Incumbent Democratic senator Daniel Akaka decided to retire instead of seeking a fourth full term.

U.S. Representative Daniel Akaka was appointed by Governor John Waihee to the U.S. Senate to serve temporarily after the death of U.S.

Senator and President Pro Tempore Daniel Inouye for Hawaii also endorsed her.

He also argued that he is a fiscal moderate, while Hirono was rated the 6th most liberal member of the U.S.

Democratic primary with Duke Aiona with Colleen Hanabusa with Charles Djou With Mufi Hannemann with Brian Schatz U.S.