STATEMENTS BY GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE AND LT. GOVERNOR JAMES R. "DUKE" AIONA, JR. ABOUT THE PASSING OF POPE JOHN PAUL II

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2005

Governor Lingle:

The people of Hawai`i join the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness John Paul II.  Since his election to the papacy in 1978, Pope John Paul touched millions of lives with a heartfelt message of faith, love and understanding.  Having experienced the horror of Nazi occupation as a young man in his native Poland, he spoke with a deep personal conviction when calling for international peace.  And he shared those words of wisdom with more individuals than any Pope in history.  Moreover, he displayed great courage during the final days of his life as he battled numerous medical problems.  He will truly be missed.

Lt. Governor Aiona:

Vivian and I join the people of our state and the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness John Paul II.  Being a member of the Catholic faith, I feel this loss at a very personal level.  Pope John Paul was a champion of peace whose compassion for humanity crossed all faiths and cultures.  He was a pillar of strength and determination as he stayed faithful to his mission despite an assassination attempt and major surgeries, and the ordeal of Parkinson’s disease, respiratory troubles and other ailments.  He was truly a man of God.

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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus 
Senior Advisor – Communications 
Phone: 586-7708

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043