All four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation praised President Barack Obama Friday for ending the Iraq War, with U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono saying the nearly 4,500 lives lost and $1 trillion added to the national debt have been tragic.
Hirono said the president’s announcement Friday that "the war in Iraq is ending responsibly and our men and women will be home soon is welcome news."
"Our focus must continue to be on keeping our nation safe and honoring our commitment to our returning troops and our military families," Hirono said in a statement.
The best way to do that is to maintain a strong military that is powerful enough to deter and take action against threats, use diplomacy to achieve and keep the peace, and oppose "ill-considered international military entanglements," she said.
The other Hawaii congressional members also offered their thoughts in statements.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka said he applauded Obama’s announcement that the war will be over by the end of the year, and that American troops "will finally come home to their families."
"It is time for the Iraqi government to take responsibility for their own security," Akaka said. "Since the start of the war in 2003, over 4,400 American service members have bravely made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country."
The long-term care of the nation’s wounded warriors is a "sacred obligation and a continuing cost of war, and we must ensure that they receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve," Akaka said. "We must continue providing employment opportunities, education, job training, and support for veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce."
U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye said, "This will be a very happy holiday season for the thousands of troops returning from Iraq and their families. President Obama’s leadership is most commendable."
U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said: "I am pleased many of our brave men and women will be able to spend the holidays with their families and friends. The drawdown from Iraq has been long awaited, and I applaud the president for fulfilling his promise. I would like to thank the members of our armed forces for their unwavering commitment and dedication. Our troops and their families have made tremendous sacrifices, and we must never forget those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom."
