FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT:
Regan Page (Hirono), (202) 577- 9184
Karen Lightfoot (Schatz), (202) 224-3934
Tim Hogan (Gabbard), (202) 225-4906
Esme M. Infante (Takai), (808) 838-9642

HAWAII DELEGATION HONORS LATE SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE IN COMMEMORATING THE DANIEL K. INOUYE ASIA-PACIFIC CENTER FOR SECURITY STUDIES

Washington, D.C. –Today, the Hawaii Congressional Delegation commemorated the redesignation of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The redesignation was included in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act and signed into law by the President in December 2014.

“I was honored to serve in Congress with Senator Inouye, and was proud to call him a friend,” said Senator Mazie K. Hirono. “His deep understanding of the strategic importance of Hawaii and the Pacific region will live on through this important part of his legacy. Additionally, Senator Inouye’s record  of bettering Hawaii and our nation and the importance he placed on forging and strengthening relationships over a lifetime in public service is something we work to continue. Naming the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies after Senator Inouye is appropriate and honors him for exceptional service to our country.”

“No one understood the strategic importance of Hawai‘i to our national security better than Senator Daniel K. Inouye,” said Senator Brian Schatz.  “As an early and strong supporter of the Center, he knew that Hawai‘i was key to our nation’s engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.  This is a fitting tribute to Senator Inouye’s legacy of service to Hawai‘i and our country.”

“Senator Daniel Inouye was a fierce advocate for Hawaii, and a veteran dedicated to  serving our country, ensuring our strong national defense,” said Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. “As a larger-than-life public servant who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, it is a fitting memorial to re-designate the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, as a constant reminder of the vision and tenacity with which Senator Inouye served.”

“I am pleased to stand besides my fellow Congressional delegates in announcing the redesignation of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies,” said Congressman Mark Takai. “Senator Inouye was one of the major driving factors behind the creation of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies. He recognized the pivotal role Asia would play moving forward and worked hard to establish this crucial center to forge trusting relationships within the Asia-Pacific region. Senator Inouye worked tirelessly to look after the best interests for his state and his country. This redesignation will honor the legacy, and dedication of Senator Inouye to the people of Hawaii.”

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a U.S. Department of Defense academic institute in Honolulu that analyzes regional and global security issues, fostering dialogue between military and civilian scholars and professionals from the U.S. and Asia-Pacific nations.

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On September 5th, we celebrated Senator’s birthday (September 7th) on the Big Island with the planting of an ohia lehua tree outside of the County building in Hilo. Mayor

Billy Kenoi hosted a wonderful celebration. The ohia lehua tree was selected because of its unique connection to the island. It is often one of the first plants to emerge from the lava fields, symbolizing strength and resilience. The Cafe 100 beef stew capped off a very special celebration.

A week later, the parade field adjacent to the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia was named for our dear Senator. A proud infantry man with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the Inouye parade field is the site of all U.S. Army Infantry basic training graduations. Nearly 18,000 men and women will march across this field as they mark the successful completion of basic training this year.

The YMCA’s Youth in Government program coaches young leaders throughout the island of Oahu on the legislative process, complete with the election of youth legislators and a youth governor. With our core mission to inspire leadership, the DKI Institute partnered with the Y, and brought in six leaders representing the legislative and executives branches, both political parties, even a newly elected non-partisan council member. The students spent quality time with them, culminating in a quick answer round with all six leaders answering a host of serious and silly questions, as well as demonstrating their best sign-waving moves!

Irene and Kenny were both in Hawaii to attend our mahalo reception to thank our donors and partners, and to share our progress in carrying forward Senator’s legacy. We also took the opportunity to show off some of our priceless pieces — the Medal of Honor, the Medal of Freedom, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers the Order of the Rising Sun presented by the Emperor of Japan, and the Iran-Contra gavel. A great time was had by all.

In the spirit of the holiday season, let us be thankful for our many blessings – good health, good cheer, and the love and support of friends and family. Let us look to the New Year with a renewed optimism and hope. Haouli Makahiki Hou!

Aloha,
Irene, Kenny and Jennifer