Daniel Akaka, longtime Hawaii senator, dies at 93

HONOLULU — Former Sen. Daniel Akaka (uh-KAH’-kuh) of Hawaii has died. He was 93.

Jon Yoshimura, the senator’s former communications director, says Akaka’s daughter, Millannie Akaka Mattson, informed him of the death Friday morning in Honolulu.

The Democrat was the first Native Hawaiian elected to Congress. He was a 14-year veteran of the House when he was appointed to replace the late Sen. Spark Matsunaga in 1990. Akaka served in the Senate for more than two decades before retiring in 2013.

Akaka spent a dozen years pushing a bill that would give ethnic Hawaiians the same rights already extended to many Native Americans and Alaska Natives. But the bill was consistently blocked.

He successfully sponsored federal legislation that resulted in Medals of Honor for 22 Asian-American soldiers who fought during World War II.

Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag will be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the memory of Sen. Daniel K. Akaka.

 Flags shall be flown at half-staff immediately, at the State Capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawai‘i National Guard in the State of Hawai‘i, until sunset on the day of Sen. Akaka’s interment.

 “Our beloved Sen. Akaka lived a life of service and aloha, and each of us in Hawaiʻi has benefited in countless ways. Our state mourns the loss of this man of upright character. While we celebrate his military service and dedication to our nation’s veterans, his advocacy of the Hawaiian language and culture, and his work in Congress to recognize Filipino veterans, he was first and foremost a family man. Dawn and I send our condolences to Auntie Millie and the entire Akaka ʻOhana. A hui hou, Sen. Akaka,” said Gov. Ige.

Senate President Ron Kouchi said:

“Senator Akaka was a true statesman who exemplified the best qualities of a leader and embodied the spirit of Aloha.  He dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawai‘i and we are all better because of him. My deepest condolences to Aunty Millie and the entire Akaka family during this time.” 

 From Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.:

“It is with a heavy heart that we say aloha to Senator Akaka. He was a humble leader and mentor – known to most of us as “Uncle Danny.”

“As an educator, veteran, and long-serving lawmaker for our state, Senator Akaka was a true and tireless public servant. He dedicated his career to advocating for the people of Hawai‘i, especially our native Hawaiian community. He remained rooted in his Hawaiian values and never stopped advocating for what was pono, or just, for our people.

“Above all else, he was a man that personified the Aloha Spirit in every action he took and every word that he spoke. He was an inspiration to so many of us, and he has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders. Our hearts and prayers are with Aunty Millie and the entire Akaka ‘Ohana. A hui hou to our beloved Uncle Danny!”

Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo said:

“The people of Hawaii are grieving today as we mourn the loss of our beloved leader, Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Many strive to have the purity of heart and aloha spirit that Senator Akaka embodied so easily; yet his unwavering spirit and advocacy for Native Hawaiians, veterans, and the people of Hawaii were unparalleled. Mahalo Senator Akaka for your lifetime of service. The Kauai County Council extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife, Millie Akaka and the entire Akaka family.”

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English said:

 “As the highest ranking Native Hawaiian in elected office, Senator Akaka embodied the hopes and dreams of the Hawaiian people.  His steadfast commitment to Hawai‘i and his many accomplishments has created a firm foundation for Native Hawaiians to move forward. Aloha minamina iā ‘Anakē Millie me ka ‘ohana Akaka. Ke aloha paumākō.”

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) today released a statement following the passing of Akaka:

“My heart is heavy today as we remember my dear friend and mentor, Senator Daniel K. Akaka. With a servant’s heart full of aloha, Senator Akaka dedicated his life to serving the people and our nation, in the U.S. Army, as a public school teacher, in the U.S. House of Representatives, and in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to have worked with and known Senator Akaka over the years, and to have witnessed firsthand how he truly embodied the aloha spirit—treating all with kindness, respect, and love. His legacy of service and aloha will continue to inspire each of us to live aloha every day—serving others, protecting our planet, and fighting for justice, equality, and peace. My heart is with Aunty Millie and the entire Akaka ʻohana. A hui hou and aloha, my friend.”

Lieutenant Governor Doug Chin offers this statement:

 “Former U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka epitomized the true meaning of aloha.  He treated everyone with genuine kindness, grace and compassion.  We deeply mourn his passing and send our heartfelt sympathies to his family.  Rest in peace and love, Senator Akaka.”

House of Representatives Speaker Scott K. Saiki had this to say:

“Senator Akaka served Hawaii with dignity, respect and humility. He never lost sight of his values and the need to protect our state and its people.  Hawaii has lost an extraordinary statesman.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono released the following statement on the passing of  Akaka:

 “Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka embodied the Aloha Spirit. He dedicated his life to serving the people of Hawaii as an educator, and in the U.S. Army, state government, the U.S. House, and the U.S. Senate. In Congress, Senator Akaka’s care, empathy, and collegiality served as an example for us all. It’s an honor to sit at his desk in the Senate chamber, and we continue his work to improve the lives of veterans and the Native Hawaiian community. My thoughts are with Millie and the Akaka ohana in this difficult time. As he so often said, mahalo nui loa, my friend.”