In Conversation with Secretary of Defense, Hirono Emphasizes Importance of Resolving North Korea Tensions through Diplomatic Means

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a call with Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) emphasized the importance of strong diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions with North Korea. 

“Earlier today, I called Secretary of Defense Mattis to emphasize the urgency of resolving the situation with North Korea peacefully,” Senator Hirono said. “Hawaii families immediately assumed that the alert meant an attack from North Korea. This speaks to the broad concern about the threat North Korea poses to our state and the rest of the country.”

Senator Hirono’s call with Secretary Mattis is part of her ongoing efforts to address Saturday’s false emergency threat alert. Yesterday, Senator Hirono questioned Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen. She also spoke to Governor David Ige, Admiral Harry Harris, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency Director Vern Miyagi, and Hawaii Adjutant General Joe Logan.

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