Awards and Recognition
•  Legislator of the Month - Cruelty Free International (2021)
•  Legislator of the Year - Hawaii Farm Bureau (2016)
•  America's Legislator Parents of the Year - National Parents Day Coalition (2016)
•  Honorary Hempster - Maui Hemp Institute for Research and Innovation (2016)
•  Humane State Legislator Award - Humane Society of the U.S. (2015 and 2016)
•  Hawai‘i Energy Policy Forum Transformational Achievement Award (2015)
•  Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy Lokahi Award (2011)
•  First Senator of Samoan Ancestry in the Senate of the State of Hawaii Legislature Award - Samoan Heritage Week (2009)
•  Legislators Who Made a Difference - Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter (2009)
•  Lifetime Achievement Award - Knights of Columbus (2009)
•  Stars of Oceania Award - University of Hawaii Pacific Business Center (2009)
•  Compassionate Legislator Award - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (2008)