I would like to express my sincere condolences to those badly affected by the wildfires in the State of Hawaii, USA. The fires that started on 8 August on several islands, including Maui, are reported to be the worst in the last century for the United States, resulting in numerous fatalities and causing significant damage to historic towns.

I extend my profound condolences to the victims and my sympathies to those injured and affected, their families, and everyone connected to them.

In the past, Hiroshima University has signed inter-university exchange agreements with the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Hawaii at Hilo. The University of Hawaii, renowned globally for its language education and research, has been closely connected with Hiroshima University. In fact, they have provided language training to students and administrative members from our institution who aspire to study abroad. Therefore, this tragic news deeply saddens our faculty, administrative members, and students.

Hiroshima University is committed to offering as much support as possible to the wildfire victims, hoping for the earliest recovery of the affected regions and individuals.
 

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　17 August 2023
Mitsuo Ochi
President, Hiroshima University