Senator Inouye – A True Ocean Champion
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii)
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the nation’s second longest-serving senator, passed away on December 17 at the age of 88 from respiratory complications. As Hawaii’s nine-term Senator, along with his countless congressional contributions and accomplishments, he was a true ocean champion.
In 2011, he was one of the founding members of the Senate Oceans Caucus, of which he said:
“We in Hawaii know what it means to protect the ocean. For us, the ocean is very important. It is our home. We live in the middle of it. Caring for the ocean and being good stewards of our marine ecosystem is of the utmost importance to any island community and Hawaii is no different. We must maintain the delicate balance between mankind’s evolution and pollution free oceans where marine life can thrive. The sea provides us with so much. It gives us food and energy to power our way of life. Research and scientific discoveries conducted at sea shape all aspects of our daily lives. Our beaches help drive our economy by attracting visitors to Hawaii’s shores from around the world. I look forward to participating in this caucus and working with my colleagues to ensure that the world’s oceans are protected.”
“The oceans community has lost a great ally. Senator Inouye was an influential and effective voice of reason in the Senate. From establishing the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary to ensuring that the nation’s ocean agencies had sufficient funding to better understand, protect and preserve the marine environment, Senator Inouye was always fighting for the sea. We are a better nation for his service and we mourn the passing of a true ocean leader.” said Bob Gagosian, President & CEO of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership.
It is reported that his last word was “Aloha.”
To read an official statement on his passing, click here.
