Ridge's comments, delivered to about 900 delegates at the second Asia-Pacific Homeland Security Summit & Exposition and during a news conference with Gov. Linda Lingle, come at a time when Islamic extremists are peppering Southeast Asian nations with bomb attacks, kidnappings, and shootings in an attempt to undermine government control in several regions.

The security concerns in the Pacific, however, have not translated into any threats against Hawai'i, Ridge said.

"Terrorism is a global scourge, not a regional one," Ridge said. "The battle we wage against the terrorists is not one fought by America alone. It is fought by every nation and every citizen that stands on the side of hope and liberty. And the means to win this war rests in our ability to engage the world community, work together multi-laterally, and foster healthy dialogue and strategic cooperation among our allies."

Ridge was the keynote speaker today at the second Asia-Pacific Homeland Security Summit & Exposition, which started today at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. The conference brings together top government leaders, senior business executives and international experts in security, technology and counterterrorism for three days of talks.