Rep. Colleen Hanabusa issued a statement about the helicopter crash that killed six Hawaii-based Marines in Afghanistan. 

 “All who have called Hawaii home are part of our island ohana, and every loss like this touches us deeply,” Hanabusa said. “It is a reminder of what we ask of those few proud souls who answer our nation’s call.”

Rep. Mazie Hirono later issued a statement calling the crash “tragic news for our island community and our nation.” 

Sen. Daniel Inouye said this in a statement: “Words are not sufficient to express my sorrow for the loss of these brave Marines. These men should never be forgotten.”