Daily News

As one of his last wishes before his death on Monday night, Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii asked that Democratic Rep. Colleen Hanabusa succeed him in the Senate.

According to multiple reports , a letter was delivered on Monday to Gov. Neil Abercrombie requesting Hanabusa as the senator's successor. Inouye's office confirmed the letter to news outlets.

Hanabusa was elected to her second term last month.

In a statement lauding Inouye's accomplishments and advocacy for her home state, Hanabusa expressed personal sadness for the loss. "I attribute a great deal of the success I have enjoyed to his willingness to share with a smile, and to guide with a gentle word," Hanabusa said. "I will miss him, and I join our state and our nation in mourning the loss of a great American and a wonderful man."

Abercrombie, a Democrat, will appoint someone to serve until a special election is held to choose a permanent successor.