Most of us look forward to the start of a new year as a clean slate. We reflect on the past 12 months, take stock of where we are, and make new resolutions about how to improve in the coming year.

Entering 2013, Hawaii faces a different kind of clean slate. For the first time in most people’s memory, three of Hawaii’s four congressional seats will be filled by new leaders.

The passing of my friend and a great American hero, Dan Inouye, is a major loss for the country and Hawaii. But the people of Hawaii are strong and we will persevere. Our delegation has always worked as a team to deliver results for Hawaii.

Now Hawaii’s new congressional delegation must work just as hard to ensure the people of Hawaii’s voice is heard in Washington.

There are a number of pressing issues facing Hawaii as we look to 2013 and the new Congress.

On Friday, it was announced that I would join the Armed Services Committee because of changes in our delegation. Hawaii is home to the U.S. Pacific Command and thousands of men and women who serve our country in the armed forces. I will work hard to ensure Hawaii’s strategic position in our national security remains strong.

Our military’s presence in Hawaii not only plays a critical role in our national security but also in driving our state’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs in the public and private sectors. I look forward to partnering with my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, and other delegation members in preserving Hawaii’s important role in our national security.

This year, the president plans to act on immigration reform, an issue that is very personal to me. As an immigrant myself, I know the promise America offers and the hopes of those who come to our shores seeking a better life. I will work closely with President Barack Obama to improve our immigration system and encourage those with needed skills to come and work for our businesses. The ability of our nation to attract the world’s best and brightest has contributed greatly to the creation of American jobs and the success of American businesses large and small.

In the coming year, Congress will be forced to address our nation’s debt. A week ago, Congress finally passed a bipartisan measure that put off steep cuts in government services. Through the “fiscal cliff” compromise, we stopped income tax increases on 98 percent of American taxpayers and 97percent of small businesses, asked the rich to pay their share in paying down the nation’s debt, and extended unemployment benefits for millions of out of work Americans.

While we may have stalled the so-called “fiscal cliff,” the compromise means Congress must still raise the debt ceiling and also prevent mandatory cuts to important military and domestic spending. These cuts would devastate Hawaii’s economy and cost thousands of jobs.

As we address serious issues like raising the debt ceiling in the new Congress, I know I speak for many in asking both parties to put aside partisan gamesmanship.

Our delegation is unique in that we have always worked as a team and put aside our political differences in order to deliver results for Hawaii. Our delegation’s cooperation should serve as a model for the rest of Congress, especially as we take up issues critical to the future of our state and national economy.

There are tough decisions ahead, but in many ways, the upcoming debates on these issues will demonstrate what kind of nation we’ll be in the 21st century. Rest assured that I’ll be fighting to see that we’re a nation focused on creating opportunities and prosperity for all.

As we enter this new year, I’m honored to serve the people of Hawaii in this new role. While the contributions of Sens. Inouye and Dan Akaka cannot be overstated, the new Hawaii delegation will work closely together to build on the foundations both senators have laid.