What People Are Saying About Dan
Daniel K. Inouye, the second most senior member of the United States Senate, has quietly made his mark as a can-do legislator, working to benefit all of Hawaii. He has fought for jobs, quality education for our keiki, better infrastructure for our islands, and a cleaner environment. This is the work he's done since he was first elected in to the Senate in 1962, and this is the work he'll continue to do in 2010.
People across Hawaii are talking about how Senator Dan has helped them and delivered for Hawaii. These are their stories.
Scott Jose
Mechanic, Navatek Ship
“I owe my job to Senator Inouye’s support for high tech and the local maritime industry. Without his help, we wouldn’t be building and repairing ships in Hawaii. I was born and raised in Wahiawa, and I worked hard to get the training and skills – I just needed an opportunity to show I could do it.”
Helene Cannella
Patient Services Coordinator, Community Clinic of Maui
“I worked at the Community Clinic of Maui for 10 years, starting out as a clerical assistant. Through the Community Health Worker program, I am now a Patient Services Coordinator, and am also working toward an associate’s degree in business at Maui Community College. Mahalo nui Senator Inouye, keep those funds coming. The Maui community really appreciates it!”
Joe Reich
Alyce Sport Fishing
“As a commercial fisherman and charter boat captain for more than 30 years, I depend on Kaunakakai Harbor. Senator Inouye’s plan for harbor improvements for the ferry operations, also improves Molokai’s business opportunities to move fish and other items to market. It also makes for a more pleasant experience for residents and visitors.”
Carrie Franchey
Waialua Lunchwagon owner
“We run a lunchwagon business, and use the Waialua community certified kitchen to do our cooking. It’s convenient and saved us from having to make our own investment. Thanks Senator Inouye – it’s a blessing to have such a place here in the country.”
Dale Bonar
Executive Director, Maui Coastal Land Trust
“Senator Inouye was an early supporter to acquire 277 acres of coastal dunes and wetlands of the Waihee Preserve on Maui. He brought the final funding to ensure that this remarkable property will be protected for future generations to enjoy.”
Shawn Sakamoto
Custodian, Lihikai Elementary School
“Nearly 70 school custodians like me have improved our construction skills through a program set-up by Senator Inouye. Now, there is no downtime if repairs are needed. Hazards are taken care of immediately, instead of waiting for work orders to be filled, creating a safe learning environment for the kids.”
Marie Babino
Substance Abuse Counselor Intern, Big Island Substance Abuse Council
“Crystal meth has devastated many families. I’m fortunate to have another chance. Special funds from Dan Inouye are allowing me to become a substance abuse counselor. My goal is to help make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
Dawn Liu
Hawaii Site Coordinator, Tutu and Me
“Through the Senator’s support of Native Hawaiian education programs, we are serving many keiki through “Tutu and Me,” an early education and family learning initiative in Waianae, Kaneohe, Kohala, Papakolea, Haleiwa and Makakilo. Excitement about learning makes a difference.”
Jansen and Sula Richards, Sr.
Waimanalo Homestead Residents
“We are looking forward to the opening of a Hawaiian Homestead Technology Center in Waimanalo which will digitize military manuals. The Center will bring tech jobs and opportunity, thanks to the support and confidence of Senator Dan Inouye.”
Kanoe Burgess
Organic Farmer, Ma’o Farms
“Coming out of high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’ve found my place as an organic farmer in Waianae. Senator Inouye supported our farming operation, and even came out to see how we were doing. We are growing healthy and encouraging others to eat healthy.”
Gerald Greer
Regional Vice President, Information Systems Support
“A graduate of Castle High and the University of Hawaii, I’m part of the “reverse” brain drain, coming home after 19 years to be a part of Senator Inouye’s plan to grow a robust defense technology sector in Hawaii. Our future is full of hope due to his support of programs to ensure our industry’s long-term economic sustainability.”
Motoyoshi Tanaka
100th Battalion, D Company Veteran
“Dan’s dedication is more than just talk. We asked for his help and he got federal funds for a State Veterans home in Hilo. This complex will eventually be a place that I’ll visit and receive care that I may need, and spend time visiting my fellow veterans.”
Keith Matsumoto
Parent of Children at Kapunahala Elementary School
“Hawaii 3R’s is a part of Senator Dan’s commitment to public education. Through a Hawaii 3R’s grant and a lot of sweat, we fixed the school’s drainage to reduce flooding into the ground level classrooms, saving the State about $180,000. In the end, it’s the kids that win.”
Ben Kimura, Jr.
Night student, Hawaii Community College Machining Program
“I’ve worked for an auto parts company right out of high school. Last year, I started taking night machine technology classes toward a machining certification this fall. It has also given me the confidence to pursue an Associate’s degree. Thanks Senator for making this opportunity possible.”
Dale Bonar
Executive Director, Maui Coastal Land Trust
“Senator Inouye was an early supporter to acquire 277 acres of coastal dunes and wetlands of the Waihee Preserve on Maui. He brought the final funding to ensure that this remarkable property will be protected for future generations to enjoy.”
Dr. Herbert Richards, III
Kahua Ranch, Ltd.
“About 115,000 acres of Kahuku Ranch’s most pristine lands in Kau will be preserved, thanks to Senator Inouye. If we didn’t act now to protect these native ecosystems, they would be lost forever. My family’s operation has assumed cattle operations at Kahuku Ranch, continuing that time honored tradition.”
Norman Makalena
Carpenter/Project Supervisor, working at Schofield Barracks
“I’ve been working on federal jobs as a carpenter for 9 years. When construction was down, many of us wouldn’t have had work if it weren’t for the Senator. He helps bring home the bacon. We’ve been able to provide for our families because of all the federal projects.”
Jamie Legsay
Computer Systems Specialist, Maui Electric Company
“I am Maui Electric’s first female computer systems specialist, thanks to Women in Technology, a program by Senator Dan to increase the number of women entering technology fields. I’m a mentor now, and I want to make a difference – the way the Senator helped me.”
Carver Wilson
Maui Floral, Inc.
“I started my protea farm in Kula in 1974. I’m still in business 30 years later, shipping to Asia, Europe and the mainland. Thanks to a special floriculture grant Senator Inouye sponsors, we have beautiful hybrids and new varieties which give us a competitive edge in the world market.”
Joylynn Oliveira
Hawaiian Cultural Educator, Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale Marine Sanctuary
“Senator Inouye has supported my work as a Hawaiian Cultural Educator, as well as my passion to restore Hawaiian fishponds. An education center is being built in Kihei because of his support, where the community can gather to learn about our marine environment and beautiful Hawaiian culture.”
