*EPF406 02/15/01
Text: Senator Akaka on Ehime Maru Sinking, Helicopter Crash
(Hawaiian lawmaker sends condolences to families of victims) (400)

Senator Daniel Akaka (Democrat of Hawaii) expressed his sympathy to the families of victims of two recent accidents in Hawaii involving the U.S. military in a February 14 speech in the Senate.

"On Friday afternoon, the U.S.S. Greeneville collided with the Ehime Maru, a Japanese fishing vessel," Akaka said.

"I join President Bush in expressing my regret to the people of Japan for this tragedy," he said.

"My heart goes out to the families of the nine people who are still missing following this incident," Akaka added.

He also remembered the six U.S. servicemen who lost their lives in a night training exercise in Hawaii on February 12 when two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters crashed at the Kahuku Military Training Area.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the families and units who are mourning the loss of their loved ones," Akaka said.

Following is the text of Akaka's remarks:

(begin text)

EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR LOST LOVED ONES IN HAWAII
Senate
February 14, 2001

Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I express my sincerest sympathies to the families of those who have lost loved ones in two unrelated incidents the U.S. military in Hawaii during the past week.

On Friday afternoon, the U.S.S. Greeneville collided with the Ehime Maru, a Japanese fishing vessel. I join President Bush in expressing my regret to the people of Japan for this tragedy. My heart goes out to the families of the nine people who are still missing following this incident.

On Monday evening, two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters crashed during a training exercise at the Kahuku Military Training Area, resulting in six deaths. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and units who are mourning the loss of their loved ones. I also wish a speedy recovery to those soldiers who are recovering from injuries sustained in this accident.

I am certain that the investigations into these incidents will be thorough and comprehensive. But my purpose today is not to question why these incidents occurred, but to express the genuine sadness and concern that I share with the people of Hawaii and the rest of the nation over these two unfortunate episodes.

(end text)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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