Mazie Hirono

Mazie Hirono was born on November 3, 1947, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. She emigrated to the United States with her family in 1955. Hirono attended Kaimuki High School in Honolulu and later graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa before earning her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Mazie Hirono was elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives from the 12th district in 1980. She served in this role until 1994, where she worked on various legislative initiatives and was known for her dedication to improving education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

In 1994, Mazie Hirono was elected as Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor, serving under Governor Ben Cayetano. During her tenure from 1994 to 2002, she focused on education reform, literacy programs, and initiatives to promote tourism in Hawaii. Her efforts significantly contributed to Hawaii's economic development.

Mazie Hirono was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2006, representing Hawaii's 2nd congressional district. As a member of Congress, she served on various committees and played an active role in advocating for energy independence, women's rights, and veterans' services.

Mazie Hirono was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012, becoming the first Asian-American woman and the first Buddhist to serve in the Senate. Her election marked a significant milestone in American political history, representing diversity and inclusion. She has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and healthcare access.

In May 2017, Senator Mazie Hirono announced she had been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. Despite her diagnosis, she continued her Senate duties while undergoing treatment. Her resilience and determination during this trying time were widely covered by the media, highlighting her dedication to serving her constituents.

During the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation hearings in September 2018, Senator Mazie Hirono received national attention for her outspoken stance on sexual assault and for telling men in America to "just shut up and step up." Her remarks became a rallying cry during the #MeToo movement, emphasizing her commitment to justice and equality.

On December 9, 2020, Mazie Hirono published her memoir titled 'Heart of Fire: An Immigrant Daughter's Story.' The memoir provides an inside look at her life journey from immigrant origins in Japan to the halls of the United States Senate, detailing personal triumphs and challenges, and her political philosophy.

Mazie Hirono introduced the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act in March 2021, aimed at combating violence and discrimination against Asian Americans in response to the rise in hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, which was signed into law by President Biden, represented a pivotal step in addressing racial injustice and protecting minority communities.

On August 20, 2023, Senator Mazie Hirono spearheaded efforts to enhance climate resilience in Hawaii. Working with local leaders, she secured federal funding to address the impacts of climate change on the islands. Her actions reinforced her long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting Hawaii's natural resources.