Hawaii senator passes away

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye passed away today in Washington.  According to his website he died from respiratory complications at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Inouye was Hawaii's first Congressman, having run for the Senate in 1962 and where he served for nearly 9 consecutive terms. Senator Inouye served as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Commerce Committee and was the first Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He was 88 years old. His last words were Aloha. Reacting from Washington, Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo said she is deeply saddened by the passing of her friend and colleague whom she has known for many years. "He was a decorated war hero, the highest-ranking Asian Pacific American in Congress and the first Japanese-American ever elected to Congress," said Congresswoman Bordallo. "Senator Inouye dedicated his life to serving our country, and for nearly 50 years, he proudly represented the people of Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. He was a strong advocate for Guam and the values of the broader Asian Pacific American community. Senator Inouye is a true patriot and exemplified the value and importance of public service throughout his life.  He was a true partner in advocating for a modernization of our relations with Japan and in the realignment of military forces from Okinawa.  He worked with us to ensure that the Western Pacific Fisheries Council served the needs of our local fisherman.  He was also an advocate for Guam War Claims, and while the matter had difficulty passing the Senate, he understood the importance of this legislation to the people of Guam.  I extend my condolences to his wife, Irene, and their family. He will be dearly missed."