U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye today issued this statement after learning of the death of Robert C. Oshiro:

"I was deeply saddened to receive the news of the passing of my dear friend Bob Oshiro. We were members of the Burns group in those exciting days that followed World War II.

"Bob — together with leaders like Jack Burns, George Ariyoshi, Bill Richardson and Dan Aoki — contributed much to the social, economic and political advances that transformed Hawai'i into a more equal and just society. I hope Hawai'i will continue to develop outstanding leaders like Bob Oshiro.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Oshiro 'ohana."