The people of Hawaii and Washington lawmakers are mourning the loss of Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii.

The 88-year-old lawmaker died Monday of respiratory complications at a Washington area hospital.

Inouye was the longest serving current senator, breaking barriers as the first Japanese-American to serve in Congress.

Inouye was a war hero, winning the Medal of Honor for action in Germany. He also lost part of his right arm.

He played key roles in congressional hearings of the Watergate and Iran-Contra scandals.

President Obama hailed him a "true American hero."