SENATOR MAZIE K. HIRONO ON CLOSING OF KAPOLEI TESORO REFINERY

Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today released the following statement regarding the announced closing of the Kapolei Tesoro refinery:

“The closing of the Kapolei refinery, one of only two refineries in Hawaii, is terrible news for the state and the workers who will lose their job because of this action.

“I will work closely with Hawaii's delegation, state officials and community leaders to ensure displaced workers and their families receive whatever federal assistance is available to them as they search for new jobs.

“Hawaii residents should know that the refinery's operator, Tesoro, has assured my office that there will be no disruptions to Hawaii's gasoline supply for consumers or the military due to the refinery's closure.

“This closure underscores the importance of energy self-sufficiency for Hawaii. While Hawaii is the most energy dependent state in the nation, we are not a dependent people. We must continue to find more ways to support research and development of renewable and alternative energy sources.”