Terse statement out of Dan Inouye’s office after the news that Gov. Neil Abercrombie did not choose the late senator’s hand-picked replacement, Colleen Hanabusa. 

It reads like a rather grudging congratulations:

“Senator Inouye conveyed his final wish to Governor Abercrombie.  While we are very disappointed that it was not honored, it was the Governor’s decision to make.  We wish Brian Schatz the best of luck,” Jennifer Sabas, Chief of Staff to former Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, said in a statement.