The 113th session of Congress presents Hawaii with new challenges, among them a sudden change in our delegation. Three out of four members occupy new positions, and for the first time in our state’s history, we are without the wisdom and guiding hand of Sen. Daniel Inouye. A top priority for me will be helping ensure that Hawaii’s delegation is effective in continuing to provide our state with the representation we need at the federal level.

I begin my second term in Congress having joined my House colleagues in passing a bill that averted the fiscal cliff, a “perfect storm” of policy changes that would have had devastating effects on our seniors, middle class and businesses. The resolution of that controversy reminded me that while collaboration is essential, a commitment to core principles is irreplaceable. My first priority is and always has been ensuring that we recognize and honor our obligations to our kupuna, students, working families and those at the heart of our community.

Our state and our nation also face the challenges of a changing world. Economically, diplomatically and militarily, we are witnessing emerging nations across Asia and the Pacific asserting newfound international status. We are in the beginning stages of America’s increased focus on Asia and the Pacific.

Hawaii can benefit from the opportunity to stand as America’s most forward state in the region. While the military remains a keystone of Hawaii’s economy, Congress now confronts mandatory cuts to defense spending brought on by sequestration. Through my service on the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to put defense funding at the top of my agenda.

In 2011, I was honored to serve on the Armed Services Committee’s Panel on Business Challenges in the Defense Industry, a reminder of the economic potential of our small businesses. As I did on the panel, I will continue to seek out opportunities for Hawaii businesses and ways to open markets to them. This not only helps the businesses themselves; it also provides ways for us to strengthen our economy through diversification and open new avenues for employment and careers to our residents.

Our state and our nation have determined that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education offers our students the best hope for rewarding careers, and building a sustainable Hawaii means continually exploring ways to make those careers available to them here at home.

The U.S. pivot to the Pacific also establishes our state as a possible center for diplomatic and economic development, a natural gathering place for representatives from Pacific Rim countries to gather on U.S. soil and work through emerging economic and diplomatic concerns. Our opportunity is to continue developing both the physical infrastructure and the professional and intellectual assets — people able to contribute effectively to those conversations — that our state can offer the world.

Sen. Inouye showed great foresight in fostering Hawaii’s East-West Center, and we honor his legacy by ensuring its continued growth. The EWC and the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies have proven that we have the abilities we need and a foundation to build on.

Beyond those broad priorities, I also begin the new Congress with specific and immediate goals. First among those is the reintroduction of the Akaka Bill in the House of Representatives. We cannot give up on our commitment to providing Native Hawaiians with recognition and self-determination.

Although Sen. Daniel Akaka has retired, the bill will always bear his name. I will continue to follow the example he set in championing it in Congress, expending every effort to shepherd the bill through the House, and working with our Senate delegation to achieve Sen. Akaka’s dream, and ensure our community’s strength.

In addition, I will immediately introduce a bill designed to reduce the burden on Hawaii from migration under the Compact of Free Association (COFA) and address the adverse financial consequences of complying with the compact. We welcome people of different cultures and ethnicities with aloha, but Hawaii should not be forced to foot the bill for an agreement that is essentially the responsibility of the federal government. We must ensure that the affected states and territories receive adequate federal support to offset the costs for Compact migrants. It is a matter of fairness for both Hawaii taxpayers and the COFA migrants themselves.

Finally, I will introduce a measure to assist our military personnel in their transition to civilian life.

The current unemployment rate of our veterans is unacceptably high. While they receive outstanding technical training and prove their skills on the battlefield every day, experienced military personnel are often required to begin at entry-level curricula to receive certification for civilian jobs. This keeps our veterans out of the workforce and withholds valuable personnel from our communities. I will introduce a broad initiative aimed at fields including medical, information technology, cybersecurity, construction and engineering, and hazardous materials and disaster management. 

I believe that in order to serve effectively in Congress, I must appreciate where our state and nation are today, and also the challenges and opportunities that lie in our future. My goal is to continue to help us move steadily forward.