Dan Inouye built up a lot of goodwill in his nearly 50 years in the Senate — and it’s still paying dividends for Hawaii. 

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has announced new committee assignments for the Senate showing that Sen. Mazie Hirono has landed a plum assignment on the Armed Services Committee. 

Such a powerful committee is key for Hawaii and rare for a freshman senator. Hirono now is on Armed Services, Veterans Affairs, and Judiciary.

Hirono said in a statement: ”Our military’s presence in Hawaii not only plays a critical role in our national security but also in driving our state’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs in the public and private sectors. I look forward to partnering with my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, in preserving Hawaii’s important role in our national security. Our nation owes a tremendous debt to our service members and military families, and I look forward to fighting for them on this new committee.”

Meantime, Sen. Brian Schatz has been assigned to Commerce, Energy and Indian Affairs. The energy appointment is significant as it has long been a policy priority for Schatz and is important to Hawaii’s economy.

Schatz said in a statement: “Energy is a continuation of the work I have been doing in clean energy and transition fuels.  I see this as a two-way opportunity where I can help direct financial resources to Hawaii.  And, as Hawai`i continues as a test bed for clean energy, focus the eyes of Congress and the country to what we are doing here.  Ultimately we want to direct interest here and spur international technology development in the islands.”

See the full committee assignment list.

— Nate Thayer

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