WASHINGTON — Three out of four members of Hawaii’s federal delegation are banned from visiting Russia, according to a newly published list of 963 Americans who are no longer allowed to enter the country.

The only one who isn’t? U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono.

Senator Mazie Hirono speaks to media at the NEX food court after a tour of the Red Hill fuel facility. The tour was closed to the media.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono is the only member of Hawaii’s federal delegation who did not make Russia’s list of Americans banned from entering the country. Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

On Saturday, the Russian Foreign Ministry released the names of individuals who are barred from traveling to the country as a response to the U.S. support of Ukraine and harsh sanctions levied against Russia.

Hundreds of politicians — both Democrat and Republican — are on the list, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. A number of actors, journalists and tech moguls have also been banned including Morgan Freeman, George Stephanopoulos and Mark Zuckerberg.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz is on the list as are U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Kai Kahele.

Hirono’s absence is somewhat curious if only because she has been an outspoken supporter of U.S. efforts to push back against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his assault on Ukraine.

As she said in February immediately following Russia’s invasion:

“I have confidence in President Biden’s efforts to continue marshaling a unified and coordinated international response to Russia’s blatant violation of international law through the use of the most significant sanctions. Russia is recklessly endangering the lives of thousands of innocent people and the free world must stand up to this authoritarian dictator and hold Putin accountable.”

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