Hawaiʻi lawmakers in Washington pledge to face challenges, continue fighting for island values, residents

Hawaiʻi’s legislative delegation to Washington, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda and U.S. Sens. Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, all Democrats — joined colleagues Friday taking the oath of office to commence the 119th Congress.

Tokuda, who begins her second term serving Hawaiʻi’s 2nd Congressional District, is “humbled and honored” to represent the neighbor islands and rural Oʻahu.

She said the real work begins now that she’s been sworn in again, and she will continue to fight for the state’s keiki, kūpuna and hardworking families who are struggling to make ends meet.

“I will continue to work with anyone seeking bipartisan solutions to the challenges we face and I will fight like hell against any attempts to put benefits to billionaires over the needs of the American people,” said Tokuda. “They deserve better, and you have my word that I will work with the urgency of a mother to make sure people have access to economic and job opportunities that will allow them to keep a roof over their head, put food on the table and have equal access to the education and health care they need to thrive.”

Case has represented Hawaiʻi’s 1st Congressional District in the 118th, 117th and 116th Congresses, as well as Hawaiʻi’s 2nd District in the 109th, 108th and portion of the 107th Congresses.

“The deep tragedies of this brand-new year in our Hawai‘i, country and world just drive home again that we live in very difficult times. Our challenges are many, our divisions run deep, our adversaries work every day toward our failure,” said Case. “In this Congress we will also celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great country. Whether we overcome our challenges and divisions and persevere against our adversaries is our decision, just as it was for our founders and all of our generations since.”

His mission remains the same: contribute to national leadership, help Hawai‘i and help constituents with their individual needs and concerns.

Hirono was sworn in for her third term in the Senate.

“We’ve got important work ahead, and I will keep fighting for our communities and the values we hold dear,” said Hirono in a statement. “I remain focused on ensuring that the needs of Hawaiʻi’s families, keiki and kūpuna are being met. Together, we will keep working to lift all boats and protect the progress we’ve made over the last 4 years.”