Big Island state lawmaker honored by Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi

Hilo state Sen. Lorraine Inouye was honored by Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi as winner of its Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award — which was presented June 26 to Inouye during the chamber’s Impact Gala: Advocacy Awards and Highlights — recognizes the longtime lawmaker for her decades of dedicated public service and lasting contributions to Hawaiʻi’s communities, economy and quality of life.

Inouye’s Lifetime Achievement Award honors a distinguished career marked by steadfast leadership and commitment to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.

She has been a champion for initiatives supporting economic development, infrastructure improvements, health care, agriculture, public safety and the well-being of communities throughout the islands.

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi,” said Inouye in a release about her award. “Public service has always been about listening, working together and finding thoughtful solutions that improve the lives of the people we serve. I share this recognition with the many colleagues, community partners and constituents who have supported me throughout my journey, and I remain committed to continuing this work for Hawaiʻi.”

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda also proclaimed June 26, 2026, as “Senator Lorraine Inouye Day” in Hawaiʻi County, honoring the legislator’s service to the Big Island and state.

The proclamation recognizes Inouye’s decades of dedicated public service, visionary leadership and lasting impact on the people of Hawaiʻi Island.

Inouye’s was one of several awards given to state lawmakers during the chamber’s gala:

• Maui state Sen. Troy Hashimoto received a Chamber Champion of the Year Award.
• Hawaiʻi House Majority Leader Sean Quinlan of Oʻahu received the Small Business Advocate of the Year Award.
• House Vice Speaker Linda Ichiyama of Oʻahu was honored as Woman Leader of the Year.
• Oʻahu state Rep. Darius Kila was named Blueprint Champion of the Year.
• Oʻahu state Rep. Adrian Tam also received a Chamber Champion of the Year Award.