WASHINGTON — Mazie Hirono has been to Washington before, as a college student and a former Hawai'i lieutenant governor. Nonetheless, she is excited about returning here as a newly elected Democratic member of the next Congress that convenes in January.

"It means a lot to me personally to be here and to be participating in what I think will be a historic Congress," said Hirono, who was born in Japan and is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

"The thing that really strikes me is the note of hope that we're going to do things differently here," Hirono said. "And of course, it's great to be coming in as part of the majority."

Hirono is among more than 40 incoming House freshmen of both parties undergoing orientation this week on the nuts and bolts of operating a congressional office. Orientation topics include hiring staff and ethics.

"We even had a panel yesterday, which I appreciated, on making sure that we pay attention to our families and to keep things in balance," Hirono said yesterday morning.

Hirono said she hasn't decided yet about which congressional committees she will request or what staff she will hire.

"Staff is a critical decision, and I want to make sure my staff is committed as I am to being responsive to my district," she said. "I want to be very focused on my district's needs."

The busy schedule this week also has kept her from looking for a place to live or checking out the available offices for new members, Hirono said. Hirono, who also served 14 years in the state Legislature, said she isn't a neophyte to the ups and downs of the legislative and political process, even if Congress is a new arena for her.

"I've always been very optimistic about the ability of people of good will to come together and do good things," she said. "I've always believed that; otherwise I wouldn't be here."

Reach Dennis Camire at dcamire@gns.gannett.com.