Hirono Attaches Key Measures for Hawaii to Defense Bill, Including Millions for Local Priorities

Press Release

Senator Mazie K. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services and the Veterans' Affairs committees, voted this week to pass the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) out of committee.

"As home to the U.S. Pacific Command, Hawaii plays a key role in our military's strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. The bipartisan defense authorization bill further bolsters that strategic shift by providing Hawaii with investments that support military readiness and training while creating jobs. I was proud to include measures that will fully fund the construction of the U.S. Army Pacific's Command and Control Facility at Fort Shafter, improve educational opportunities for our veterans and children in military families and invest in clean, renewable energy programs that make our military stronger," said Hirono.

Additional provisions in the NDAA include:

Improved Readiness, Save Taxpayer Dollars through Improved Energy Efficiency
In order to have a more sustainable and cost-efficient military, an increased investment in renewable energy is paramount. Hirono worked with Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) to include a bipartisan amendment that gives the Department of Defense (DOD) flexibility to improve energy efficiency and use green building techniques for their infrastructure. Additionally, the bill includes a Hirono amendment that will help reduce fuel costs across all major DOD vehicle and weapon purchases.

Increased Focus on the Military Pivot to the Asia-Pacific Region
A Hirono provision will bring to bear an independent assessment of the strategy, capabilities and future needs within the Asia-Pacific theatre. Hirono also included a provision that stops Air Force plans to move four KC-135 refueling tankers from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to California pending the results of a cost-benefit analysis. An additional Hirono provision encourages the Air Force and Navy to expand the use of commercial air tactical training, which in this fiscally constrained environment could preserve valuable readiness resources and prolong military aircraft service life.

Expanded Products, Including Generic Drugs, Available at Commissaries
As a member of the Subcommittee on Personnel, Hirono fought against cuts to the commissaries, which are a valuable benefit to many of our servicemembers and retirees. She also encouraged the Defense Department to look for more efficient ways to manage this important service. Additionally, during a May 6th SASC Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Hirono advocated for generic drugs to be sold in the on-base commissaries. Hirono's questioning helped to build the case for a provision in the bill that would allow for the sale of these drugs at commissaries, which would result in lower prices for servicemembers and their families.

More Provisions to Help Servicemembers as they Transition to Civilian Life
Hirono worked to include updates to DOD's Transition Assistance Program. Servicemembers will have updated, accurate information on how to pick a college, use their GI Bill benefit, avoid scams or costly private loans and lodge any complaints online. Senator Hirono worked on the amendment with Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Tom Carper (D-DE), who are also champions of improving educational benefits and services for current and former servicemembers. Another provision requires the Department to conduct a study on the impact of Tricare Prime Service Area reductions on beneficiary access to care.

Increased Support for Military Families with Kids in Hawaii's Public Schools
Hirono fought to continue helping the Hawaii Department of Education (HDOE) and other school districts with military-connected children get federal Impact Aid funding quickly and smoothly. Hirono included provisions from the Local Taxpayer Relief Act, a bill she first introduced as a U.S. House member, and reintroduced in 2013 with Republican co-lead Senator John Thune (R-SD).

Authorized Funds for Hawaii:

Fort Shafter: $311 million to complete construction of the U.S. Army Pacific's Command and Control Facility.
Kaneohe Bay: $53.4 million for military construction and facilities upgrades.
U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM): $43 million for Air Force Operation and Maintenance (OMAF) for depot maintenance and $10.3 million for logistics operations throughout the PACOM area of responsibility.
Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP): $12.7 million.
Pearl Harbor: $9.7 million for military construction and facilities upgrades.
Marine Corps Base: $8.5 million for energy conservation projects.

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