Senate honors Blaine Miyasato for 40 years with Hawaiian Airlines

The Hawaii Senate recessed its formal business to recognize Blaine Miyasato for 40 years with Hawaiian Airlines and for his contributions to the state's tourism and education events.

Senators on the floor praised Miyasato’s long career at the carrier, noting roles across product development, guest experience, catering operations, recruitment and brand awareness during his tenure. Senators emphasized his support for education week at the state Capitol, which they said helped students and teachers from neighbor islands travel to Oahu to be recognized in the chamber.

The Senate asked guests and family members in the gallery to stand and hold applause as names were called. Present in the gallery and identified from the floor were former airline CEO Paul Casey, and former member of Congress Kai Kahele, among others; the Senate asked the chamber to give Miyasato a round of applause and recessed briefly so members could greet him and take photographs.

Details from the floor record - Recognition: Blaine Miyasato, described on the floor as a 40-year Hawaiian Airlines employee and “ambassador” for the carrier — honored for long service and support for education-related travel to the Capitol. - Gallery attendees identified from the floor included Paul Casey and Kai Kahele, plus current and former Hawaiian Airlines employees and the honoree’s family and colleagues.

Context and next steps Senators indicated the recess was brief and procedural, intended to allow members to greet the honoree and take photographs. No formal action or resolution related to the recognition was recorded on the floor during the session.