From a press release Thursday (Jan. 31):

Senator Mazie K. Hirono was selected to serve on three subcommittees on the Judiciary Committee today. Hirono will serve on the Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security; Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights; and Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law. These committees will oversee matters of critical importance to Hawaii including immigration reform legislation, efforts to protect Hawaii residents’ privacy online and visa reforms that would boost Hawaii tourism. … 

Hawaii will be heavily impacted by immigration reform legislation. Hawaii has one of the largest percentages of foreign born residents and has a long history of Asian immigration. Three of the four countries with the largest backlog of people waiting to come United States are in Asia. Hirono herself is an immigrant …

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Hirono introduced the VISIT USA Act, legislation that would cut government red tape and make it easier for foreign tourists, particularly from China, to visit this country. A University of Hawaii professor estimated that her measure would bring 300,000 more visitors and $600 million to Hawaii each year. Hirono plans on advancing similar measures as a U.S. Senator. …

—Chad Blair