Djou: Put our People Back to Work

News Release from www.Djou.com

Honolulu, HI - Former Congressman Charles K. Djou released the following statement reacting to the news that Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa will not run for the U.S. Senate:

“I wish Colleen the best as she continues to serve the people of Hawaii in the U.S. House. I look forward to engaging her in a real debate about what's best for Hawaii, and the United States. I'm confident that my campaign will provide the voters of Hawaii with a real choice next fall as we continue the conversation about how we get the economy moving again and put our people back to work.”

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Hanabusa: The Announcement

Aloha (name),

I think you know that I have been weighing a difficult decision. The announcement by Senator Akaka that he will retire from his seat in the U.S. Senate presents an unusual opportunity to serve the people of Hawai'i, one that has existed only three times since we became a state over fifty years ago.

I want to thank everyone who has called, written, or spoken to me in person to express their opinion and state their reasons for my entering one race or the other. And I want to express my deepest appreciation to every group and individual who has stood by me and supported me — publicly or privately — while I considered my options and weighed how I could best serve the people of our state. I have heard every voice and considered every opinion.

After much thought and much reflection, I have determined that I can best serve Hawai'i by seeking reelection for a second term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I hope you share my commitment. Please join me in helping to ensure that Hawaii has the representation it needs in our nation's capital.

The challenges that confront our nation are many, and the risks to Hawaii are great. At this moment, stability in Hawai'i’s Congressional representation is critical. I believe that a change in both Hawai'i seats in the U.S. House, along with a seat in the U.S. Senate, could seriously undermine our efforts to continue vital funding for the military in Hawai'i and preserve such cherished programs as the East West Center, while threatening other federal support that has helped keep our economy moving in these difficult times.

If you feel as passionately about these issues as I do, I need your help.

I will dedicate my continued service in Congress to supporting that stability, and build on the relationships I have developed to assist our state and our residents.

This decision is an opportunity, not a sacrifice. I love my job. I hope the voters of the First Congressional District will send me back to Washington and allow me to continue serving them.

Mahalo,

P.S., We are facing a challenging re-election campaign against a well-funded opponent and need all the support we can get. Please consider making a small donation now to get our campaign off to a strong start.