MAYOR HANNEMANN’S STATEMENT

ON SAMOAN EMERGENCY

            (Tuesday, September 29, 2009) – Mayor Mufi Hannemann today issued this statement regarding the earthquake and tsunami in Samoa:

            “Since reports of the Samoa natural disaster were communicated this morning, I have received many calls from concerned people throughout Hawaii and the mainland United States urgently appealing for updates on the extent of this emergency, and offering their assistance.

            “I spoke this morning to Governor of American Samoa Togiola Tulafono.  He said that accurate assessments of injuries and damage have been hard to come by because of disruptions in the telecommunications system.

            “For now, while we await further word, Samoans will do what we do every evening, and that is to pray for family and loved ones.  Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Samoa and the Pacific, the Philippines, as well as Vietnam, who are all experiencing nature’s fury at this time.  We will pray for their safety and their recovery.”

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Contact:

Bill Brennan, 768-6928