I was saddened to learn that our nation’s most senior Senator, Daniel Inouye, has passed away. From his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state, until his death today, Senator Inouye’s time in Congress spanned – remarkably – the entire period of Hawaiian statehood.
Senator Inouye and my father were close friends, their relationship forged over their shared experience of military service in World War II.
On a personal note, I was fortunate to spend time working alongside Senator Inouye through our membership in the Gang of 14. There was a genuine warmth and sincerity to him that I will truly miss.
