U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono visits Kaua'i CC's Veterans Support Center

Kauaʻi Community College
Contact:
Camilla Matsumoto, (808) 245-8280
Comm Relations & Spec Proj, Kauai Community College
Posted: Apr 7, 2015

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono speaks with students Foster Lee Brown, III, and Steven Westerman.
U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono speaks with students Foster Lee Brown, III, and Steven Westerman.

LIHUE—The Honorable Mazie Hirono, Hawai'i’s U.S. Senator, visited Kaua'i Community College’s Veterans Support Center on Thursday April 2, 2015.  The purpose of the visit was to support efforts made by Kaua'i CC to support military veterans who are enrolled as students at the College. Kaua'i CC faculty, staff, and students were on hand to welcome U.S. Senator Hirono.

U.S. Senator Hirono stressed the importance of the passing of the national bill, Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014, “Choice Act,” which serves to honor all American veterans. Hirono champions community action to support veterans, encourages college campuses to have a physical space for veterans attending college, and issues a monthly newsletter which provides current updates on progress being made to fulfill the VA’s goal of honoring veterans.

U.S. Senator Hirono addressed issues such as homelessness, health care and college while speaking to Foster Lee Brown, III, Steven Westerman, and Michael Estes, veterans who are enrolled as students at Kaua'i CC. She applauded Kaua'i CC for the welcoming atmosphere of its Veterans Support Center.  Used by a variety of veterans from the Korean era, Post 911 era, Vietnam era, and Middle East fighting, the center serves as physical place where students can be welcomed and directed to the appropriate information and services about college enrollment, healthcare, benefits, and resources to help them transition from military life.

“We are honored to have our military veterans as Kaua'i CC students,” said Helen Cox, Kaua'i CC Chancellor.  “They are a vital addition to our diverse student community."

Supporting services for veteran students at Kaua'i CC is made possible by funding from the Department of Labor throught the Rural Hawai'i 1 Project, in the amount of $26,000. Funding does not pay for any student’s cost to participate in the program.