WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie asked Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday to consider declaring a state of emergency or disaster in the wake of Aloha Airlines suspending air cargo services so the state National Guard could carry cargo among the Islands if necessary.

Lingle, however, said the action is not necessary.

"While I appreciate his concern, I have no plans to request an emergency declaration." Lingle said in a statement.

In letters to Lingle and Hawai'i National Guard Adjutant General Robert Lee, the Hawai'i Democrat said the state has lost 85 percent of its air cargo capacity with the shutdown of Aloha Airlines' Cargo Division on Monday.

"Even the most thorough contingency planning may not protect us from some kind of supply related disaster," Abercrombie said. "We absolutely cannot stand by and wait for medical equipment, pharmaceuticals or our food supply to dwindle or run out."

A disaster or emergency declaration would allow the state to use the Hawai'i National Guard to carry cargo until commercial carriers are able to fill the need, Abercrombie said yesterday.

"Let's hope for a quick end to this unsettling situation so that regular food, cargo and mail deliveries to the Neighbor Islands can resume but we should be prepared for the worst," Abercrombie said.

Lingle said the administration's main concerns are maintaining continuity of cargo delivery and to help affected employees.

"We are particularly focused on ensuring that critical supplies relating to health and safety continue to be transported uninterrupted," Lingle said. "At this time, there is no indication that any critical supplies are not being shipped and delivered in a timely manner."

To assist the nearly 300 employees affected by the cargo division shutdown, a multi-agency Rapid Response Team will hold informational meetings statewide today, the statement said. There will be two sessions in Honolulu, and one each in Wailuku, Lihu'e, Kona and Hilo.

For a meeting schedule, go to www.hawaii.gov/labor.