Elected officials share remembrances of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka:
“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 Hawaii, and we are all better because of him.”
— State Senate President Ron Kouchi
“Senator Akaka was a kind, loving and honorable man; full of aloha and compassion. When you visited him in Washington D.C., you were greeted by his adoring wife and you immediately felt like you were back in Hawaii. His legacy lives on and he will always be an important part of Hawaii’s history.”
— State Rep. Daynette “Dee” Morikawa, majority floor leader
“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.”
— Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo
“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 Hawaii, 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.”
— Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.
“Our beloved Senator Akaka lived a life of service and aloha, and each of us in Hawaii has benefited in countless ways.”
— Gov. David Ige
“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.”
— State House Speaker Scott K. Saiki
“I had tears in my eyes when I found out about the death of the favorite son of Hawaii. Through his political accomplishments and contributions to the state, Senator Akaka has earned a long lasting legacy that, in my opinion, will never be duplicated. We will forever be grateful to him for his life-long commitment to the betterment of the State of Hawaii and its people. I wish Auntie Millie and the Akaka Ohana all the best and will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.”
— State Rep. James Tokioka
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John Steinhorst, reporter, can be reached at 245-0435 or jsteinhorst@thegardenisland.com.
