Hawaii's US Senators won't have much in the way of seniority.
But they say their assignments to key committees and their ability to work as a team give them leverage.
Senator Mazie Hirono, who was sworn in on Thursday, will be sitting on the Armed Services Committee.
She says this is huge for Hawaii, with more than 100,000 military personnel living in the state. So she'll stress the strategic importance of the military presence in the Pacific. Senator Hirono will also serve on the Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Judiciary Committee, which can give her an inside track on changing immigration laws to help Hawaii tourism.
"My intention is to push very hard for these kinds of changes to our visa program so that there will be many more Chinese visitors to Hawaii," said Hirono.
Senator Brian Schatz was appointed to serve in the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee, which he says will help Hawaii's rail project. He will also serve on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and Committee on Indian Affairs. From there, he says he can keep pushing to pass the Akaka Bill. Both senators admit it will take some work to educate their colleagues. But they do have a powerful ally.
"We have a president who understands these issues and is supportive and we're planning on moving forward together," said Schatz.
Much has been said about their lack of seniority after they replaced Senator Dan Inouye who died last month and Senator Dan Akaka who retired. But they say their ability to work together and build relationships can go a long way.
"Kind of unique I think to have a delegation that works so closely to do what's best and work for Hawaii and that's how we're gonna do it," said Hirono.
"We're both certainly progressive Democrats but we're able to collaborate with anyone who wants to work in Hawaii's best interests and America's best interests," added Schatz.
