Ken’s Story
Roots in Hawai‘i’s Japanese-American Immigrant History—a Family Legacy of Service
Daniel Ken Inouye, Jr. (known to most as “Ken” or in his youth as “Kenny”) was born in July of 1964. He is the only son of Hawai‘i’s longest-serving Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Sr., and his wife of 57 years, Margaret “Maggie” Awamura Inouye.
While Ken’s father is well-known in the State and nation as a decorated public servant, the Inouye family came from humble beginnings. Ken’s paternal great-grandparents' journey to Hawaiʻi began in 1899. They worked on a sugar cane plantation on Kaua‘i. Ken’s maternal grandfather, Tokuyoshi Awamura, started working in the cane fields of Maui at the age of 15. He later came to Honolulu to open the Heiwa-do Jewelry Store. He and his wife, Mitsu, were respected members of the Japanese-American business community. Mr. Awamura served as an original board member of Central Pacific Bank.
From an early age, Ken was taught the importance of his roots in Hawai‘i’s AJA history, learning to appreciate and respect the hard work of his predecessors, and understanding that their sacrifices were instrumental in securing a more promising future for those who would follow. This deep respect for his heritage and recognition of past efforts inspire him to run for public office. He holds a strong sense of kuleana to continue this legacy of service, striving to create better opportunities and improve the quality of life for our keiki and future generations.
Ken visits the site of the McBryde Sugar Plantation on Kaua‘i with his father.
They were given a copy of his grandparents’ labor contract which now hangs in Ken’s home office as a constant reminder to never forget his roots.
Ken (“Kenny”) on front page of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, September 9, 1968. An article about him starting Mother Rice Preschool in Mo‘ili‘ili.
Growing Up—
Balancing Life between Hawai‘i and Washington
Wanting him to grow up and go to school in Hawaiʻi, Ken’s parents enrolled him in Mother Rice Preschool in Moʻiliʻili. Although Ken enjoyed and thrived at Mother Rice, it was soon concluded that if he continued his schooling in Hawaiʻi, he would seldom see his father. With that in mind, his parents decided he would continue his schooling on the mainland, so the family could spend more time together. His parents felt that this decision made it even more important that they spend as much time as possible in Hawaiʻi. They wanted to ensure that Ken grew up understanding that Hawaiʻi is where their family, culture, and values come from; and most importantly, Hawaiʻi is home. During every holiday and whenever school was out of session, Ken’s family returned home to Hawai‘i. This allowed Ken to participate in activities unique to Hawaiʻi like attending summer fun programs, watching baseball games at Honolulu Stadium; learning to surf and play the ‘ukulele, taking Kendo lessons, and going fishing with his uncles.
However, more importantly, spending time in Hawaiʻi meant spending time with ‘ohana, including with his cousins, aunties and uncles, and grandparents. Spending quality time with family helped him gain a deeper understanding of where he came from, and the importance of community. This also reinforced the concept that no person is an island unto themselves, that impactful ideas are never the product of a single mind, and that only by listening to each other and working together as a team can we truly make progress as a community. As Ken observed his father working and campaigning, this idea was further reinforced and emphasized. He learned the value of “talk story.” He learned that “talking story” was not merely about exchanging stories, but also involved actively listening to what people say, understanding their concerns, hopes, and aspirations, which is crucial for better serving the people you represent.
Ken has many fond memories of growing up on O‘ahu as a young boy. Pictured above: surf lessons on Waikīkī Beach, 1977. On the right: A proud catch from a fishing trip with Uncle!
On the campaign trail in July 1980 with his parents. Ken learned many valuable lessons from his father, including the value of “talking story” in better understanding constituents' needs and perspectives.
Young Adulthood—
College and Pursuing a Life in Music
Ken attended college at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Music, and a Master's Degree in Arts Management. While in college, he worked as a bike messenger to help cover his expenses. It was good for the short-term, paying much better than an entry-level office job and allowing for the scheduling flexibility needed for school work and studying for exams. However, given the dangerous nature of the work and its commission-based pay scheme with no benefits, salary, or hourly wage, it was not lost on him that the money came with a price. As a result, the experience made him ever more grateful for the educational opportunities he was given.
It was during his school years, that Ken got involved in music playing guitar in a band called Marginal Man., a D.C.-based punk rock band that released three albums, completed two North American tours, and regularly played up and down the East Coast, and the Midwest. Playing in the band, Ken visited 36 of the 50 states. Through his experiences on tour and being in a different city every day, he learned the importance of teamwork and ways of quickly finding common ground with others, no matter their background. His time with the band piqued his interest in the music business and led him to pursue an early career working as a booking manager at the 9:30 Club, and then as a publicist for the Black Cat, both well-known D.C. clubs. Ken's tenure as a publicist was enhanced by his concurrent role as a regional scout for MCA Records, which contributed to a more diverse portfolio in his music career. This experience led him to later pursue a Master’s Degree in Arts Management.
In the ’80s, Ken was a guitarist for the D.C. punk rock band, Marginal Man. He went on tour with the band cross-country, visiting 36 out of the 50 states. During the time the band was together, they produced three LPs.
Picture above: Ken with Jack Valenti, long-time CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), who served as both boss and mentor to Ken. Picture below: Ken and his wife Jessica, at their wedding in May, 2004.
Changing Careers—
from Music to Advocacy
As an artist and songwriter with Marginal Man, Ken developed a strong interest in copyright law when a German company began manufacturing and distributing pirated copies of “Double Image,” the band’s second album. This, in conjunction with his political science background, led him to pursue his first advocacy job working for the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Through this job, he developed strong Congressional advocacy skills and deep industry knowledge as the Director of Congressional Affairs, representing major companies including The Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
After securing a permanent position with MPAA, Ken felt comfortable proposing to his long-time girlfriend Jessica, and they got married in 2004.
Ken would continue to work in advocacy for 12 years, transitioning from the MPAA to working for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), representing leading companies within the video game industry, and finally working with a private firm the Fritts Group, bringing his expertise to represent national telecom leaders including CBS Broadcasting, DIRECTV, Verizon, Sprint, and Motorola Solutions before Congress.
Coming Home as a Father—
Passing on Local Values, and Continuing the Family Legacy of Service
Ken’s life took on a new meaning when his daughter Maggie was born in 2010, providing him with a fresh sense of purpose and motivation. Ken was determined to pass down his family’s values and give Maggie the same sense of connection to Hawaiʻi and his family’s roots. The family often traveled to Hawaiʻi during Maggie’s early years to help her become more familiar with the local culture, as well as to strengthen her connection with family there. While residing in Maryland, the entire family became members of Hālau Nohona Hawaiʻi, a local hālau and Hawaiian cultural organization. They had a wonderful experience as members of the hālau, where they learned, shared, and celebrated their love for Hawaiʻi and its culture. With the hālau, they performed at the 2015 King Kamehameha Day lei draping ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, and the 2015 Hawaiian Cultural Festival at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Maggie and Jessica performed hula, and Ken played the bass in the band.
Ken and Jessica had always wanted to raise Maggie in Hawaiʻi. So, when an opportunity arose for Ken to work on the Legislative Internship Program at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu (UHWO), he gladly accepted, and the family was excited to return home. One of the most fulfilling aspects of Ken’s work at UHWO is working with the interns he places at the Capitol. He is passionate about helping students gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of our state government, encouraging their active involvement, and providing mentorship—a responsibility he proudly fulfills and finds extremely rewarding.
Ken enjoys participating as a volunteer on the boards of the 442nd Legacy Center, Japanese American National Museum, and U.S.-Japan Council, dedicating his efforts to honor and advance the work of earlier generations.
With your vote and support, Ken will work tirelessly to ensure that Central Oʻahu remains a desirable place that we can proudly call home.
Ken visits his father’s Capitol office with
baby Maggie.
The family performed with Maryland-based Hālau Nohono Hawai‘i at the 2015 King Kamehameha lei draping ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and at the Smithsonian NMAI’s Hawaiian Cultural Festival 2015. Maggie and Jessica danced hula and Ken played bass in the band!
During frequent trips to Hawai‘i when living on the mainland, Ken enjoyed introducing local culture to Maggie by sharing many of the places he loved as a child.
Ken and his wife Jessica, are grateful for the opportunity to raise their daughter Maggie as kamaʻāina in Mililani.