Hawaiʻi delegation unveils portrait honoring late Senator Daniel K. Inouye : Maui Now

A portrait of the late US Senator Daniel K. Inouye was unveiled today at the US Capitol, becoming the first portrait of a person of color in the US Senate’s leadership portrait series.

The Hawai’i Congressional delegation was joined by members of Senator Inouye’s family, as well as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).  

Senator Inouye’s portrait, which will be displayed just off the Senate floor in the Capitol.

“Senator Inouye and I worked together for decades and I was glad to honor his memory and celebrate his life today,” said US Senator Mazie Hirono. “His legacy lives on in Hawaii and here in the Senate, and this portrait will serve as an important reminder of his work for years to come.”

“Senator Daniel K. Inouye was an extraordinary public servant for Hawai‘i and America and it’s fitting that he’s being honored with an official portrait here in the Senate where he was respected and beloved by so many,” said US Senator Brian Schatz. “His remarkable legacy and immeasurable contributions will continue to better people’s lives for generations to come.”

“In the history of our country only some 2,000 of our fellow citizens have served in the United States Senate, and of them only a very few are honored and remembered in our Capitol for their service,” said US Congressman Ed Case.  “US Senator Daniel Ken Inouye richly deserves this honor and remembrance, not for the quantity but for the quality and example and enduring legacy of his service. His are timeless lessons in faith in our country, commitment to our values and steady stewardship of our ideals that justly serve as a guide for the opportunities and challenges to come.”

“Over a decade after his passing, Senator Inouye continues to break barriers. As the first person of color to be included in the US Senate leadership portrait collection, he continues to be a role model and inspiration, reminding us that government functions best when it is representative and reflective of the people it serves,” said Representative Jill Tokuda.