A LIFETIME OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

Senator Lorraine Rodero Inouye was born and raised on the Island of Hawai'i. Her father, Santiago Rodero, arrived in Hawai'i on the third ship from the Philippines in 1917 to work as a laborer on the sugar plantation owned by Hilo Sugar Company. He married Antonia Martinez Vegas of Wailea and they raised their family in Wainaku Camp II.

Sen. Inouye is a graduate of Hilo High School and earned a Certificate in Supervision and Management. She worked in the hotel industry in Hawai'i for more than 20 years, holding management positions in Hilo and Kona.

Sen. Inouye's political career began in 1974 with her appointment to the Hawai'i County Planning Commission, a position she held until 1979. In 1980, then Governor George Ariyoshi appointed her to the State Plan Policy Council. In 1983, she resigned that post to run successfully for an at-large seat on the Hawai'i County Council. She served on the Council until 1990 when she won a special mayoral election and served for two years to complete the term of Mayor Bernard Akana, who passed away while in office.

In 1998, Sen. Inouye was elected to the State Senate and currently represents the 1st Senatorial District. She is chair of the Senate Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee and serves on the powerful Ways and Means Committee.

In addition to being an avid golfer, Lorraine is involved in many local and national community activities, including the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators and the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials. She is a member of the Democratic Party and served as vice-chair of the Transportation Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

She is also a charter member of the North Hawai'i Community Hospital and a member of the Waimea Outdoor Circle, Waimea Community Association, Big Island Filipino Community Council, Pepeekeo Filipino Community Association, the League of Women Voters and the Hilo Japanese Community Association.

She served as Director of the Girl Scouts of Hawai'i from 1995-2000, and is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts of America.

Sen. Inouye is committed to mentoring Hawai'i's youth, especially young women. She finds time to visit schools and participate in such programs as the Read-To-Me Program and speak to students about civic responsibility, our political system and the importance of community involvement.

In 1997, Sen. Inouye was a recipient of the government service award presented by the United Filipino Council of Hawai'i. She received the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Filipino Women's Civic Club in 2005, and in 2007 was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the UH-Hilo Alumni and Friends Association.

Sen. Inouye has three children and is married to Vernon Inouye, who owns and operates Floral Resources Inc.

We Are Making A Difference.