(Hilo, Hawai‘i, March 25, 2024) — Lorraine Rodero Inouye, senator for Hawai‘i Island’s District 1 in the state Senate, filed reelection papers today on O‘ahu where she is participating in the current legislative session.
“We have achieved a great deal for Hawai‘i Island over the past session, and I seek reelection to continue initiatives we’ve started,” Sen. Inouye said.
Senator Inouye is serving a two-year term as senator for District 1 and now seeks a full four-year term. Prior to redistricting in 2022, she served as senator for District 4.
Among the improvements she intends to press for are funding for Puainako Street, the Wailoa small boat harbor, Hilo Harbor pier, Hilo airport parking, Wailuku River Singing Bridge, a new C Building for Wai‘akea Intermediate School, completion of Hilo High School parking garage and a new bypass road to connect the schools on Puainako to Kawili and Kino‘ole Streets.
Senator Inouye is the Senate’s majority whip and a member of the Ways & Means Committee. She chairs the Water and Land Committee and is vice chair of the Transportation Committee.
Since 2014, she has helped bring nearly $380 million in construction and improvement projects for Hawai‘i Island and $28 million in grants for island non-profits. In the past year alone, she was instrumental in bringing $6 million to her district, including $4.5 million for urgent repairs to Hilo Medical Center.
She is Hawai‘i Island born and bred, growing up in a sugar plantation camp just outside Hilo. She and her husband, Vern, own Aloha Blooms, Inc. Besides her work in the agriculture industry, Senator Inouye started her professional career in the visitor industry; she brings experience in both these areas to the legislature.
The primary election is August 10, 2024; voters will begin to receive ballots by mail July 23. The general election is November 5.
A photo of the senator can be found here.
