WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Upon receiving word from the White House that no Hawaii-related provisions or projects would be vetoed, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye stated,

"I am pleased that the President decided to enact the U.S. Flag Cruise Ship/Troop Carrier pilot program. I commend and congratulate him on his decision.

"This provision helps to reduce U.S. shipyard dependence on defense construction, to transfer technology in cruise ship construction and to revitalize the U.S. flag cruise ship industry. They will be built with input by the Department of Defense, and will be capable of conversion into a military fleet in time of national need.

"This provision will give our U.S. shipyards and cruise ships an opportunity to take their rightful place in the international industry. Seventy-five percent of the passengers on cruise ships are American. Yet, there is only one remaining U.S. flag cruise line sailing in Pacific waters, and none in Indian, Atlantic and Caribbean waters. There was a time when the United States ruled the seas. We will have an opportunity to do so again -- this time Americans will have the opportunity to sail on ships built by Americans, manned by Americans, and protected by American labor, environmental, health and safety laws.

"I commend the President on this decision."