WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama issued a statement May 20 wishing Rep. Mark Takai (D-HI) well on his announcement that he will not seek re-election in November in order to focus on his fight against pancreatic cancer.

Obama praised Takai for having served Hawai‘i for more than 20 years. Obama cited Takai’s service as a long-time lieutenant colonel in the Hawaii Army National Guard, and as a “champion” for members of the military, veterans, “and as someone who stands up for our working families, he’s always been a fighter.” Obama also lauded Takai for his “courage and tireless advocacy for cancer research — research that has given hope to others who fight this disease every day,” the statement said.