Caring enough to persevere, Daniel K. Inouye (1924–2012), born in Honolulu, was the grandson of Japanese immigrants who worked on the sugar plantations.

He became Hawaii’s first U.S. Congressman in 1959, and four years later was elected to the Senate, where he served for over 50 years.

Inouye gained national attention during the Watergate hearings and later chaired the Iran-Contra investigations. Re-elected in 1998 with 79% of the vote, he is widely regarded as Hawaii’s most influential leader.

A hero of World War II, he led the storied 442nd Regimental Combat Team. In 1945, he destroyed German machine gun nests during an attack that cost him his right arm. For his valor, he received the Medal of Honor in 2000 at the White House.

“I am deeply grateful to my nation for this extraordinary award,” he said. “The making of a man involves many mentors. If I did well, much of the credit should go to my parents, grandparents, and the gallant men of my platoon. This is their medal. I will receive it on their behalf.”

The 442nd and 100th Battalion, formed in Hawaii, were the most decorated and wounded units of their size in U.S. Army history, with thousands of honors including 20 Medals of Honor and over 9,000 Purple Hearts.

A man of profound dignity, service, and strength. His legacy is etched into the heart of Hawai‘i—not just as a decorated war hero or a long-serving senator, but as a symbol of perseverance, humility, and aloha.