“This is an exciting and challenging time for the (Export-Import Bank of the United States),” Akaka said during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs hearing. ”It helps to create and maintain U.S. jobs… at a time when the nation is struggling to recover from the recession.”

Loui is founder of the international research firm OmniTrak Group, Inc., and a former Bank of Hawaii vice president. President Barack Obama nominated her to the bank’s board in May.

“I strongly support the nomination,” Inouye told the committee. “She’s an outstanding professional, she’s diligent… (She is an) accomplished international business woman who will bring extensive experience in banking and government in her new role.” 

Inouye, 86, said he’s known Loui and her family for generations. 

“I’ve known her family beginning with her great grandparents,” Inouye said. “We lived as neighbors a long, long time ago.”

Inouye, Loui and Akaka pose for a photo before the nomination hearing. Photo courtesy of Akaka spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke.