WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In response to President Clinton's line item veto of $9.5 million approved by the Congress for the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies at Fort DeRussy, Hawaii, in the Fiscal Year 1998 Military Construction Appropriations Bill, Senator Daniel K. Inouye stated, "This center is one of Commander in Chief, Pacific, Admiral Joseph Prueher's top priority projects for his area of responsibility. I regret very much that the President was not fully advised of its importance.

I was made aware of this line item veto this morning after all the decisions were made. Usually on matters of this nature one can get some advance notice through rumors. This project was not an item on the rumor list. It appears that this project was vetoed because its "design phase" was not completed. The Navy had made it very clear that adding separate design money was not necessary because this appropriation was not for construction of a new facility. The funding was for renovations and refurbishment. If I had been notified of the possibility of a veto in a timely fashion, I would most certainly have advised the White House of the importance of this project.

The Navy has been spending approximately $1 million annually to lease space in a nearby facility. Unfortunately, today's decision to line item veto funding for the Asia-Pacific Center will force the Navy to pay the costs of leasing for a longer period, and end up increasing costs to the taxpayers, not saving money."

Upon final approval by the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the measure will be transmitted to the White House to await President Clinton's signature.