Osama bin Laden Killed: Hawaii Delegation Commends U.S. Forces

By Wendy Osher

Osama Bin Laden, Identified as one of the FBI's 10 Most Wanted, was killed by U.S. Forces in Pakistan. FBI image.

The news of Osama bin Laden’s death at the hand of U.S. forces yesterday quickly drew widespread reaction. Members from Hawaii’s congressional delegation commended President Barack Obama for his order yesterday that brought down the man who was recognized as the mastermind of global terrorism.

The announcement came in a special address late last night from the President: “Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed. They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body,” said President Obama.

U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono responded saying justice has been served for those who perished in the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. She also thanked the U.S. intelligence agencies and military personnel involved in the firefight.

“The people of Hawaii, the American people, and people across the globe who desire peace and security are rejoicing and relieved at the demise of Osama bin Laden,” said Congresswoman Hirono.

“I am enormously proud of President Obama, our U.S. intelligence agencies, and our U.S. military personnel for their persistence and precision, their discipline and decisiveness, in bringing the world-wide manhunt for Osama bin Laden to its successful conclusion. Their leadership and performance represent a shining example of America at her best,” said Congresswoman Hirono.

U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka also praised the elite forces for their action and tenacity. He urged vigilance moving forward saying national security challenges remain with many dedicated service members still on the front lines.

“As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees who has closely examined the terrorist threat in the decade since 9/11, I commend the tenacity of the intelligence and military personnel that led to this victory. I applaud President Obama for his unwavering commitment to bring bin Laden to justice,” said U.S. Sen. Akaka.

“I am pleased to see the nation unite around this significant milestone. However, we must not lose sight of the many national security challenges that still confront us. Our dedicated service members remain on the front lines in Afghanistan, and Al-Qaeda continues operations across the globe. We must remain vigilant and determined in our efforts to protect the American people,” said Sen. Akaka.

Congresswoman Hirono expressed similar thoughts moving forward saying, “We must, and will, remain ever-vigilant in the face of al Qaeda and any threat to our homeland security. But, on President Obama’s order, justice has been served for those who perished on September 11th, 2001 and an earthshaking blow has been delivered against those who would do us harm. For this, the people of Hawaii and the United States are deeply grateful,” she said.