Hirono, Local Veterans Discuss Housing, Employment, Health Care Issues with VA Secretary McDonald and Labor Secretary Perez

HONOLULU – This afternoon, Senator Mazie K. Hirono was joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald and Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez at a Disabled Veterans Employment Roundtable at the Oahu Veterans Center in Honolulu to discuss issues key to Hawaii veterans. The two Obama administration cabinet members are visiting Hawaii as part of their respective nationwide listening tours. Secretary McDonald is scheduled visit Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. Secretary Perez is set to participate in labor-related roundtables, such as a discussion on employment opportunities for veterans. The Secretaries have also coordinated their schedules to participate in joint events while in the islands.

"VA Secretary McDonald and Labor Secretary Perez are sending a strong message throughout their visit in Hawaii that the concerns and priorities of island veterans are important. Hawaii's veterans face unique challenges in accessing VA health care and other services on each island, and particularly in our rural areas," said Senator Hirono. " I appreciate Secretary McDonald and Secretary Perez taking the time to reach out and discuss pressing issues with veterans including homelessness, the transition to civilian life, and creating a continuity of care for our veterans. One in ten Hawaii residents has served our country in the Armed Forces, and we owe it to them to provide the best resources possible when they complete their service."

Earlier today, Secretary McDonald met with Senator Hirono, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator Brian Schatz and Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) at Tripler Army Medical Center to discuss improving access to VA health care benefits and putting an end to veteran homelessness.

VA Secretary Robert McDonald (center) discusses ending veteran homelessness and easing access to VA health care with Senator Mazie K. Hirono at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (Right) welcomes VA Secretary Robert McDonald and Labor Secretary Thomas Perez in an opening statement at the Disabled Veterans Employment Roundtable at the Oahu Veterans Center.

 (Left to Right) Congressman Mark Takai, Labor Secretary Thomas Perez and Senator Mazie K. Hirono discuss veterans-related employment issues before the start of today’s roundtable at the Oahu Veterans Center.