Senator Daniel K. Inouye

United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye, World War II veteran, Medal of Honor recipient and Hawaii’s senior Senator, passed away from respiratory complications on December 17th at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He passed away peacefully with his wife and son beside him.

Senator Inouye was awarded the East-West Center Association Makana Award for life long dedication to the East-West Center’s mission at the EWC/EWCA 50^th Anniversary International Conference in July 2010 in front of more than 800 EWC alumni and friends from 35 countries at the Hawaii Convention Center.  Senator Inouye was selected for the Makana award not only for his long and steadfast support of the East-West Center as one of its founding fathers, but also because of his instrumental role in promoting understanding and better relations with the Asia Pacific U.S. region throughout his distinguished public service career. Senator Inouye has provided leadership and advice to our alumni association through his gentle and persuasive attitude which is respected by all and for his life long dedication to the Center’s mission.

EWC President Charles E. Morrison extended the EWC community’s heartfelt condolences to Senator Inouye’s family and loved ones.  “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a great patriot and statesman who served his nation and state in many different capacities.  Senator Inouye has always been the staunchest supporter of the East-West Center, not just in Washington, but also frequently interacting with participants and alumni.  We will sorely miss him.  Thanks in large part to the Senator, the Center has a strong set of programs that serve an important function in U.S. Asia Pacific relations and understanding.  Moving ahead, our work is one of the many legacies of Senator Inouye.”