CAPAC Member Statements on the Passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye

Washington--Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements on the passing of Senator Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chair: “Today, our nation lost a great American. Senator Daniel K. Inouye was a decorated World War II hero, an inspirational leader and the highest ranking Asian American in the history of the United States.  As President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate, he faithfully served the people of Hawaii and the nation at large for over half a century.  His passing has left a void that cannot be filled. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, loved ones, and the people of Hawaii for their tremendous loss.”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-08):  "Senator Daniel Inouye's passing marks the end of an era – for the people of Hawaii, the country, and the United States Senate.  He was a public servant from start to finish.  He was a war hero – earning a Medal of Honor for his actions on the battlefields of World War II before his state was even admitted to the union.  He was Hawaii's first Representative in the House, a source of great pride to all Members, past and present. 

"Senator Inouye was a patriarch of Hawaii, and all Hawaiians will long remember his unyielding devotion to the economic vitality, progress, and success of his beloved home state.  He was the second-longest serving Senator in American history, and his fellow Americans will long remember his leadership in protecting our men and women in uniform, strengthening our national security, reaching across the aisle, and investing in a future of prosperity for all.  By his actions, he stood firm for the independence of the Congress, the strength of our democracy, and the values of the American people.

"Senator Inouye led a life of principle, passion, service, and sacrifice.  He was the highest ranking Asian American in our country.  His story – as an Asian American who lived the American Dream, a soldier who served with bravery and courage, an elected representative who served with dignity – reflects the best of America.  We only hope it is a comfort to his wife Irene, his son Ken, and the entire Inouye family that so many share in their grief at this sad time."

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-05): “Today, the United States lost a great statesman and decorated war hero.  As a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Daniel K. Inouye gave his right arm in service to his country during World War II in an action that earned him the Medal of Honor.  He then continued to give America every measure of his energy, his wisdom, and his devotion through public service.

“As Hawaii’s first Congressman and, subsequently, as a nine-term Senator, Daniel Inouye embodied the spirit of ‘aloha’ in his work.  Serving as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, he worked to strengthen our national security and help veterans access the benefits they’ve earned. He was a consistent champion for the interests of Hawaii’s people.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Senator Inouye, and my thoughts are with his family and with the people of his beloved Hawaii, who will always remember him for his leadership and his courage.”  

Senator Daniel K. Akaka (HI) : “It is very difficult for me to bid aloha to my good friend, colleague, and brother Dan Inouye. Senator Inouye was a true patriot and American hero in every sense. His legacy is not only the loving family he leaves behind, it can be seen in every mile of every road in Hawaii, in every nature preserve, in every facility that makes Hawaii a safer place.

“Dan fulfilled his dream of creating a better Hawaii. He gave us access to the resources and facilities of the mainland states took for granted. He leaves behind him a list of accomplishments unlikely to ever be paralleled.
“Tomorrow will be the first day since Hawaii became a state in 1959 that Dan Inouye will not be representing us in Congress. But every child born in Hawaii will learn of Dan Inouye, a man who changed our islands forever.

“I join all of the people of Hawaii in praying for his wife Irene, his son Ken and daughter-in-law Jessica, his step-daughter Jennifer, and his granddaughter Maggie, who brought him so much joy in this life and carries his legacy forward.

“Dan, my friend and colleague. You will be missed in Washington as much as you will be missed in Hawaii. Rest in peace.”

Congresswoman and Senator-elect Mazie Hirono (HI-02): “I join the people of Hawaii in mourning the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye. This is a tremendous loss for Hawaii and our nation, and I am deeply saddened and shocked my longtime friend is no longer with us.
“History will remember Dan Inouye as a decorated war hero—a Medal of Honor recipient—and monumental figure in Hawaii’s statehood. Throughout his life, he fought and sacrificed for the ideals of freedom and justice. His record speaks for itself. Despite his significant accomplishments, Dan Inouye never forgot where he came from. His values, work, and sense of honor were strongly rooted in Hawaii, and he pursued his vision for America with humility and bipartisanship. It has been an honor and privilege to serve with him in Congress, and I will work to see that we continue to build on the strong foundation he has left Hawaii and the United States of America.

“My heart goes out to his wife Irene Hirano Inouye, his son Daniel Ken Inouye Jr., and the many family, friends, colleagues, and citizens who will miss him dearly. While we lost a great public servant and human being today, his memory is guaranteed to live on for generations to come.”

Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01): “I am greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Hawaii’s beloved Senator Daniel K. Inouye. It is a tremendous loss to our state. My thoughts are with his wife Irene, his son Kenny and his family, and all of Senator Inouye’s staff, who he treated as his extended family.

"Senator Daniel K. Inouye dedicated his entire adult life to service to America and Hawaii. As a volunteer soldier fighting in Europe during World War II, as a Territorial legislator, and as a member of Congress, he never wavered in his commitment to placing the needs of the people he served before his own.

"His bravery in battle earned him the Medal of Honor. His focus on Hawaii’s needs brought countless projects to fruition, including Hawaii’s East West Center. His Congressional career earned him a national reputation through his service on the Watergate commission; chairing the special committee on the Iran-Contra investigation; and serving as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as President Pro Tem of the Senate, which placed him third in line of succession to the presidency.

"But beyond his well-deserved professional accolades, I am proud to have called Dan Inouye a friend and a mentor. His professional generosity and personal kindness have meant the world to me. I attribute a great deal of the success I have enjoyed to his willingness to share with a smile, and to guide with a gentle word. I will miss him, and I join our state and our nation in mourning the loss of a great American and a wonderful man.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (Guam), CAPAC Vice Chair: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Daniel Inouye, whom I’ve 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. 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.”

Congressman Mike Honda (CA-15), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: "Today the State of Hawaii, our nation, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and all champions of social justice and change lost our Polaris – our guiding star – Senator Daniel K. Inouye. I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, who has been a hero to us all – his ohana – from his service on the battlefields of World War II to the Senate floor. Serving the Aloha State in Congress since it achieved statehood and rising to become the highest-ranking AAPI politician in our nation’s history, his impact on our lives and our community is immeasurable and unparalleled. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Inouye worked across the aisle to ensure that the needs of the people of Hawaii and the sovereign rights of Native Hawaiians, as well as AAPI communities were priorities of the federal government. He was a devoted husband and father, and I extend my sincerest condolences to the Inouye family. Senator Inouye’s passing marks an end of an era, but a continuous attention to his ohana. As he once stated in his fight to protect Filipino World War II Veterans: “Heroes should never be forgotten or ignored.” We, as a grateful nation, will never forget Senator Inouye. Aloha nui loa."

Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa): "Today, we have lost a father, a hero, and a true friend.  There is no doubt Fofoga o Samoa Senator Daniel K. Inouye was a strong advocate for the people of Hawaii but he was also instrumental in helping the people of American Samoa and all our Territories and neighbors in the Pacific.  On the Hill, Fofoga o Samoa Senator Inouye was a giant.  He was greatly respected not only for his service as a Senator but also his patience and ability to work with both sides of the aisle.  He was a fighter for the rights of Native Hawaiians and a pioneer for all Asian and Pacific Americans. We are forever grateful for the Senator’s service to our nation. He will be greatly missed.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09): “Today our country has lost one of its most committed advocates for justice for all Americans. Senator Inouye was brilliant legislator, war hero, public servant and humanitarian. During his four years of service in the House of Representatives and 49 years in the Senate, Inouye represented Hawaii and our country with great honor and distinction.

“As a member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I truly appreciate Senator Inouye’s legacy of service and leadership. As the first Japanese-American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and later the first in the U.S. Senate, he was a trailblazer for Asian American politicians in our country.

“After serving as a volunteer in Pearl Harbor, Inouye enlisted in the U.S. Army when it dropped its ban on Japanese-Americans. He served with distinction in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated infantry regiment in U.S. Army history.  He was shot multiple times and lost an arm battling German forces in Italy. Despite his injuries, he remained in the military until 1947 and was honorably discharged with the rank of captain. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery in this action and later the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton.

“Inouye was an advocate for justice for all Americans and was known to advocate for fair treatment for interned Japanese Americans, Filipino World War II veterans, Native Americans and Native Hawaiians.

“As a fellow appropriator, I have had the distinct pleasure to work alongside Senator Inouye and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship. The tangible benefits Senator Inouye’s legacy will be felt in Hawaii and our nation for decades to come.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-05): “Today our country lost a true American hero. Senator Inouye was a man who devoted his life to public service, and he will be remembered not only for his distinguished record as a legislative leader, but also for his heroism on the battlefield. He was a strong advocate for veterans, for Asian Americans and for his home state of Hawaii. Senator Inouye’s legacy will live on for generations, and I am honored to have served with him.”

Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan (CNMI): “Senator Daniel K. Inouye was a great American and a great man of the Pacific. We will miss him sorely. Senator Inouye lived his entire life working for justice and respect for all. Though he faced suspicion and prejudice as an American of Japanese ancestry, he gave himself fearlessly in defense of his nation during World War II. He bore the terrible wounds of that conflict, yet remained indefatigable physically and in spirit, a brave warrior for the powerless and forgotten.

“I personally owe so much to Senator Inouye, for whom I worked as a fellow in 1986. That experience and the example of Senator Inouye left me resolved to represent the people of the Northern Mariana Islands should we ever be allowed a seat in Congress. I hold that seat today, holding Senator Inouye as my mentor for determination in pursuit of what is just and for service to the people I represent.

“We will never forget this good man and great American.”

Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-15):  “With Senator Inouye’s passing, the United States Congress lost a giant. Senator Inouye was a true American hero who devoted his entire life to public service. He put country above party and always did what he thought was best for the people of Hawaii and the country.

"In the Senate, Senator Inouye served as the Chair for both the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Commerce Committee and he became the first Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Senator Inouye also had the honor of serving as the President pro-tempore of the United States Senate, third in the line of succession to the presidency, from 2010 to 2012.

"Throughout his career, he fought for veteran’s rights and benefits and to improve Hawaii’s transportation infrastructure. He supported funding for education, medical research, agriculture, and alternative energy initiatives. He championed the rights of native Hawaiians and had the courage to speak out against the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.  In addition, he served on the Committees that were responsible for investigating the Watergate burglaries and the Iran Contra Affair.

"Before being elected to the Senate in 1959, Senator Inouye served in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was at Pearl Harbor on that terrible day in 1941 and fought bravely in France and Italy. His heroic actions in the War earned him a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor.

"After nearly fifty years in the Senate, it will be difficult to find someone to fill his shoes. In Congress, we will miss his leadership and passion. We will always be grateful for his service and dedication to our nation. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, constituents, and everyone else who had the pleasure to know him.”

Congresswoman Janice Hahn (CA-36): “Senator Inouye leaves behind a lifetime of service. Whether it was when he was the U.S. Army in WWII, or as a Honolulu prosecutor, or as the new state of Hawaii’s first Congressman, or as a titan of the Senate, Senator Inouye’s contributions to this country are truly awe-inspiring. I am saddened to hear such a long and illustrious life has drawn to an end.”

Congressman Adam Schiff (CA-29): "Today, we lost a giant of the Senate and a bona fide America hero. Senator Inouye -- one of the famed 'Go For Broke' veterans -- was as distinguished a member of the Senate as any that have served in that body over its long history. I will never forget the honor of working with him to provide the Congressional Gold Medal to the 100th, 442 and Military Intelligence Service members. A gentleman, soft-spoken and humble, he will be missed terribly."

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08): “Our entire country mourns the loss of Senator Inouye. He was an outstanding leader, serving as President Pro Tempore of the Senate and giving a strong voice to his constituents in Hawaii. He was also a World War II hero, Medal of Honor recipient, and champion of his fellow veterans. I had the pleasure of working with him on budget issues, and he always fought for American families. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”

About Senator Inouye:

Senator Daniel K. Inouye, a World War II hero, was the highest ranking Asian American and the second longest serving Senator in United States history. Inouye represented the people of Hawaii in Congress since the moment Hawaii gained statehood in 1959. In 2010, he became President Pro Tempore of the U.S. Senate, which put him third in line for the Presidency. He chaired the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee and served as a founder and longtime Executive Board Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).

A true patriot, Inouye was a medical volunteer during the attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1943, he joined the Japanese American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which would come to be known as the most highly decorated infantry regiment in the history of the United States Army. In 1945, he lost his arm charging a series of machine gun nests on a hill in San Terenzo, Italy. His actions during that battle earned him the Medal of Honor. Last fall, Senator Inouye was awarded yet another honor when the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service received our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their service during WWII.

Senator Inouye is survived by his wife, Irene Hirano Inouye, his son Daniel Ken Inouye Jr., Ken's wife Jessica, granddaughter Maggie, and step-daughter Jennifer Hirano.

For more information on Senator Inouye's life and accomplishments, please see his office's official statement on his passing:

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.