We were saddened by the news of Irene Hirano’s passing. Irene has shown tremendous support to the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies over the years. As a valuable partner in our Daniel K. Inouye Speaker Series program, she was a key supporter of the program that was created to promote the legacy of her late husband, Sen. Inouye.

“We at the Center are so grateful for her enduring support throughout the years” said DKI APCSS Director Pete Gumataotao.  “We were honored that she was able to be here at last year’s inaugural DKI APCSS Speaker Series. We will keep her, the Inouye family, and all those very close to Sen and Mrs. Inouye in our thoughts and prayers.”

Irene, through the Daniel K. Inouye Institute (DKII), supported the Center’s Regional Security Studies Intern Program and was on hand when the Center officially changed its name in honor of her late husband.  Afterward, she donated a number of the Senator’s personal items to help create a memorial display at the Center.

“We will miss her warmth, friendship, and her tireless commitment to building international cooperation,” concluded Gumataotao.