Hawaii Daniel K. Inouye Highway sign

Description

In 2013, the US state of Hawaii dedicated a section of its former Saddle Road to its longtime US Senator, Daniel K. Inouye. This specific section is the nine-mile (14½ km) stretch of road from mile marker 42 on Route 200 to the Māmalahoa Highway (Route 190). Part of the reason given for dedicating this portion to him is his commitment to the rebuilding of Saddle Road. However, the dedication also honors him for his long career in public service.

Before graduating high school, Inouye volunteered as a first aid instructor for the local Red Cross. When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, bringing the United States into World War II, he leapt into service as a medical aide. Inouye attended school during the day and worked at the Red Cross at night. At the Red Cross, he helped care for wounded civilians and soldiers alike. He later overcame barriers put in his way due to his Japanese heritage in order to serve in the US Army during the war. While serving, he not only lost his right arm from the elbow down, but was also shot in the stomach and wounded in the leg as well—all in the same day.

As Inouye was recovering from his arm amputation (a surgery he was unable to be given anesthetics for, for fear of giving him a fatal overdose), he befriended a man named Bob Dole. Dole inspired Inouye to go into politics, since With only one hand, Inouye was no longer able to achieve his dream of being a surgeon. Dole inspired him to go into politics instead. Inouye served as the first U.S. representative for the State of Hawaii, and even wound up becoming a US Senator before Dole did! Inouye served as one of Hawaii’s Senators until his death in 2012. He had a 58-year long career as an elected official. The entire time, he never lost an election.

Our Daniel K. Inouye Highway sign is made to the exact state specifications in use at the time of the road’s dedication in 2013. Only a few signs like this are in existence, and they are all still in active service along Hawaii’s famous Saddle Road. Our replica gives you the chance to show your respect for the beloved late Senator Inouye and the great state of Hawaii at the same time. Add it to your man cave, bar, garage, or anywhere else that needs some sprucing up with a beautiful display piece!

This Daniel K. Inouye Highway sign is American-made using heavy 14-gauge steel. Its glossy, non-reflective finish is quite versatile and can be admired either indoors or outdoors. We offer five different sizes to fit your needs, from 16 in. × 8 in., all the way up to 72 in. × 36 in. Like all signs we sell, this one has two pre-drilled holes to make installation a breeze. (If you need this sign in a size not shown here, or another sign from Hawaii or elsewhere, just ask! We can easily make almost any road sign in the world! If it’s not in our library already, we’ll make it custom, just for you. Contact Jake to get started.)