FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        July 9, 2005

Release M-47

MAYOR EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO GUARDSMAN’S FAMILY

TOKYO -- Mayor Mufi Hannemann offered his condolences to the family of  Specialist Deyson Cariaga, who was killed in action near Balad, Iraq, Friday.

Cariaga, of Kamehameha Heights in Honolulu, was assigned to the 229^th Military Intelligence Company, 29^th Brigade Combat Team. His mother is a civilian employee of the Honolulu Police Department and his step-father is an HPD officer.

“The loss of Specialist Cariaga is felt by all members of the City and County ohana,” said the mayor. “On their behalf, I extend my heartfelt aloha and condolences to his family  and his comrades.”

            “His passing is a reminder that thousands of Americans remain in harm’s way in Iraq and Afghanistan. We pray for their safe return,” the mayor said.

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Contact:

            Bill Brennan, 228-1526

            Mark Matsunaga, 352-1528