WASHINGTON — Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following statement on Dec. 17 to mark the one-year anniversary of Sen. Daniel Inouye’s passing.
To honor the late senator, Hirono introduced legislation that would redesignate the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in recognition of his instrumental support for the center.
Hirono had previously added this measure as an amendment to the defense bill passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee in June, but this language was not included in the compromise defense bill agreed upon by Congress.
“As a young man, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye responded to the call of duty and wore the uniform in defense of liberty and freedom,” said Hirono. “He then went on to a lifetime of public service, laying the foundation for a modern Hawaii.
“One year later, Sen. Inouye’s work on behalf of the people of Hawaii and the nation continues to be acknowledged. Just last month, President Obama honored Sen. Inouye’s life of service with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Yesterday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dedicated its new center on Ford Island as the Daniel K. Inouye Regional Center. ‘
“Sen. Inouye never forgot the people and places in Hawaii and today we honor his tireless work on behalf of Hawaii and the nation.”