Biography

Mazie Keiko Hirono, born on November 3, 1947, in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is a Democratic U.S. Senator representing Hawaii. She immigrated to Honolulu with her mother and brother in 1955. Hirono became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1959, the year Hawaii achieved statehood. She has the distinction of being the first Asian-born immigrant and the first Buddhist to serve in the U.S. Senate, as well as the first woman to represent Hawaii in this legislative body.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of Hawaii at Mānoa, 1970
• Juris Doctor: Georgetown University Law Center, 1978

Political Experience

• Hawaii House of Representatives: 1981–1994
  • Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee
• Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii: 1994–2002
• U.S. House of Representatives: 2007–2013
• U.S. Senate: 2013–present

Throughout her career, Senator Hirono has been a steadfast advocate for consumer protection, early childhood education, and healthcare access. She has also been a vocal supporter of reproductive rights and has worked to promote Hawaii's tourism industry through visa reform.