Hawaii

State Senators:

Mazie Hirono (D)

Term Start: January 3, 2013

Full Name: Mazie Keiko Hirono
Date of Birth: November 3, 1947
Birthplace: Fukushima, Japan

Early Life and Education: Mazie Hirono was born in Fukushima, Japan, to a Japanese mother and a Japanese-American father. She immigrated to the United States in 1955 with her mother and brother, settling in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hirono attended Kaimuki High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 1970. She later earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1978.

Personal Life: Mazie Hirono is married to Leighton Kim Oshima, and they reside in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hirono is recognized for her dedication to public service and her commitment to representing the diverse communities of Hawaii through inclusive and progressive policies.

Professional Career: After law school, Hirono worked as a lawyer in Honolulu, focusing on immigration issues and advocating for social justice. Her early career included serving as a Deputy Attorney General for the state of Hawaii and working in private practice.

Political Career:

Hawaii House of Representatives: Served from 1981 to 1994, focusing on consumer protection and workers’ rights. She served as the House Majority Leader from 1987 to 1994. During her tenure, she focused on education, healthcare, and environmental issues.
Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii: Served from 1994 to 2002, leading efforts to reform workers’ compensation and promote tourism.
U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2006 to represent Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district, serving until 2013. She served three terms from 2007 to 2013. In the House, she was a strong advocate for education, healthcare, and veterans’ issues and Native Hawaiian programs.
U.S. Senate: Elected in 2012, becoming the first female senator from Hawaii, the first Asian-American woman elected to the Senate, and the first Buddhist senator. Re-elected in 2018, her current term ends in 2025. As a senator, Hirono has focused on issues such as immigration reform, healthcare access, veterans’ affairs, and environmental protection.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Armed Services
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Committee on the Judiciary
Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Legislative Achievements:

Healthcare: Hirono is a strong advocate for expanding access to affordable healthcare. She supports strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reducing prescription drug costs, and improving healthcare services in rural and underserved areas.
Education: Hirono focuses on improving education at all levels. She supports increased funding for public schools, higher teacher salaries, and measures to make higher education more affordable and accessible.
Immigration Reform: Hirono advocates for comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, protections for DACA recipients, and measures to improve the immigration system.
Environmental Protection: Hirono supports aggressive measures to combat climate change. She advocates for investment in renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting natural resources.
Veterans’ Affairs: As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Hirono works to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve.
Civil Rights: Hirono is a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice. She supports legislation to address systemic racism, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and promote gender equality.

Senator Hirono is known for her dedication to social justice, healthcare reform, and environmental sustainability. Her career reflects her commitment to representing the diverse communities of Hawaii and advocating for underrepresented groups.

Committees

Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Energy and Natural Resources: Committee plays a role in shaping national policies related to energy security, environmental protection, and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Veterans’ Affairs: Oversees veterans’ benefits, medical care, and assistance in transitioning to civilian life.

Voting patterns

Senator Hirono has a voting record that emphasizes her commitment to progressive values, social justice, healthcare reform, and environmental protection.

Key Voting Patterns:

1. Healthcare and Social Services: Senator Hirono has been a strong advocate for healthcare access and women’s reproductive rights. She co-sponsored the Right to Contraception Act, which aims to guarantee access to contraceptive care. She consistently supports legislation that expands healthcare coverage, protects the Affordable Care Act, and provides services for veterans and underserved communities.

2. Environmental Protection:Hirono is a proponent of environmental sustainability, earning high scores from the League of Conservation Voters. She has supported legislation aimed at combating climate change and promoting clean energy initiatives. Her voting record reflects her commitment to protecting Hawaii’s natural resources and addressing global environmental issues.

3. National Security and Veterans’ Affairs: As a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, Hirono has voted in favor of measures that support national security and improve services for veterans. She supported the National Defense Authorization Act and other key bills that provide resources and support for military families and veterans.

4. Economic Policy: Hirono advocates for economic policies that support working families, small businesses, and equitable economic growth. She has voted for bills that provide economic relief, improve infrastructure, and create jobs. Her legislative efforts include securing funding for various economic development projects in Hawaii.

Overall, Senator Hirono’s voting patterns demonstrate her dedication to progressive values, with a strong focus on healthcare, environmental protection, national security, and economic development. Her legislative actions reflect her commitment to serving the diverse needs of her constituents in Hawaii.

Full Name: Brian Emanuel Schatz
Date of Birth: October 20, 1972
Birthplace: Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Brian Schatz was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and moved to Hawaii with his family when he was two years old. He grew up in Honolulu, attending Punahou School. Schatz earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Pomona College in Claremont, California, in 1994. During his time at Pomona College, he became involved in environmental and social justice activism.

Personal Life: Brian Schatz is married to Linda Kwok Schatz, and they have two children. The family resides in Honolulu, Hawaii. Schatz is recognized for his commitment to public service, environmental sustainability, and social justice, continuing to advocate for progressive policies that benefit both Hawaii and the nation.

Early Career: After graduating, Schatz returned to Hawaii and worked for several non-profit organizations, including the Center for a Sustainable Future and Youth for Environmental Service. He also taught at Punahou School and was involved in numerous community projects and advocacy efforts focusing on environmental sustainability and education.

Brian Schatz (D)

Term Start: December 27, 2012

Political Career:

Hawaii House of Representatives: Served from 1998 to 2006, representing the 24th and later the 25th district. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as education, environmental protection, and healthcare. Schatz was known for his advocacy on behalf of renewable energy and efforts to address climate change.
Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii: In 2010, Schatz was elected Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii, serving alongside Governor Neil Abercrombie. In this role, he worked on various initiatives to promote economic development, education, and sustainability in Hawaii.
U.S. Senate: Appointed in 2012 to fill the seat of the late Senator Daniel Inouye. He won a special election in 2014 to serve the remainder of Inouye’s term and was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. As a senator, Schatz has focused on issues such as climate change, healthcare, technology, and social justice. He is known for his progressive stance and commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents and the nation.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Indian Affairs (Chairman)
Select Committee on Ethics

Legislative Achievements:

Climate Action and Environmental Protection: Schatz is a leading advocate for addressing climate change and environmental protection. He has sponsored and supported legislation promoting renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and conserving natural resources. He co-founded the Senate Climate Action Task Force to advance climate policy.
Healthcare: Schatz supports expanding access to affordable healthcare. He advocates for strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA), reducing prescription drug costs, and improving healthcare services in rural and underserved areas.
Economic Development: Schatz focuses on policies that promote economic growth and job creation, particularly through investments in infrastructure, technology, and education. He supports measures to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.
Social Justice: Schatz is a strong advocate for social justice and civil rights. He supports legislation to address systemic racism, protect LGBTQ+ rights, and promote gender equality.
Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Rights: As Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Schatz works to improve healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for Native Hawaiians and Indigenous communities. He advocates for the protection of their cultural and historical heritage.

Senator Schatz is recognized for his leadership on climate issues, healthcare reform, and support for Native communities. His extensive legislative work and committee roles underscore his commitment to serving the people of Hawaii and addressing national challenges.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly

Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee plays a vital role in shaping policies that impact economic development, technological innovation, transportation systems, and scientific advancements within a country or region.

Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens

Indian Affairs: Committee conducts hearings, investigations, and studies to address these issues and to develop and recommend legislation to the Senate that impacts Native American communities

Select Committee on Ethics: Committee plays a role in maintaining the integrity of the Senate by ensuring that all members and staff adhere to the highest ethical standards. It operates with a bipartisan approach to uphold the ethical principles and accountability of the legislative body.

Voting patterns

Senator Schatz has a voting record that underscores his commitment to progressive values, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and social justice.

Key Voting Patterns:

Environmental Protection: Senator Schatz has a strong pro-environment voting record. He has consistently supported legislation aimed at combating climate change and promoting clean energy. His lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters is 97%, reflecting his dedication to environmental issues. He voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes significant investments in clean energy and climate initiatives.
Healthcare and Social Services: Schatz has been a vigorous advocate for expanding healthcare access and protecting reproductive rights. He supported the Right to Contraception Act and other measures to ensure access to healthcare services. He also voted in favor of the American Rescue Plan, which provided economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic and funded healthcare services.
Economic Development and Infrastructure: Schatz has prioritized economic development and infrastructure improvement in Hawaii. He secured significant federal funding for infrastructure projects, including road and sidewalk improvements in Hilo and Honolulu. His votes have supported bills aimed at boosting economic growth and creating jobs.
Justice and Democracy: Senator Schatz has actively supported legislation to protect voting rights and promote social justice. He co-sponsored the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and has worked on criminal justice reform measures to support equitable treatment under the law

Overall, Senator Schatz’s voting patterns reflect his dedication to progressive principles, focusing on environmental sustainability, healthcare access, economic development, and social justice. His legislative efforts aim to improve the quality of life for his constituents in Hawaii and address national challenges effectively.