterans like Domingo Los Banos from Kaua?i,” said Senator Mazie Hirono. “This Veterans Day, I joined Domingo aboard the USS Missouri to recount how these veterans were instrumental to our victory in the Pacific, but had to fight for decades to receive the benefits they earned. The unanimous support this bill earned in the Senate and the overwhelming backing it has in the House honors the sacrifice so many of these veterans made for our country.”
“This week, the House will take a historic vote to honor our Filipino World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal—our highest civilian honor. These loyal and courageous soldiers suffered, fought, and gave up their lives alongside their American counterparts throughout the war, and have waited decades for their service to be recognized. They cannot afford to wait any longer,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. “It has been an honor to personally get to know some of these veterans and their families, and to hear them humbly tell their courageous stories of service. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to pass this timely legislation, and to honor our veterans with this long-overdue recognition.”   
Background: Senator Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard introduced the Filipino Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act in 2015, and have worked together toward the bill's final passage. The legislation acknowledges the more than 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S Congress.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-sends-thune-schatz-legislation-protecting-consumer-reviews-to-president,Senate Sends Thune-Schatz Legislation Protecting Consumer Reviews to President,2016-11-28,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Sends Thune-Schatz Legislation Protecting Consumer Reviews to President 
				
					 Bipartisan Proposal Put Forward by Thune, Schatz, and Moran Outlaws Abusive “Gag Clauses” 
				
			
			
				Monday, November 28, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate today, by unanimous consent, sent bicameral legislation to the White House for the President’s signature that will outlaw the use of “gag clauses” in non-negotiable form contracts. Some businesses have attracted national scrutiny for using gag clauses to punish or silence honest criticism of products and services. The sponsors of the Senate version released the following statements:
“Reviews on where to shop, eat, or stay on websites like Yelp or TripAdvisor help consumers make informed choices about where to spend their money. Every consumer has the right to share their honest experiences and opinions of any business without the fear of legal retaliation, and the passage of our bill brings us one step closer to protecting that right,” said Internet Subcommittee Ranking Member Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i).
“By ending gag clauses, this legislation supports consumer rights and the integrity of critical feedback about products and services sold online. I appreciate the bipartisan efforts of my Senate and House colleagues to get this legislation over the finish line,” said Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.).
“Just as word of mouth is used by family and friends to share experiences with particular brands or businesses, online reviews have significant benefits to consumers in their purchasing decisions. I’m pleased this legislation will now be sent to the president’s desk. It will help make certain consumers in Kansas and across the country are able to make their voices heard without fear of lawsuits or financial repercussions for honest feedback,” said Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.).
The Commerce Committee held a hearing on gag clauses on November 4, 2015, featuring testimony from Ms. Jen Palmer, a plaintiff in Palmer v. KlearGear, where a company demanded the removal of a negative online review or payment of $3,500 in fines because the online merchant’s terms of service included a non-disparagement clause. When the review was not taken down, the company reported the unpaid $3,500 to a credit reporting agency as an outstanding debt, which negatively impacted the Palmers’ credit.
Thune, Schatz, and Moran introduced S. 2044, the Consumer Review Freedom Act, in September 2015, and the Senate passed the measure unanimously last year. The Senate today approved the companion House version, H.R. 5111, introduced by Rep. Lance Leonard (R-N.J.) and Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.) earlier this year. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) also sponsored an earlier House companion version of the legislation, H.R. 2110, to outlaw gag clauses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-increase-seniors-access-to-shingles-vaccine,Hirono Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Seniors’ Access to Shingles Vaccine,2016-11-22,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Seniors’ Access to Shingles Vaccine
				
					1 in 3 Americans Will Develop Shingles in Their Lifetime
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, November 22, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Seniors through Immunization Act (S.3477)  to increase seniors’ access to the shingles vaccine. Seniors are at a greater risk of developing shingles. Shingles is a painful rash and sufferers are at risk for developing more serious complications.
“Seniors in Hawaii and across the country, including millions on a fixed income, deserve the protection from the shingles virus regardless of their ability to pay for a vaccine. This bill, which I am proud to introduce with Senator Capito, provides these seniors access to the shingles vaccine without having to worry about high out of pocket costs,” said Senator Hirono.
“With roughly one million new cases emerging across the country each year, it is important that West Virginians have access to treatment that protects against shingles,” said Senator Capito. “I’m glad to partner with Senator Hirono to introduce this bill, which will make it easier for seniors, who face a greater risk of battling this painful disease, to receive the vaccines they need.”
“The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition (AVAC) endorses the Shingles Prevention Act, which would eliminate out-of-pocket shingles vaccine costs for Medicare Part D beneficiaries and ensure that they receive important information about Medicare vaccine coverage,” said Laura Hanson, co-chair of AVAC. “Less than 30 percent of Americans over the age of 60 have received a shingles vaccine; this bill addresses two of the biggest barriers—cost and lack of awareness—that prevent more Americans from accessing it. As a diverse health coalition devoted exclusively to increasing adult vaccine rates, AVAC applauds Senators Hirono and Moore Capito for their leadership on this bill.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that seniors over 60 receive the shingles vaccine. However, because of high out of pocket Medicare costs, only about a quarter of seniors get vaccinated. The Protecting Seniors through Immunization Act provides the shingles vaccine free of charge for Medicare Part D beneficiaries, and improves outreach on the importance of getting vaccinated. 
The Protecting Seniors through Immunization Act is supported by 23 organizations including the American College of Preventative Medicine, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/gabbard-statement-meeting-president-elect-donald-trump,Gabbard Statement on Meeting with President-Elect Donald Trump,2016-11-21,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"New York, NY—U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released the following statement on her meeting with President-elect Donald Trump regarding Syria:
""President-elect Trump asked me to meet with him about our current policies regarding Syria, our fight against terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS, as well as other foreign policy challenges we face. I felt it important to take the opportunity to meet with the President-elect now before the drumbeats of war that neocons have been beating drag us into an escalation of the war to overthrow the Syrian government—a war which has already cost hundreds of thousands of lives and forced millions of refugees to flee their homes in search of safety for themselves and their families.
“While the rules of political expediency would say I should have refused to meet with President-elect Trump, I never have and never will play politics with American and Syrian lives.
“Serving the people of Hawaiʻi and our nation is an honor and responsibility that I do not take lightly.  Representing the aloha spirit and diversity of the people of Hawaiʻi, I will continue to seek common ground to deliver results that best serve all Americans, as I have tried to do during my time in Congress.
“Where I disagree with President-elect Trump on issues, I will not hesitate to express that disagreement.  However, I believe we can disagree, even strongly, but still come together on issues that matter to the American people and affect their daily lives. We cannot allow continued divisiveness to destroy our country.
“President-elect Trump and I had a frank and positive conversation in which we discussed a variety of foreign policy issues in depth. I shared with him my grave concerns that escalating the war in Syria by implementing a so-called no fly/safe zone would be disastrous for the Syrian people, our country, and the world. It would lead to more death and suffering, exacerbate the refugee crisis, strengthen ISIS and al-Qaeda, and bring us into a direct conflict with Russia which could result in a nuclear war. We discussed my bill to end our country’s illegal war to overthrow the Syrian government, and the need to focus our precious resources on rebuilding our own country, and on defeating al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other terrorist groups who pose a threat to the American people.
“For years, the issue of ending interventionist, regime change warfare has been one of my top priorities. This was the major reason I ran for Congress—I saw firsthand the cost of war, and the lives lost due to the interventionist warmongering policies our country has pursued for far too long.
“Let me be clear, I will never allow partisanship to undermine our national security when the lives of countless people lay in the balance.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-denounces-top-trump-surrogates-comments-to-use-japanese-american-internment-as-precedent-for-muslim-registry,Hirono Denounces Top Trump Surrogate’s Comments to Use Japanese American Internment as Precedent for Muslim Registry,2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Denounces Top Trump Surrogate’s Comments to Use Japanese American Internment as Precedent for Muslim Registry
				
			
			
			
				Thursday, November 17, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement in response to top Trump surrogate Carl Higbie’s remarks that the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II should be used as precedent for the creation of a Muslim registry:
“The internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II was a historic injustice and nothing like it should ever happen again,” said Senator Hirono. “The protection of our Constitution is not conditional; it applies to all of us. We cannot allow hate speech, racism, and anti-immigrant sentiment to become the new norm in our country, and we must continue to speak out against hate and prejudice. An inclusive and vibrant America is worth fighting for.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-using-japanese-american-internment-as-precedent-is-immoral-and-must-be-rejected-by-all-americans,Schatz: Using Japanese American Internment as Precedent is Immoral and Must be Rejected by All Americans,2016-11-17,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz: Using Japanese American Internment as Precedent is Immoral and Must be Rejected by All Americans 
				
			
			
				Thursday, November 17, 2016
			
			
	
			
			  WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement in response to Carl Higbie’s comments on Fox News’ “The Kelly File” that World War II-era Japanese American internment camps could be used as “precedent” for a Muslim registry. 
“The internment of Japanese Americans was a dark chapter in our history.  We should remember it and never repeat the same injustice.  Any suggestion that the classification of thousands of Japanese, Germans, and Italians during the World War II as ‘enemy aliens’ should be used as a precedent is immoral and must be rejected by all Americans.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/uh-professor-dr-chien-wen-tseng-md-appointed-to-the-us-preventive-services-task-force,"UH Professor, Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng, M.D., Appointed to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force",2016-11-16,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"UH Professor, Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng, M.D., Appointed to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 
				
					 Nominated by Schatz, Dr. Tseng Will Be the First Physician from Hawai‘i to Serve on National Health Care Task Force 
				
			
			
				Wednesday, November 16, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, issued the following statement after University of Hawai‘i professor, Dr. Chien-Wen Tseng M.D., M.P.H., M.S.E.E., was appointed to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Senator Schatz nominated Dr. Tseng for appointment to the task force.
“I congratulate Dr. Tseng on this appointment and for making history as the first physician from Hawai‘i to serve in this role,” said Senator Schatz. “The task force will be well served by her years of clinical, research, and policy experience, and I’m proud to have nominated her for this esteemed position.”
Members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force offer their judgement to help develop evidence-based recommendations for preventive services like counseling, screening, and medication.  The independent panel’s members are made up of experts in preventive medicine and primary care and serve 4-year terms.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/congresswoman-tulsi-gabbard-statement-passing-rep-clift-tsuji,Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard Statement on the Passing of Rep. Clift Tsuji,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCCongresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the following statement today after the passing of Hawaii State House Representative Clift Tsuji:
Today, Hawaii lost a dedicated public servant. Born and raised in Papaikou, Representative Clift Tsuji served the people of Hawaii Island throughout his life. After graduating from Hilo High School, Rep. Tsuji served as a U.S. Army Reservist with the 442nd Infantry out of Hilo, and continued to serve Hawaii Island in various community organizations, as a successful businessman, and as a representative for the people of Keaukaha, Panaewa, Waiakea, and parts of Hilo. As chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Tsuji helped champion legislation to fight invasive species and strengthen our biosecurity. I saw Rep. Tsuji recently at the Hilo Veterans Parade and, as usual, he was full of aloha, as he welcomed me to the community he loved so much. Today, my heart is with Rep. Tsuji's family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.""
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-encourages-opportunities-veterans-technology,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Encourages Opportunities for Veterans in Technology,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, DCRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02), co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Future Caucus and of the Diversifying Tech Caucus, delivered opening remarks at the congressional briefing Veteran Readiness in Technology: Preparing Veterans for the 21st Century Economy, hosted by the Millennial Action Project, Engine, TwinLogic Strategies, and Amazon. The congresswoman spoke about how veterans are largely underrepresented in the rapidly growing technology industry, and about the importance of empowering veterans as they transition to civilian life. Following opening remarks, expert panelists discussed the current challenges transitioning service members and veterans face during their path towards a career in technology, and opportunities for veterans and servicemembers in the 21st century tech economy.
Roughly 500 veterans return to civilian life every day, bringing with them unique experiences and skills from their military service. Our veterans are natural leaders, trained to make decisions under pressure, work together as a team, and accomplish the mission at hand, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Veterans have been largely underrepresented in the tech community, making up just 2% the sector that drives much of our economic innovation across the country. Ensuring our veterans have access to training and opportunities that set them up for success in the 21st century tech economy is good for our economy, good for our tech industry, good for our country, and good for our veterans. 
Background: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has introduced legislation like the Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Act, to enable veterans to use their GI Bill benefits for apprenticeship programs in the skilled-trade industry, as well as the HIRE Vets Act to incentivize employers to hire and retain veterans.
The photos below are available here for download
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-statement-on-the-passing-of-state-representative-clift-tsuji,Hirono Statement on the Passing of State Representative Clift Tsuji,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Statement on the Passing of State Representative Clift Tsuji
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, November 15, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the passing of Hawaii State Representative Clift Tsuji:
“Clift Tsuji represented the Hilo community that he grew up in, and his drive to build a better future was evident by his actions. Clift brought a wealth of experience and over 30 years of business acumen to the Hawaii State House of Representatives. His voice on behalf of agriculture across the state will be missed. I considered Clift a friend, and my thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-passing-of-clift-tsuji,Schatz Statement on Passing of Clift Tsuji,2016-11-15,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on Passing of Clift Tsuji 
				
			
			
				Tuesday, November 15, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement on the passing of state Representative Clift Tsuji.“My deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Representative Clift Tsuji.  Rep. Tsuji was low-key in style but a firm fighter for the needs of the people of the Big Island.  He will be especially remembered for his advocacy of agriculture and its essential role in the economy and culture of Hawai‘i.  Clift was earnest, hard-working, and always had a kind word for people.  He will be greatly missed.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://hanabusa.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-colleen-hanabusa-sworn-into-office,Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa Sworn into Office,2016-11-14,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Colleen Hanabusa,H001050,hanabusa.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S.Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa was sworn in as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker Paul Ryan on November 14, 2016.
The Honorable Colleen Hanabusa was elected to serve as Representative of Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District. Representative Hanabusa was added to the rolls of the House upon executing the oath of office.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/-hawaii-to-receive-federal-funding-for-homeless-veterans-housing-program,Hawaii to Receive Federal Funding for Homeless Veterans Housing Program,2016-11-14,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hawaii to Receive Federal Funding for Homeless Veterans Housing Program 
				
			
			
				Monday, November 14, 2016
			
			
	
			
			WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs announced that the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs awarded $330,960 to the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority to help provide housing for 35 homeless veterans in our state.
“One of the most basic obligations that we have to those who served our country is ensuring that each and every one of them has a roof over their head when they come home,” said Senator Schatz. “As a state and as a nation, we have a moral, social, and financial obligation to fulfill that promise.  These funds will help veterans who are struggling to find a home get access to the financial assistance and counseling services they need so that they can have a place to call their own.”
This funding will provide up to 35 new affordable housing units for homeless and vulnerable veterans at the Hale Uhiwai Nalu development in Kapolei. Social services such as career and family counseling will also available to residents. 
According to the 2016 Statewide Point-In-Time Count, homelessness among veterans has declined by 3% statewide and 12% on Oahu compared to 2015. In an effort to decrease homelessness among veterans, Honolulu participated in the 25 Cities Initiative, a joint effort by the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Interagency on Homelessness, and local community partners to reduce veteran homelessness.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Schatz has continuously supported funding for the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, homeless assistance grants, and other affordable housing programs.
The HUD-VASH funding announced today is in addition to a $1.25 million allotment received by the state in May to provide affordable housing to more than 110 homeless veterans. The combined $1.5 million in HUD-VASH funding is supporting more than 145 housing vouchers to help homeless veterans offset the cost of rental housing as well as provide them with counseling services.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/on-veterans-day-hirono-renews-call-for-house-to-pass-bill-honoring-filipino-world-war-ii-veterans-,"On Veterans Day, Hirono Renews Call for House to Pass Bill Honoring Filipino World War II Veterans",2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"On Veterans Day, Hirono Renews Call for House to Pass Bill Honoring Filipino World War II Veterans 
				
					Hirono: It Has Been Four Months Since the Senate Passed this Bill
				
			
			
			
				Friday, November 11, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono spoke at the USS Missouri Memorial on Veterans Day. Her remarks focused on the contributions and sacrifices made by Filipino soldiers who answered President Franklin Roosevelt’s call and fought alongside U.S. soldiers in World War II.
Senator Hirono has spearheaded efforts, along with Filipino advocacy groups in Hawaii and across the country, to award the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to these Filipino veterans.
“It has been four months since the Senate passed this bill,” said Senator Hirono. “I have sent a letter to the House leadership asking them to schedule this bill for passage when the House returns for the Lame Duck session. When the House passes this bill, it will go directly to the President for his signature. Time is of the essence, since every day that goes by we are losing more of these veterans.”
Senator Hirono is the lead sponsor of S.1555, which would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino World War II veterans, which unanimously passed the Senate on July 13, 2016 and is awaiting House action.

Senator Hirono speaks with Filipino World War II veteran Domingo Los Banos (center) and other veterans at the USS Missouri Memorial",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-veterans-day2016,Schatz Statement on Veterans Day,2016-11-11,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on Veterans Day 
				
			
			
				Friday, November 11, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) issued the following statement in honor of Veterans Day. Senator Schatz will spend part of Veterans Day attending the Oahu Veterans Council’s Veterans Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 
“On this Veterans Day, we honor the dedication and sacrifice of our veterans and their families. Less than one percent of Americans shoulder the immense responsibility of defending our nation.  They have never hesitated to answer the call when our country has needed them and for that we are forever grateful. Today and every day we show our respect and gratitude for their courage, sacrifice, and perseverance in the face of adversity.  To the more than 120,000 veterans who call Hawai‘i home, we extend a special aloha and hope each one of you will feel the gratitude of a thankful nation. Please join me today by thanking our veterans for their service.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.schatz.senate.gov/press-releases/schatz-statement-on-the-fccs-letter-to-atandt,Schatz Statement on the FCC's Letter to AT,2016-11-10,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Brian Schatz,S001194,www.schatz.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Schatz Statement on the FCC's Letter to AT&T 
				
			
			
				Thursday, November 10, 2016
			
			
	
			
			HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s letter to AT&T raising questions about their zero rating practices implemented through the company’s sponsored data plan.  
“I support the FCC’s approach to reviewing each of these zero rating practices on a case-by-case basis because in many instances they provide benefits to consumers. The expert agency is best positioned to examine these practices to determine if they empower consumers or jeopardize a free and open internet for all.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-celebrates-100th-anniversary-of-national-park-service-at-hawaii-volcanoes-national-park,Hirono Celebrates 100th Anniversary of National Park Service at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,2016-11-07,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Celebrates 100th Anniversary of National Park Service at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
				
			
			
			
				Monday, November 7, 2016
			
			
	
			
			
Senator Mazie K. Hirono marked the 100th anniversary of America’s National Parks at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Hawaii Island. The Senator presented Hawaii fourth graders with Every Kid in a Park program passes, which provide free admission to National Parks for fourth graders nationwide to encourage exploration and learning.
 
“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Every Kid in a Park program promotes a lifelong appreciation for our environment and natural resources,” said Senator Hirono.
 
“Senator Hirono is a dedicated advocate of education for Hawaii youth, and fully embraces Every Kid in a Park,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “The Kau students who hiked with her today not only met one of Hawaii’s senators, but were able to spend quality time outdoors with someone who truly advocates for our keiki and national parks.”
 
Earlier this year, the Senate unanimously approved Senator Hirono’s resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-congratulates-service-member-graduates-honors,"PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Congratulates Service Member Graduates, Honors Veterans of Foreign Wars",2016-11-05,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HILeading up to Veterans Day Week, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) spent the day recognizing the service, sacrifice, and accomplishments of active duty service members and veterans of foreign wars at events on Oahu. This morning, she delivered congratulatory remarks to 48 men and women currently serving in the Army, Navy, and Air Force who just earned their degrees in higher education. She then presented the graduates with honorary certificates. The congresswoman connected with the service members, sharing her own experiences of earning her bachelor's degree in challenging conditions while serving on her Middle East deployment.  
	  
	Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard delivered keynote remarks to over 300 veterans at the Annual Western Region Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary Conference. She thanked them for their service and sacrifice and spoke strongly about her commitment to fight for the benefits and care that they were promised, have earned, and deserve. She highlighted the recent atrocities in the DOD's attempts to claw back bonuses received in good faith by California National Guardsmen. She applauded veterans continuing their mission of service even after they lay down the uniform as they enter the civilian workforce, take on new leadership and mentorship roles, and volunteer in their communities.  
	  
	There are too many misperceptions that persist with regards to post-traumatic stress or other challenges that some of our brothers and sisters are dealing with as they make this transition from the military to civilian world, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a twice-deployed Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. We need to change this culture to one in our society where employers and leaders in our community go first to our veterans to employ them, to serve in positions of leadership, to make a difference in our communities, recognizing that our brothers and sisters in uniform are the best equipped to lead, knowing what it means to be a member of a team, to make decisions under pressure, to put service before self, and to always stay focused on the missionnever accepting failure, never accepting defeat.  
	  
	Ensuring that each of you, my brothers and sisters in arms, get the respect that you deserve, that you get the care, the services, and the benefits that you have earned through your service and that you're entitled to, and that you are honored and recognized for the sacrifices that you and your loved ones have made for your countrythis is what guides the work that I do every day in Congress.
B-roll and excerpts from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's keynote address at the VFW Conference are available here.  
	  Click the images below to download photos from the VFW Conference (1-3) and the Education Recognition Ceremony (4-6).
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-criminal-justice-reform-horizon,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: Criminal Justice Reform Is On The Horizon,2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIAddressing the Academy of Architecture for Justice Conference today, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) discussed the unprecedented bipartisan momentum behind criminal justice reform. The Congresswoman spoke about wide-ranging support in Congress for measures like the Recidivism Risk Reduction Act (H.R.759), the Sentencing Reform Act (H.R.3713), and the SAFE Justice Reinvestment Act (H.R.2944), and discussed her continued work to push these measures forward before the year's end. She also discussed how successful local initiatives like veteran treatment courts, the Hawaii Opportunity Probation with Enforcement (HOPE) model, and State Juvenile Justice Hoopono Mamo Civil Citation Initiative are being used as justice reform models and being replicated in states across the country.  
	  
	Our broken criminal justice system is perpetuating inequality and tearing apart families across the country. As soaring costs continue to drain our local, state, and national resources, over 40% of people released from prison return within 3 years. It's clear our current system is not working, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Criminal justice reform is a rare exception to the divisive partisanship of Congress, uniting lawmakers and organizers on both sides of the aisle. Momentum in Congress is stronger than ever before, and we need all hands working toward passing widely-supported reforms like the SAFE Justice Act and Sentencing Reform Act before the end of the year.   
	  Background: This is the first year that the Academy of Architecture for Justice Conference, hosted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), has been held in Hawaii. Attendees included more than 200 top planners and designers of justice facilities across the country, as well as from Mexico, Canada, and Australia. The four-day conference is focused on sharing and developing best practices for justice architecture, including sustainable courts, detention and correction facilities, and public safety facilities. Click here more information.   
	  
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is a cosponsor of bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation including the Recidivism Risk Reduction Act (H.R.759), the Sentencing Reform Act (H.R.3713), and the SAFE Justice Reinvestment Act (H.R.2944). Both H.R.759 and H.R.3713 have been reported out of committee, and are strongly supported by lawmakers in both parties.
The photos below are available here for download
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-statement-implementation-paris-climate-agreement,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Statement on Implementation of Paris Climate Agreement,2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below on the Paris Climate Agreement, which goes into effect today:  
	  
	Our future and the future of every generation to come depend on the health of our planet. The Paris Climate Agreement marks the first universal, legally-binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy. It requires every nation to do their part by taking steps to reduce carbon pollution and share responsibility for the future of our planet. That being said, by no means is this a cure-all solution.  
	  
	We must ensure that our path forward benefits both our planet and our people. Millions of workers around the world, including in the United States, rely on the energy industry to put food on the table. Investing in renewable energy and sustainable jobs, as well as transitional training, will help to ensure these workers are not left behind. In fact, they are critical to the success of our future. The United States must lead by examplealong with aggressively reducing our carbon pollution, we must commit to investing in clean energy research and development, promote the growth of green jobs at home, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and empower our workers to succeed in a new generation of clean energy.  
	  Background: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is an original co-sponsor of H.Res.540, which supports unprecedented national priorities for combatting climate change, including goals for 50% of electricity derived from renewable sources by 2030 as well as the transition to 50% near zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% clean renewable energy by 2050.  
	
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-expanding-preclearance-to-kansai-airport-benefits-national-security-hawaii-tourism,"Hirono: Expanding Preclearance to Kansai Airport Benefits National Security, Hawaii Tourism",2016-11-04,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono: Expanding Preclearance to Kansai Airport Benefits National Security, Hawaii Tourism
				
			
			
			
				Friday, November 4, 2016
			
			
	
			
			
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it is expanding the U.S. Custom and Border Protection’s (CBP) preclearance program to include Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan. Senator Mazie K. Hirono pushed top Administration officials to include Kansai in today’s expansion.
 
“Including Kansai International Airport in the preclearance program will improve Hawaii’s competitiveness in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific tourism market,” said Senator Hirono. “Today’s announcement furthers the longstanding trust and security relationship between the United States and Japan.”
 
“Initiatives that support our primary industry here in Hawaii are always welcome news, particularly those that make it easier for international visitors to travel to our state and have the potential to bring additional direct flights from Japan to the neighbor islands,” said Chamber of Commerce Hawaii President and CEO Sherry Menor-McNamara. “We extend our appreciation to Senator Hirono for her advocacy leadership in expanding preclearance to Japan and, in this case, the Kansai Airport.”
 
“I speak for Hawaii’s tourism industry in commending Senator Hirono for her leadership to improve travel access from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport to Hawaii’s neighbor islands. Inbound travelers to Hawaii prefer the convenience of nonstop flights from their home regions and this initiative by Senator Hirono begins the process for airlines to enhance their Osaka service beyond Oahu,” said President and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority George D. Szigeti. “Japan is Hawaii's largest international market for travelers and, with arrivals being flat year-to-date through September, the ease of nonstop service and enhanced accessibility from Osaka would strengthen our tourism industry and the state as a whole.""
 
In September, Senator Hirono urged Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Secretary of State John Kerry to include Kansai Airport in the expansion of the Preclearance program. Click here to read Senator Hirono’s letter. Nearly 600,000 visitors fly from Kansai Airport to Honolulu every year.
 
Last year, Senator Hirono successfully pushed to include Tokyo’s Narita Airport in the Preclearance program.
 
Under the preclearance program, the same passenger immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections otherwise performed on arrival in the United States can be completed before departure at foreign airports. Preclearance allows CBP to better utilize its limited resources on U.S. soil, while screening travelers before they gain access to U.S. bound flights.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-announces-critical-milestone-crossed,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Critical Milestone Crossed For Congressional Gold Medal Bill to Honor WWII Filipino Veterans,2016-11-01,2016,2016-11,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIThis afternoon, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) hosted a roundtable of leaders from Hawaii's Filipino community to update them on the legislation she introduced to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino Veterans of World War II (H.R.2737). The bill recently crossed a critical milestone and, after decades of attempted recognition for Filipino World War II veterans, is closer to passage than ever before.  
	  
	Congressional Gold Medal bills require two thirds of the House, or at least 290 members, to sign on to the bill before it can move forward. I'm happy to report to you today that we've exceeded this with 309 co-sponsors, with colleagues representing both parties and nearly every state and territory in our nation supporting legislation to recognize these men for their service and sacrifice, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard announced this afternoon to a group of leaders from Hawaii's Filipino community. Despite their critical role in the Pacific, Filipino World War II veterans have never been recognized by Congress for their service. We've waited far too long to recognize these heroes alongside units like the Tuskeegee Airmen and Hawaii's own 442nd/100th Infantry Battalion with the Congressional Gold Medal. With just 18,000 Filipino World War II veterans alive today, time is of the essence for Congress to pass this legislation and honor these courageous men with the long overdue recognition they deserve.  
	  
	Last year, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced bipartisan legislation (H.R.2737) to award the Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Filipino veterans. The bill acknowledges over 200,000 Filipino and Filipino-American soldiers who responded to President Roosevelt's call-to-duty and fought under the American flag against the Imperial Forces of Japan during World War II. 305 Members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors of the congresswoman's bill, and she is working with House leadership to schedule it for a vote. With support from Hawaii's Filipino community and organizations across the country, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hopes to pass the legislation before the end of the year.  
	  
	At this afternoon's roundtable with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, the group also discussed important issues regarding U.S.-Philippines relations, building greater understanding of Filipino history, culture, and contributions in the U.S., higher education, immigration and family reunification, transition programs for service members entering the civilian workforce, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program, and more.
B-Roll Video Footage from Today's Roundtable with Leaders of Hawaii's Filipino Community Available Here  
	  
	Click the photos below to download.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-lawmakers-call-timely-answers-pentagon-claw-backs,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Lawmakers Call For Timely Answers on Pentagon Claw Backs",2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and 200 other Members of Congress called on the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide answers on reports that nearly 10,000 soldiers have been ordered to pay back enlistment bonuses. In a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, the lawmakers called for an immediate halt to the recoupment efforts, demanded the DoD waive payment collection under their current authority, and called for timely answers on the Pentagon's plans to investigate and address this issue nationwide.  
	  
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said, It is absolutely unacceptable for the DoD to claw back promises made to our veterans and their families, years after their service. During a time our nation was in great need, these guardsmen stepped up, put their lives on the line, and deployed and redeployed to defend our nation. While the DoD was right to immediately halt recoupment, many veterans have already been forced to pay back thousands of dollars, with interest, and now wait in uncertainty. The Pentagon should permanently waive the recoupment of these bonuses, reimburse those who have already repaid, and provide immediate answers to our veterans and their families.  
	  Full text of the letter Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and other lawmakers delivered to the Pentagon is available here
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/icymi-new-hirono-bill-to-protect-workers-in-hawaiis-longline-fleet-,ICYMI: New Hirono Bill to Protect Workers in Hawaii’s Longline Fleet,2016-10-31,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"ICYMI: New Hirono Bill to Protect Workers in Hawaii’s Longline Fleet 
				
			
			
			
				Monday, October 31, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono will introduce a bill in the new Congress to protect foreign fishermen from exploitation and preserve Hawaii’s longline fishing industry. The Senator laid out her principles for this bill in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser:
“Hirono’s bill would give the fishermen temporary work visas designed to afford the workers wage protections, safe working conditions and contract enforcement provisions, similar to those afforded other foreign workers with comparable visas.
“The visas would allow the fishermen to leave their vessels when docked in Honolulu, as well as travel in and out of Honolulu Airport. Currently, the workers aren’t permitted to fly into the country in order to board the American boats. Instead, captains pick up the workers at foreign locations, such as Samoa.
“The legislation is aimed at protecting the fishermen while also preserving the longline industry. Hirono has also been working with federal agencies to come up with nonlegislative fixes to the fishermen’s plight.
“‘I am committed to protecting foreign fishermen from exploitation and preserving Hawaii’s longline fishing industry,’ Hirono said in a statement Saturday. ‘I am reviewing relevant laws and regulations and working with federal agencies, stakeholders and other knowledgeable sources to develop legislation that will accomplish these goals.’”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-fcc-s-ruling-important-milestone-online-privacy,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: FCCs Ruling Is Important Milestone for Online Privacy,2016-10-28,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) released the statement below following the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ruling that restricts how Internet providers use and sell customer data:  
	  
	""Our privacy and civil liberties protections have not kept up with the rapid expansion of technology in today's digital age. As a result, corporations have largely gone unchecked, raking in billions by selling personal data without consent from consumers. The FCC's ruling gives Americans a say in how their personal and private data is used, and lays the groundwork for us to continue strengthening online privacy protections.""  
	  Background: Yesterday, the FCC ruled 3-2 that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are required to get opt-in consent from consumers before they can collect and use consumers' personal data, which includes Web browsing history, app usage, health and financial information, geolocations, and the content of online communications. The new rules require service providers to tell consumers what data they collect and why, as well as to take steps to notify customers of data breaches.  
	  
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a founding member of the Fourth Amendment Caucus, has been a champion for strengthening privacy and civil liberties protections in the digital age. She has introduced legislation to strengthen the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) and cosponsored legislation like the Electronic Communications Privacy Amendments Act and Email Privacy Act to modernize electronic privacy laws.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-hosts-congress-your-corner-addresses-maritime,"PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Hosts Congress On Your Corner, Addresses Maritime Pilots, Supports Arts Education",2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Kihei, MauiThis morning on Maui, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) delivered welcoming remarks and a congressional update to 250 maritime pilots who direct ship navigation in and out of Hawaii, as well as the country's twenty-four ocean-bordering states. She spoke about Hawaii's rich culture and history based on sea navigation; the importance of safe, environmentally responsible, and efficient maritime commerce; and the effects of dangerous trade agreements on our country. The congresswoman also met with Captain Nancy Wagner, the first female ship pilot in the United Statestoday, more than sixty women work in this capacity as a senior sea officer in charge of bringing a ship in and out of port and responsible for the safe navigation of huge cargo ships and tankers.
In Congress, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard serves on the STEAM Caucus, which values the inclusion of Arts Education in conjunction with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Today, she toured the Maui Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) facility and met with its directors to discuss the importance of their arts programs in schools and off-campus, which support literacy through the arts for students in grades 3-12.  
	  
	This afternoon, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard hosted a Congress On Your Corner event, where she visited with more than forty people from across Maui, listened to their ideas and concerns, and answered questions about her work in Congress and at home in Hawaii. She also met with constituents and organization leaders in Makawao who are serving the needs of their community in various ways.
B-Roll from today's meetings and events is available here for viewing / download.  
	  
	Click the images below to download.
  
	  
	For more information, please contact Erika Tsuji at (808) 286-0803.  
	  
	###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-recognized-top-advocate-national-food-policy-0,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Recognized As Top Advocate For National Food Policy,2016-10-26,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIFood Policy Action announced Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) as a top advocate for improving the nation's food system. The congresswoman earned a perfect score on the recent release of the National Food Policy Scorecard for her leadership advancing good food policy in the 114th Congress.  
	  
	Fighting for sensible, transparent food policies and supporting local and domestic agriculture have been among my key priorities. This Congress, we've unfortunately seen numerous attempts to roll back progress on good food policy, like undermining common sense food labeling standards across the country, fast-tracking the destructive Trans-Pacific Partnership, and lifting restrictions on the use of harmful pesticides near our vital water resources, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Food security is a critical issue for people in Hawaii and across the U.S. and I will continue to work hard toward creating a more secure, safe, and healthy future for our people and our environment.  
	  
	""Tulsi Gabbard is a strong food champion who has been a steadfast advocate for measures to fix our food system, voting to protect clean water, transparency in food labeling, workers' rights, and the long-term viability of our food supply. Her 100% score on the National Food Policy Scorecard showcases her leadership on food policy issues in Congress,"" said Tom Colicchio, Food Policy Action co-founder, chef and food advocate. 
The photo below is available here for download  
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a top advocate for a clear, transparent, uniform food labeling standard  
	
Background:  
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been a strong advocate for food and production safety and transparency, and was among just 18% of House members that received a perfect score on this year's Food Policy Action Scorecard. Food Policy Action recognized Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for:  
	 Fighting against the DARK Act and fast-track Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)  
	 Working to pass clear, easy-to-read food labeling standards  
	 Protecting the Clean Water Act and upholding restrictions on pesticide use  
	 Reauthorizing services for kpuna under the Older Americans Reauthorization Act  
	  
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has introduced legislation to protect local agriculture and help local farmers fight back against invasive species, including the Macadamia Tree Health Initiative and the Areawide Integrated Pest Management Act. As an original cosponsor of H.R. 913, the Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, she helped lead Congressional opposition to legislation like the DARK Act and S.764, legislation that pre-empts state and local laws that already require labeling of genetically modified foods and creates a food labeling system based solely on industry science and corporate influences. She has continued working to pass a clear, uniform national labeling standard that makes it easier for consumers to know what's in their food.  
	  
	Food Policy Action was established in 2012 through a collaboration of national food policy leaders in order to hold legislators accountable on votes that have an effect on food and farming. The National Food Policy Scorecard reflects the consensus of top food policy experts who select the key food policy votes each year. The scorecard considers lawmakers votes on a variety of issues relevant to food policy in the U.S., including domestic and international hunger, food safety, food access, farm subsidies, animal welfare, food and farm labor, nutrition, food additives, food transparency, local and regional food production, organic farming and the effects of food production on the environment.  
	  
	###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-announces-more-than-15-million-in-federal-funding-for-hawaiis-public-schools,Hirono Announces More Than $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for Hawaii’s Public Schools,2016-10-25,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Announces More Than $1.5 Million in Federal Funding for Hawaii’s Public Schools
				
					Funding Will Be Used to Improve Student Achievement
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, October 25, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that the Hawaii Department of Education will receive $1.56 million in federal funding to improve academic achievement at schools throughout the state. The U.S. Department of Education funding will be allocated among Hawaii’s priority status schools to provide students and teachers with additional resources to improve performance in the classroom.                                                                                   
“This funding ensures that Hawaii’s public schools will continue to have the necessary resources to help all students succeed,” said Senator Hirono.
“Providing the additional supports to schools that need it most is key to their success,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We’ve seen the impact extended learning opportunities and professional development for teachers have made. In order to make improvements, we need to provide schools resources. This grant allows us the opportunity to move forward.”
The funding will be awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s School Improvement Grants (SIGs) program, which supports state and local educational agencies that demonstrate the greatest need for funds and the strongest commitment to improving student achievement. This year’s award will continue to support the Hawaii Department of Education in its efforts to provide more opportunities for students and teachers in Hawaii’s schools.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-hears-from-oahu-veterans-on-health-care-access-to-benefits,"Hirono Hears from Oahu Veterans on Health Care, Access to Benefits",2016-10-22,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Hears from Oahu Veterans on Health Care, Access to Benefits
				
					Holds Eighth Veterans Roundtable at Oahu Veterans Center
				
			
			
			
				Saturday, October 22, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono joined Oahu Veterans Council members to discuss a recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Inspector General report, prepared at the Senator’s request, that assessed the impact of a six-point plant to improve patient wait times at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS). 
“Our veterans deserve benefits and quality, timely medical care equal to their service and sacrifice on behalf of our country,” said Senator Hirono. “I will continue to hold the VA accountable until every veteran in Hawaii receives the quality of care they deserve.”
Top Hawaii VA health care and benefits officials also attended the forum and briefed attendees on VA projects designed to improve health care access.
As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Hirono has brought top VA officials to Hawaii to hear directly from veterans, and held veterans roundtables on every island. Senator Hirono has successfully championed legislative solutions signed into law to address health care access, housing, and other obstacles that Hawaii veterans face.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-honors-legacy-and-service-hawai-i-nisei-veterans,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Honors Legacy and Service of Hawaii Nisei Veterans as Honolulu International Airport Unveils New Exhibit,2016-10-21,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIAt the Interisland Terminal of the Honolulu International Airport this morning, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) joined the Nisei Veterans Legacy Center and Department of Transportation officials at the unveiling and blessing ceremony of a new permanent exhibit celebrating Hawaii's Nisei veterans.
It's a privilege and an honor to be here to celebrate the Hawaii Nisei Veterans display and all that it symbolizesespecially with our Nisei veterans here today, representing service and sacrifice from different conflicts and different generations, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a twice-deployed Major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. Your courage during a very difficult time says so much about the values that we strive to uphold and celebrate in this great country. To have this display here provides the opportunity for people coming through as they travelboth kama'ina and visitors from across the country and around the worldto learn more about your sacrifice and to make sure that the legacy of your service continues for generations to come.
The exhibit was produced by volunteers from the Nisei Veterans Legacy Center, a nonprofit organization created to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of the Americans of Japanese Ancestry who served in the United States armed forces during World War II, including the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion. Nisei stands for second generation and represents American citizens born in the United States whose parents immigrated from Japan. More information on the Nisei Veterans Legacy.
Click the images below to download.
B-Roll video footage from the unveiling of the Hawaii Nisei Veterans exhibit available here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-unveils-exhibit-honoring-japanese-american-world-war-ii-veterans,Hirono Unveils Exhibit Honoring Japanese American World War II Veterans,2016-10-21,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Unveils Exhibit Honoring Japanese American World War II Veterans
				
			
			
			
				Friday, October 21, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono today commemorated the service of Japanese American World War II veterans at a new exhibit in the Honolulu International Airport. The Nisei Veterans Legacy Exhibit includes profiles of members of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Military Intelligence Service, and the 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion.
“Through this exhibit, millions of people who pass through Honolulu International Airport each year will have the opportunity to learn more about the heroism and service of Japanese American World War II veterans, who bravely fought for the United States even as their loyalty was questioned at home,” said Senator Hirono.
In 2010, Senator Hirono championed legislation to award Japanese American World War II veterans the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honors.

442nd Regimental Combat Team veteran Robert Kishinami and Senator Hirono view the new exhibit at Honolulu International Airport",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-congratulates-pearl-harbor-naval-shipyard,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Congratulates Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Apprentice Graduates,2016-10-19,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, HI This afternoon at the Historic Hickam Officers Club, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) delivered congratulatory remarks at a ceremony honoring 135 Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility apprentice program graduates. The congresswoman serves on the House Armed Services' Sea Power and Projection Forces Subcommittee and spoke about the importance of the journeymen's service and their work to care for the military's aging ships, especially with the United States' focus on the Asia-Pacific Region.
The Shipyard's Apprentice Program is a partnership between the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Honolulu Community College. The program prepares students for Shipyard careers by combining academic study with paid work experience. This year's graduating class includes journeymen in nineteen different trades..
The Shipyard is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command and a one-stop regional maintenance center for the Navy's surface ships and submarines. It is the largest industrial employer in Hawaii with a combined civilian and military workforce of over 5,000. Strategically located in the mid-Pacific, the Navy's largest ship repair facility between the West Coast and the Far East is about a week of steam time closer to potential regional contingencies in East Asia than sites on the West Coast.
B-Roll Video Footage of the Graduation Ceremony Available Here For Download
Click on the images below to download.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-connects-hawai-i-soldiers-employers-transition,PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Connects Hawaii Soldiers With Employers at Transition Summit,2016-10-18,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wahiawa, HIThis afternoon at Schofield Barracks, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) spoke to a group of more than 200 Hawaii soldiers who are considering a transition from military service to civilian life. She explained that our soldiers have the skills, leadership, and experience that would benefit any agency, organization, or business in the private sector. The congresswoman also highlighted some of the obstacles veterans face as highly trained applicants ready to join the civilian workforce when there are misconceptions about their preparedness once the uniform is laid down.  
	  
	This kind of transition summit sends a strong message to our service memberswhen you're ready to lay down the uniform, you're not going to get kicked to the curb and left on your own, said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a twice-deployed Major with the Hawaii Army National Guard. Changing misconceptions that a veteran may not be fit to serve in the workforce is necessaryand it comes down to each of us affecting change in our own spheres of influence. Tell your story and encourage your fellow soldiers to do the same to help those who have never served understand the value that our veterans bring to the table. The need for this understanding is real.  
	  
	In Congress, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has worked to create incentives for businesses to hire veterans, to fight against attempts to roll back the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and to increase opportunities for veterans to participate in apprenticeship programs and more.  
	  
	On the 12th anniversary of the Iraq War, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard launched the Post 9/11 Veterans Caucus, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress who have served in the military after 9/11, and who are dedicated to issues related to the newest generation of veterans. The caucus' legislative agenda focuses on the 2.8 million veterans who have served and deployed since 9/11 and provides a forum for this new generation of veterans to voice their concerns and ideas.  
	  
	Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard introduced the bipartisan Veterans' Entry to Apprenticeship Acta bill that works to make that transition smoother by enabling veterans to use their GI Bill benefits to learn critical workplace skills or apprenticeship programs in the skilled-trade industry. Currently, GI Bill benefits cannot be used to cover the cost of Department of Labor approved pre-apprenticeship programs that teach the skills and techniques necessary to prepare individuals for training and careers in the skilled-trade industry.
B-Roll from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Remarks Is Available Here for Download
Click the images below to download.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-state-and-local-leaders-emphasize-how-public_private-partnerships-improve-hawaiis-water-security,"Hirono, State & Local Leaders Emphasize How Public & Private Partnerships Improve Hawaii’s Water Security",2016-10-18,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono, State & Local Leaders Emphasize How Public & Private Partnerships Improve Hawaii’s Water Security
				
					Governor David Ige, Environmental Experts Testify at Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Field Hearing at State Capitol
				
			
			
			
				Tuesday, October 18, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono today convened state and local leaders to examine how federal partnerships protect and sustain Hawaii’s freshwater resources. Senator Hirono, Governor David Ige, state elected officials, and watershed resource experts outlined what Hawaii groups are currently doing to improve water security, and how the federal government can support these efforts.
“Hawaii’s native forested watersheds feed our state’s water supply, and it is vital that we protect these precious resources,” said Senator Hirono. “The federal government will continue to play a critical role in supporting innovative strategies that protect our forested watersheds. We must continue to work with all stakeholders to improve conservation and ensure that our water resources are protected for generations to come.”
“During the World Conservation Congress in Honolulu last month, I made an ambitious commitment to the global community to protect 30 percent of Hawaii’s priority watershed forests by 2030,” said Governor Ige. “Only 15 percent of priority watershed forests are protected. We can only reach this goal and exceed it through public-private partnerships between landowners and managers who recognize this is the best way to protect our forested watersheds and our fresh water source.”
Senator Hirono voted to permanently reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Senator Hirono also worked to get Hawaii’s collaborative landscape proposal, “Island Forests at Risk,” in the President’s budget for FY 2016 and 2017. This proposal, which includes 13 public and private partners, provides funding to purchase and protect endangered species’ habitats, culturally significant areas, and ecologically important lands in the state.
Senator Hirono heard from a number of witnesses who shared federal, local, and cultural perspectives on how to improve Hawaii’s water security, including:
 
State Senator Mike Gabbard
Chair, Hawaii State Senate Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture
State Representative Ryan Yamane
Chair, Hawaii State House of Representatives Committee on Water and Land
Mr. Steve Anthony
Director, U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Islands Water Science Center
Mr. Randy Moore
Regional Forester, U.S. Department of Agriculture Pacific Southwest Region Forest Service
Mr. David Smith
Administrator, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Dr. Sam Gon
Senior Scientist and Cultural Advisor, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
Mr. Matthew Gonser
Extension Faculty, University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program
Mr. Trae Menard
Chair, Hawaii Association of Watershed Partnerships",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/press-releases/648-rep-tulsi-gabbard-lawmakers-call-for-answers-on-yahoo-email-surveillance,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Lawmakers Call for Answers on Yahoo Email Surveillance",2016-10-14,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI—Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers delivered a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper requesting answers on reports that Yahoo searched users’ private emails at the request of the federal government. The full letter is available here.
“As legislators, it is our responsibility to have accurate information about the intelligence activities conducted by the federal government,” the lawmakers wrote. “There is significant confusion regarding the existence and nature of Yahoo’s software program described by recent reports and the legal questions implicated by the accuracy of specific details. We request information and a briefing as soon as possible for all members of Congress to resolve the issues raised by these reports.”
In July, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard helped launch the bipartisan Fourth Amendment Caucus, composed of lawmakers committed to protecting the privacy and security of Americans in the digital age. She has introduced the Strengthening Privacy, Oversight, and Transparency (SPOT) Act (H.R.2305) in both the 114th and 113th Congress to strengthen the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) and expand its authority to balance the government’s national security and counterterrorism activities with the need to protect the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/photos-video-rep-tulsi-gabbard-tours-army-rotc-facility-uh-m-noa-mentors-cadets,"PHOTOS & VIDEO: Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tours Army ROTC Facility at UH Mnoa, Mentors Cadets",2016-10-14,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIAt dawn this morning, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) met with Lieutenant Colonel Kate Conkey, Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadre, and more than one hundred cadets enrolled in the college-based officer training program. She toured the Warrior Battalion facility on the University of Hawaii at Mnoa campus, spoke with the cadets about her service in the Hawaii Army National Guard and in Congress, servant-leadership, and the Army Values, and answered a series of questions from the soon-to-be graduates and Army officers.
B-Roll Video Footage is Available Here for Download
Click the images below to download photos from Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's Warrior Battalion ROTC visit at UH Manoa.
  Background
The Warrior Battalion is the only ROTC unit to ever be called to federal serviceon December 7, 1941 cadets were made part of the Hawaii Territorial Guard and assisted in guarding vital facilities on the island of Oahu, serving for a seven-week period. There are currently 132 Army cadets in the program, and eighteen of them are combat veterans. Since its inception, fourteen cadets and two cadre members from the Warrior Battalion have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service:
World War II
SSG Grover Kazutomi Nagaji  
	SGT Howard Mitsuru Urabe  
	SGT Jenhatsu Chinen  
	PVT Akio Nishikawa  
	PFC Hiroichi Tomita  
	SGT Daniel Betsui  
	SGT Robert Murata  
	MAJ Jack Johnson
Vietnam War
2LT Thomas Blevins  
	2LT Frank Rodriguez  
	LTC Karl Lange  
	1LT Brian Kong  
	CPT Kenneth Good
Global War on Terror
1LT Nainoa Hoe  
	1LT Jeremy Wolfe  
	1LT Johnathan Brostrom
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-lawmakers-call-answers-yahoo-email-surveillance,"Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Lawmakers Call for Answers on Yahoo Email Surveillance",2016-10-14,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIRep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers delivered a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper requesting answers on reports that Yahoo searched users' private emails at the request of the federal government. The full letter is available here.
As legislators, it is our responsibility to have accurate information about the intelligence activities conducted by the federal government, the lawmakers wrote. There is significant confusion regarding the existence and nature of Yahoo's software program described by recent reports and the legal questions implicated by the accuracy of specific details. We request information and a briefing as soon as possible for all members of Congress to resolve the issues raised by these reports.
In July, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard helped launch the bipartisan Fourth Amendment Caucus, composed of lawmakers committed to protecting the privacy and security of Americans in the digital age. She has introduced the Strengthening Privacy, Oversight, and Transparency (SPOT) Act (H.R.2305) in both the 114th and 113th Congress to strengthen the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) and expand its authority to balance the government's national security and counterterrorism activities with the need to protect the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/in-the-news/garden-island-hawaii-launches-text-911-service-thursday,Garden Island: Hawaii launches Text-to-911 service Thursday,2016-10-13,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"A 911-texting service is being launched for the state of Hawaii.
The text-to-911 service provides practical mobile emergency communications, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said at press conference Thursday. This can be important to the disadvantaged community, the disabled, deaf and hard of hearing. Hawaii is proud to join six other states that have deployed this service across the country.
Text-to-911 can support plain text Short Messaging Services (SMS) messages only and is limited to 160 characters per text. Pictures, videos and emojis currently cannot be processed. In addition, callers must have active wireless service including a text or data plan, and the devices location service must be turned on.
According to the Federal Communications Commission, Hawaii joins New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Indiana, New Jersey and North Dakota as states where text-to-911 is available statewide.
The service, which will be available where mobile service can be accessed, is made possible through funding for the Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). The Enhanced 9-1-1 Fund was established in accordance with Act 168/SLH 2011 and consists of monthly enhanced 911 surcharge collections imposed on each communications service connection, according to the Department of Accounting and General Services.
The rate of the surcharge is 66 cents per month for each communication service connection.
E911 Board chair and Hawaii County Police Department Deputy Chief Paul Ferreira reported a total cost of over $3-4 million dollars per local area public safety answering points (PSAP) to upgrade the Computer Assisted Dispatch software systems and infrastructure that can now receive text messages.
Ferreira added that the 911-texting service was made possible through the coordination and collaboration between PSAP, government and the public industry.
Its quite a breakthrough and a game-changing announcement thats being made today to serve our community at-large and to better help our first responders do their job, said Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. As the governor talked about, it is about extending access and closing the gap and providing service for those who are hearing and speech impaired in this technological age.
Theres no question, she said, that this technology will help to save lives.
It is providing for those who may be victims of domestic violence or facing an active shooter situation where a phone call is not possible, Gabbard said.
Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr, said he is proud that Hawaii is one of the first states in the nation to implement the life-saving service.
There are many people who will benefit from the ability to text 911, such as the hearing and speech-impaired community and those involved in domestic violence or other situations where calling 911 isnt possible, he said. I applaud all of those who worked together to bring Text to 911 to Hawaii, especially our Kauai representatives.
Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry added that Hawaiis Enhanced 911 Board has worked hard to bring the Text-to-911 feature to the community.
Our gratitude goes out to all of those who played a role in making this service possible, most especially our dispatchers, who have the difficult job of coordinating our emergency response, he said. The public is reminded that those who can call 911 should, as calling 911 is a more efficient way to get emergency assistance.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-employee-owned-businesses-benefit-hawaii-families,Hirono: Employee-Owned Businesses Benefit Hawaii Families,2016-10-13,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono: Employee-Owned Businesses Benefit Hawaii Families
				
			
			
			
				Thursday, October 13, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono today commended Hawaii’s employee owned business for creating a shared sense of success and responsibility in the workplace. Senator Hirono addressed Hawaii’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Association, which supports employee owned businesses across the state.
“Hawaii’s ESOPs show that when workers are the shareholders, companies can focus on sustainable growth that creates jobs and boosts incomes over the long-term – not just the next quarter,” said Senator Hirono.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-addresses-council-for-native-hawaiian-advancement,Hirono Addresses Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement,2016-10-12,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Mazie Hirono,H001042,www.hirono.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hirono Addresses Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
				
			
			
			
				Wednesday, October 12, 2016
			
			
	
			
			Senator Mazie K. Hirono renewed her commitment to the Native Hawaiian community at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s annual convention.
“The Native Hawaiian community has made significant strides in growing culturally significant and relevant initiatives that benefit families across Hawaii,” said Senator Hirono. “However, there is still work to be done. Federal programs that improve educational opportunities, access to health care, and housing demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to the Native Hawaiian community and must continue.”
Senator Hirono is a strong advocate in protecting federal programs that benefit the Native Hawaiian community. In the recent renewal of federal K-12 education laws, the Every Student Succeeds Act, Senator Hirono fought to protect federal grants for Native Hawaiian education programs.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
http://gabbard.house.gov/index.php/press-releases/644-rep-tulsi-gabbard-announces-federal-funds-for-maui-family-support-services,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Federal Funds for Maui Family Support Services,2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HI—U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced federal funding totaling $1 million that will help increase availability, affordability and improve the quality of child care programs for Native Hawaiian families through Maui Family Support Services.   
	   
	“Hawaiʻi families should not have to choose between their child’s safety and meeting day-to-day needs. Yet a lack of access to quality and affordable childcare, especially on our neighbor islands, makes it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet. This federal funding for the Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki (QCHK) project will increase the number of quality child care providers in Maui County and help make childcare more affordable and accessible for more than 200 Native Hawaiian families in need,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.    
	   
	“We are very excited and thankful for this federal grant as it will impact a lot of Native Hawaiian and Part-Hawaiian families in improving their self-sufficiency.  By providing them with child care subsidies, they will be able to go to work, go to school or attend training.  For families who are working part-time or going to school part-time, this grant will also assist them in increasing their work hours or school credits as they will be able to afford childcare.  In addition to subsidies, we will be able to assist child care providers (licensed providers as well as relatives who are providing care) in improving quality of their services by supporting their professional development,” said Edeluisa M. Baguio-Larena, CEO of Maui Family Support Services.  
	   Background: The Administration for Children and Families-Office of Child Care recently awarded Maui Family Support Services (MFSS) a $1,000,000 grant for the Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki (QCH) project. The project will provide childcare subsidies to over 200 Native Hawaiian/ Part-Hawaiian families based upon eligibility. MFSS will serve families in Hana, Molokaʻi and areas in Central and Upcountry in Maui. In addition, the MFSS QCHK project will increase the number of quality child care providers in Maui County by providing educational consumer information to promote informed childcare choices, provide activities that will improve the quality and availability of childcare, and having high-quality staff development for providers. MFSS will post and provide more information regarding the project’s eligibility criteria and how to sign-up for services in the near future.   
	   
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has worked closely with organizations like Maui Family Support Services and others across the state that support the social and economic needs of Hawaiʻi families. Last year, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard honored the 35th Anniversary of Maui Family Support Services and spoke about the impact MFSS has made for families and the Maui County community in a speech on the House floor.  
	   
	Maui Family Support Services was founded in 1980 with a mission to, “promote healthy family functioning by providing family support and educational services that build on family strengths.” The organization’s prime directive is to utilize its collective resources toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect. More information can be found at www.mfss.org.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z
https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-announces-federal-funds-maui-family-support-services,Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Announces Federal Funds for Maui Family Support Services,2016-10-11,2016,2016-10,Democrat,House,HI,Tulsi Gabbard,G000571,gabbard.house.gov,,,legacy,"Honolulu, HIU.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today announced federal funding totaling $1 million that will help increase availability, affordability and improve the quality of child care programs for Native Hawaiian families through Maui Family Support Services.  
	  
	Hawaii families should not have to choose between their child's safety and meeting day-to-day needs. Yet a lack of access to quality and affordable childcare, especially on our neighbor islands, makes it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet. This federal funding for the Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki (QCHK) project will increase the number of quality child care providers in Maui County and help make childcare more affordable and accessible for more than 200 Native Hawaiian families in need, said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.   
	  
	We are very excited and thankful for this federal grant as it will impact a lot of Native Hawaiian and Part-Hawaiian families in improving their self-sufficiency. By providing them with child care subsidies, they will be able to go to work, go to school or attend training. For families who are working part-time or going to school part-time, this grant will also assist them in increasing their work hours or school credits as they will be able to afford childcare. In addition to subsidies, we will be able to assist child care providers (licensed providers as well as relatives who are providing care) in improving quality of their services by supporting their professional development, said Edeluisa M. Baguio-Larena, CEO of Maui Family Support Services.  
	  Background: The Administration for Children and Families-Office of Child Care recently awarded Maui Family Support Services (MFSS) a $1,000,000 grant for the Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki (QCH) project. The project will provide childcare subsidies to over 200 Native Hawaiian/ Part-Hawaiian families based upon eligibility. MFSS will serve families in Hana, Molokai and areas in Central and Upcountry in Maui. In addition, the MFSS QCHK project will increase the number of quality child care providers in Maui County by providing educational consumer information to promote informed childcare choices, provide activities that will improve the quality and availability of childcare, and having high-quality staff development for providers. MFSS will post and provide more information regarding the project's eligibility criteria and how to sign-up for services in the near future.  
	  
	Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has worked closely with organizations like Maui Family Support Services and others across the state that support the social and economic needs of Hawaii families. Last year, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard honored the 35th Anniversary of Maui Family Support Services and spoke about the impact MFSS has made for families and the Maui County community in a speech on the House floor.  
	  
	Maui Family Support Services was founded in 1980 with a mission to, promote healthy family functioning by providing family support and educational services that build on family strengths. The organization's prime directive is to utilize its collective resources toward the prevention of child abuse and neglect. More information can be found at www.mfss.org.
###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z