Sen. Hirono to Donate Pay to Hawaii Community Health Centers During Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- The office of Sen. Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release:

Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that she will donate pay she receives during the government shutdown to Hawaii's 14 Federally Qualified Community Health Centers.

"Community Health Centers serve hundreds of thousands of Hawaii residents, including keiki who rely on the Children's Health Insurance Program," said Senator Hirono. "Despite broad bipartisan support for both of these programs, the President and Congressional Republicans allowed them to lapse last September. I know we can negotiate a bipartisan compromise to end the shutdown that restores resources for these critical services, protects DREAMers, and includes parity between defense and non-defense spending."

Senator Hirono's salary will be divided equally between the Community Clinic of Maui, Hamakua Health Center, Hana Community Health Center, Hoola Lahui Hawaii, Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Koolauloa Community Health and Wellness Center, Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services, Lanai Community Health Center, Molokai Ohana Health Care, the Bay Clinic, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waikiki Health, Waimanalo Health Center, and West Hawaii Community Health Center.

During the 2013 government shutdown, Senator Hirono donated her salary to Hawaii Meals on Wheels, Lanakila Pacific, the Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council, Kauai Economic Opportunity, and Hale Mahaolu.