Daniel Kahikina Akaka

Democrat Senator of Hawaii

202-224-6361

http://akaka.senate.gov

Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

January 1, 1924 (94 years old)

Birthday

January 1, 2018

Death

Served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from 1990 to 2013, and was the first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry.
Prior to his Senate career, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1990, representing Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district.
Worked as an educator, starting as a high school teacher and later becoming a principal before transitioning to government roles.
Held various positions in the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and the Hawaii Office of Economic Opportunity.
Chaired the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs during his tenure.
Sponsored significant legislation, including the Akaka Bill aimed at granting sovereignty to Native Hawaiians and legislation recognizing the contributions of Asian-American soldiers in World War II.
Voted against the authorization of military force against Iraq in 2002.
Announced he would not seek reelection in 2012 and served until January 2013, when he was succeeded by another Democrat.
Remembered for his advocacy for working people, veterans, and Native Hawaiian rights, embodying the spirit of aloha.