Congresswoman Mazie Hirono Comments on Mrs. Madelyn Dunham

HONOLULU, HI - October 21, 2008 - "My thoughts go out to Senator Obama and his entire family at this difficult time. In addition to working with Senator Obama, I had the privilege of working for his grandmother Madelyn Dunham years ago at Bank of Hawaii. After I finished college, I was assigned to work for Mrs. Dunham. Even at that time, I recognized she was an extraordinary woman who had risen from the ranks to become one of the first female Vice Presidents in the company.

In Hawaii, many of us, myself included, have close relationships with grandparents who helped raise us. We all understand the special bond that Senator Obama has with his grandmother, and our support goes out to him now."