Sen. Mazie Hirono, joined by step-daughter Malia Paul (left) and husband Leighton Oshima (right), is sworn into the United States Senate by Vice President Joe Biden.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sen. Mazie K. Hirono on Friday was sworn in as Hawaii’s United States senator.

The Democrat is the first immigrant woman and first Asian-American woman to be elected to the chamber.

“Today is about the people of Hawaii, and I am honored to serve as a strong voice for our state in the United States Senate. Now more than ever, we need leaders in Washington who are focused on helping the people of our state and country,” she said.

“It has been a privilege to serve with Senators Inouye and Akaka, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations they have laid. I will continue to work closely with Hawaii’s delegation to ensure that the state’s interests are represented on the national level.

“The people of Hawaii have put their faith and trust in me, and I will not let them down.”

Sen. Hirono was elected to Congress by a 25-point margin in November.

Born in Japan, Hirono immigrated with her mother and older brother to Hawaii under difficult circumstances.

After graduating from law school, Hirono served the state as a deputy state attorney general, a member of the state legislature, lieutenant governor and member of Congress. n