Hawaii's two senators were among a minority who voted against a bill Wednesday to build more fences between the United States and Mexico to stem illegal immigration.
The measure, which passed 83-16, calls for 370 miles of fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers. The House has already approved legislation ordering 700 miles of additional fencing along the 2,000-mile-long border.
Hawaii senators Daniel Akaka and Daniel Inouye were among 15 Democrats and one independent who voted against the measure.
According to a study by the nonprofit Pew Hispanic Center, there are an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 illegal immigrants in Hawaii.
The Senate voted earlier 99-0 to approve an amendment that would deny citizenship to illegal immigrants guilty of a felony or three misdemeanors.