HONOLULU — Gov. Neil Abercrombie has apologized for his statements about Sen. Inouye’s dying wish to appoint Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to his seat in the U.S. Senate.
HONOLULU — Gov. Neil Abercrombie has apologized for his statements about Sen. Inouye’s dying wish to appoint Rep. Colleen Hanabusa to his seat in the U.S. Senate.
Abercrombie had cast doubt on the letter he received from Inouye asking him to appoint Hanabusa in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
Inouye’s widow Irene Hirano Inouye told Hawaii News Now and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Monday that Abercrombie’s comments were hurtful.
Abercrombie apologized and says selecting Inouye’s successor was one of the toughest decisions of his career. He says in conversations with Inouye it was clear that Inouye preferred Hanabusa. But Abercrombie says Inouye also told him to make the decision that he thought was best for Hawaii.
Abercrombie appointed Sen. Brian Schatz, who is now in a close race with Hanabusa.