The sister of President-elect Barack Obama, Maya Soetoro-Ng issued the following statement tonight:

"On behalf of my husband Konrad and our daughter, Suhaila, I'd like to thank the people of Hawai'i for your expressions of love and sympathy on the passing of our beloved Tutu, Madelyn Dunham. Tutu was the matriarch of this family, and, although she is not here with us tonight in body, we all feel her powerful spirit with us on this historic evening.

"Over the past 21 months, the Hawai'i Obama campaign has worked hard and achieved much. Thousands of people have come together with a common purpose of making our country a better place, and I am truly proud and honored to be part of the Obama Ohana in Hawai'i.

"With Barack's victory today, our country now begins a new chapter. This chapter will require all of us to continue our efforts and to understand that our work is only beginning. We have much to do in order to unite and to improve this country, and I look forward to continuing our common purpose.

"Although Barack is not here to celebrate with all of you, he is also here with you tonight in spirit. Hawai'i has always been a special and treasured place for my brother, and he would like me to convey his aloha to all of you.

"Barack and I are especially pleased with the overwhelmingly positive results in Hawai'i. During this campaign, I had the privilege of meeting with Hawa'ii voters in places as diverse as Honakaa, Lihue, Kahalui, and Kailua, and I experienced firsthand the enthusiasm and energy of the people of Hawai'i. Tonight's results are historic in this state as Hawai'i has apparently turned out the highest victory percentage of any state in the country, and we wish to acknowledge the dedication and love that the people of Hawai'i have shown to our ohana.

"Mahalo nui loa, and I look forward to seeing all of you soon."