"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend," Inouye said in a written statement. "I was privileged to have him serve on my staff as my executive assistant and chief of staff. He worked tirelessly and was dedicated to his job.

"Henry was an acquaintance of presidents and kings, but his heart was always with the native people of Hawai'i, who are still struggling for their moment in the sun," Inouye added.

Giugni was a key figure in Washington, D.C. for nearly 45 years and was the U.S. Senate's sergeant of arms from January 1987 to December 1990. In that position, he managed a budget of nearly $120 million, oversaw a staff of more than 2,000 and supervised support services, including law enforcement and telecommunications.

Giugni was born in 1925 and grew up on the Pearl City peninsula. He attended Hanahauoli School, Iolani and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. A World War II veteran, Giugni was a former firefighter, Honolulu police officer and liquor inspector.

His political ties with Inouye date back to 1956 when he worked on Inouye's re-election campaign to the territorial legislature.

Giugni is survived by his wife, Muriel Roselani; daughters H. Kealoha Giugni, Deborah Roselani McMillan, Heather Haunani Giugni and Gina Pilialoha Giugni-Halbach; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Services are pending.