Aloha Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, advocate for Native Hawaiians

THE FIRST NATIVE HAWAIIAN to serve in the U.S. Senate, former Senator Daniel K. Akaka, died this morning (April 6) after a long illness. He was 93.

"In Congress, Senator Akaka’s care, empathy, and collegiality served as an example for us all," said Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono. "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. "

Politics was his second career. After graduating from the University of Hawaii, he worked in education for 19 years. In 1971, he left his job as a principal to enter the world of public service. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1976 and retired as a U.S. Senator in 2013.

His priority was serving the Hawaiian people. His best known legislation is one that never got enough votes to pass. Every year since 2000 he introduced what became to be known as the Akaka Bill, which would have given federal recognition of the Native Hawaiian people, who would have the same rights as Native Americans on the mainland.

He came closest to winning in 2010, when the “Akaka Bill” passed in the House, according to the Washington Post. The bill died in the Senate, however, after Republican opponents charged that it would establish an unconstitutional precedent for race-based treatment of Americans. Others said the bill would trigger the first racially based secession movement in U.S. history.

Akaka decried the “misleading attacks” and “unprecedented obstruction” that led to the bill’s defeat

“It is long past time for the Native Hawaiian people to have the same rights, the same privileges, and the same opportunities as every other federally-recognized Native people,” Akaka said in 2012.

Akaka and the late Sen. Daniel Inouye persuaded the United States to formally apologize for its role in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. President Bill Clinton issued the apology in 1993 on the 100th anniversary of the overthrow.

Never one to draw attention to himself, Akaka preferred using the spirit of aloha to get things done. He preferred developing strong relationships rather than stirring, inspirational speeches.

“I was taught not to be a showhorse but a workhorse” Mr. Akaka told a Hono­lulu newspaper in 2006. “So, in a way, it’s been a part of me not to brag.”

As a veteran himself, Akaka was a strong supporter of veterans issues, he was instrumental in sponsoring legislation recognizing the role of Filipino veterans of World War II and granting many of them U.S. citizenship.

Akaka, of native Hawaiian and Chinese ancestry, was born Sept. 11, 1924 in Honolulu He grew up poor in Pauoa Valley. He  attended the Kamehameha School for Boys, graduating in 1942. 

Akaka is survived by his wife Mary five children, 15 grandchildren and even more great-grandchildren.

Details on memorials or services are pending.

As news of Akaka's passing spread, tributes began pouring in.

Gov. David Ige ordered  that the U.S. and state flag be flown at half-staff at the Capitol, Hawaii National Guard, and state offices and agencies in memory of Akaka 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," said Gov. Ige. "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.”

Former President Barack Obama:
"Michelle and I celebrate the life and service of our friend, Senator Daniel Akaka," He was a tireless advocate for working people, veterans, native Hawaiian rights, and the people of Hawaii. He was one of the first people to welcome me with open arms when we served together in the Senate.  He embodied the aloha spirit with compassion and care."

Former Vice President Al Gore:

“I, along with everyone who had the privilege to know him, will greatly miss Senator Danny Akaka. He was a dear friend and a great public servant. One of the highlights of my political career was being a part of the freshman class of the 95th United States Congress with Daniel Akaka. Danny was the embodiment of Hawaii’s treasured spirit of Aloha. He was soft-spoken, humble, and unfailingly polite – attributes that earned him admiration and respect, and that stand in stark contrast to the bitter, partisan atmosphere that permeates Capitol Hill today. He was also smart and hard-working — and totally dedicated to the public interest.

U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono:
“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.”

U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz: 
“Daniel K. Akaka was beloved by everyone in Hawaii, and his colleagues of both parties in Washington DC. A pure heart, a determined warrior for native Hawaiians, and a true public servant. We will miss you, Senator Akaka. Aloha.”

U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, chcair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my former colleague, Senator Daniel K. Akaka. As the first Native Hawaiian elected to the U.S. Senate and a founding member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, he was a tremendous leader for both the people of Hawaii and the broader Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community. Throughout his 36 years in Congress, he fought tirelessly to secure funding and parity for the Native Hawaiian people and successfully passed an apology resolution to acknowledge the U.S. government’s role in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. As a World War II veteran, he also cared deeply about our nation’s military service members and veterans.  During his tenure as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, he led notable efforts to secure benefits for Filipino veterans who served alongside American forces during World War II as well as Vietnam War veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa: 
“Hawaii’s heart is broken this morning as we learn of the passing of one of Hawaii’s greatest statesman. Thank you, Senator Akaka, for your legacy of courage and love. You taught Congress and our nation how to fight with dignity and Aloha. We all aspire to lead like you. Senator’s passionate advocacy on behalf of Hawaii, Native Hawaiians, his students, veterans, and his contributions to our community and humanity cannot easily be measured. He gave his heart to Hawaii. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunty Millie and the entire Akaka Ohana.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard: 

“Senator Akaka truly embodied the aloha spirit & selflessly dedicated his life to serving others. He treated everyone equally, with kindness, respect & love – no matter who they were or how they treated him. He responded always with aloha, sharing his warm smile & embrace w/ all. I’m so grateful to have known & worked with him over the years & to have spent time with him the last few days. He impacted the lives of countless people. His legacy of aloha will live on thru all who continue to be inspired by his example. We love you, Senator Akaka. A hui hou.” 

Lt. Gov. Doug Chin: "

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.”

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