Posted on: Saturday, September 22, 2001

The September 11th attack
Hawai'i's senators cheer on president

By Susan Roth
Advertiser Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — Hawai'i's senators were buoyed by President Bush's address to Congress and the nation Thursday night, while Rep. Neil Abercrombie remained anxious about the state's economic future.

"This was our commander in chief's clarion call for national unity," said senior Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawai'i, and chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense. "Without a doubt, it was President Bush's finest hour."

Both Inouye and Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, who sat together near the front of the chamber, stood repeatedly with other Democrats and Republicans to applaud the president. Abercrombie and Rep. Patsy Mink, D-Hawai'i, also attended the address and joined in the many standing ovations.

"The president took an important step toward preparing the American people for what promises to be a long and difficult engagement," Akaka said after the speech.

"Our nation is bracing for a different battle, a confrontation that requires patience and perseverance," said Akaka, a leading member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "Our leadership must be steady and our voice calm but firm."

Abercrombie said that Bush's pledge to boost the economy is of foremost importance to Hawai'i.

"I hope that part will come to the forefront, because our state is really suffering," he said, adding that tax incentives will be necessary.

"The recovery of the economy is crucial in our ability to carry forward against terrorism," Abercrombie said.

Mink did not respond to requests for comment.