We just lost Senator Daniel Akaka. [View all]

[mahina]

Last edited Fri Apr 6, 2018, 03:40 PM - Edit history (4)

A great Hawaiian and a man of peace and wisdom and true aloha.

Aloha ‘oe and a hui hou, thank you for lighting the way forward.

You may remember him as one of only 23 votes in the Senate against going to war in Iraq again in 2003.

Every vote started with his name for most of my adult lifetime until he retired in 2013.

He was so strong and so good. We could always trust him to do the right thing, and keep an open mind. He would welcome Hawaii folks when in DC with such genuine aloha. He felt it was really ours, and he was really happy to see us there. He was always a generous kind warm and wise and very real man. Sending love to Auntie Millie and ohana.

Even at his advanced age, he was all about helping others, supporting new teachers and young people.


This is so hard.

Thank you Senator.

Fast forward to 29:10 to hear Senator Akaka’s address to the people at the Hawaii Capitol, when he was given the Aloha Order of Merit award.

(See the award? I sewed that




http://www.staradvertiser.com/2018/04/06/breaking-news/former-sen-daniel-akaka-dies-at-age-93/

“Former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, the humble and gracious statesman who served in Washington with aloha for more than three and a half decades, died Thursday night at the age of 93. He had been hospitalized for months.

Akaka’s death was confirmed by his former spokesman Jesse Broder Van Dyke. Services are pending.

Akaka, the first native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate, was a strong advocate for native Hawaiians and veterans during a political career that started in the House of Representatives in 1976 and ended in the U.S. Senate in 2013.”

The world just lost a great warrior for peace. Take heart though, he inspired generations including our Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono.

Update: statement from the Democratic Party of Hawai'i on the Passing of Senator Daniel Akaka

For Immediate Release
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HONOLULU - April 6th, 2018

It is with profound sorrow that the Democratic Party of Hawai'i (DPH) learned today of the passing of former Senator Daniel Akaka.

The first native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate, Daniel Akaka was a longtime Party leader and a strong advocate for democratic values, native Hawaiians, and veterans during a political career that started in the House of Representatives in 1976 and ended in the U.S. Senate in 2013.

"Senator Akaka was an inspiration to so many in our Party and all levels of government. In Congress, his warmth and generosity earned him respect from members of both sides of the aisle," said Tim Vandeveer, DPH Party Chairperson.

"He embodied the Aloha spirit and always put the people of Hawai'i first," Vandeveer stated, adding "We celebrate his life, his dedication to public service, and his commitment to the Democratic Party. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his 'ohana during this difficult time."

Information regarding memorial services will be shared when made available.

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