WASHINGTON, D.C. -- United States Senator Daniel K. Inouye is pleased to announce that the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of former Maui Police Chief Howard H. Tagomori for the post of U.S. Marshal for the District of Hawaii.

"Chief Tagomori is an outstanding law enforcement officer, and is most qualified for the important position of United States Marshal in Hawaii. Chief Tagomori has had an impressive 35-year career as a police officer on Maui and Oahu. For 25 of those years, Chief Tagomori held leadership positions in the Maui County Police Department. He was responsible for 440 employees and a $21 million annual budget. Not only does his background include a long list of accomplishments in the field of law enforcement, but also in personal service to his community. I look forward to a speedy confirmation of his nomination by the U.S. Senate," said Senator Inouye.

Established in 1789, the United States Marshals Service is the nation's oldest federal law enforcement agency. Today, Presidentially appointed U.S. Marshals and their support staff are essential to virtually every aspect of the federal justice system. The Marshals Service is responsible for: providing support and protection to the federal courts; apprehending federal fugitives; ensuring the safety of government witnesses; maintaining custody of and transporting federal prisoners and detainees; and seizing, managing and selling property forfeited by drug traffickers and other criminals.

Born in Puunene, and raised in Kahului, Maui, Chief Tagomori is a Baldwin High School graduate and U.S. Army veteran. He is married to Lorraine Gaudia Tagomori. They have a son and daughter, Reid and Kris.

Chief Tagomori must now await final confirmation by the United States Senate.