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Hawaii delegation reacts to Abercrombie resignation

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye indicated surprise and a note of disappointment in response to the Friday announcement by ten-term US Representative Neil Abercrombie that he will resign to seek the governorship of Hawaii.

"Congressman Abercrombie's announcement is a surprise and leaves us a vote shy in the House at a time when major policy changes like health-care reform, a war spending measure, the Akaka Bill and others  are shaping up for debate and passage" said Inouye in a statement.

"However, I accept the Congressman's decision and I thank him for his ten terms of service in the US Congress."

Abercrombie, who has represented Hawaii's First Congressional District continuously since 1991, is a member of the powerful House Armed Services Committee and is also Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces. In this role, Abercrombie has helped to steer billions of dollars in defense spending to Hawaii.

Abercrombie is also a member of the House Natural Resources Committee and serves on its Fisheries, Wildlife and Oceans Subcommittee.

Mazie Hirono, Hawaii's other House representative, was less critical of Abercrombie's decision.

"Neil is respected by both Democrats and Republicans in the House, and I know that his voice will be missed by many who consider him a close friend" she said in a statement.