House Approves 2 Landmark Renamings After Inouye

US Sen. Daniel Inouye, Maui memorial service. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The state House yesterday passed two concurrent resolutions to rename a Kauai landmark and a Big Island highway in honor of the late US Senator Daniel K. Inouye.

The resolutions would add the senator’s name to the Kilauea Point Lighthouse on Kauai (HCR41), and designate Hawaii Island’s Saddle Road as the Daniel K. Inouye Legacy Highway (HCR 42).

Lawmakers who introduced the lighthouse legislation compared the landmark to Senator Inouye, saying both provided guidance and protection, serving as a beacon of hope and comfort.

Rep. Mark Nakashima who introduced the Saddle Road resolution said the highway is an investment that bridges east and west Hawaii. He said the name change recognizes Inouye as a “true statesman” and “visionary,” as his actions were an investment in the future of Hawaii for generations to come.

The measures now advance to the Senate for their consideration.

A separate bill that was introduced in honor of Inoyue on Maui sought to rename the Mokulele Highway, the Daniel K. Inouye Veteran’s Highway, in recognition of the senator’s work in obtaining federal transportation funds for the state.

That item was introduced two weeks ago by Maui Senators Gil Keith-Agaran and Roz Baker. At last report, the Maui item was referred to the Senate Committees on Transportation and International Affairs, and Technology and the Arts.