REPORT FROM GOV. NEIL ABERCROMBIE’S OFFICE – The Pentagon is expected to announce that it intends to transfer up to 2,700 Marines from Okinawa to Hawai’i. Governor Neil Abercrombie, a former member of the U.S. Congressional Armed Forces Committee, has anticipated this news for some time and released the following statement:
“Since taking office, I have had discussions with officials from the U.S. Pacific Command in anticipation of a Marine transfer from Okinawa to Hawai’i. I also met with Okinawa Prefectural Governor Hirokazu Nakaima on this matter when I visited in October.
“As the Pentagon finalizes its plans, I believe the number of marines moving to our State will increase and we are well prepared to receive them. While in Congress, I worked on key legislation that allowed for ample military housing. In my role as Governor I am working to ensure that there is ongoing military and state cooperation to allow for a seamless and smooth transition for our servicemen and women and their families.”
During his congressional career, Governor Abercrombie served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and was chairman of the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.