Daniel Akaka, a Democrat from Hawaii who served 23 years in the Senate, died early Friday at the age of 93.
Akaka served as a member of Congress for 36 years and left the Senate in 2013. A World War II veteran, Akaka was the first native Hawaiian to serve in the Senate and worked alongside former Sen. Daniel Inouye for nearly his entire tenure.
The Hawaiian congressional delegation praised Akaka for his work, including Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who took over for him in 2013.
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. pic.twitter.com/1PiekJ9ur3
— Senator Mazie Hirono (@maziehirono) April 6, 2018
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.
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) April 6, 2018
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
— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) April 6, 2018
Some of his former colleagues in the Senate also bid him farewell, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who said he “embodied the spirit” of his home state.
In everything he did, as a soldier, a teacher and as a statesman, Senator Daniel Akaka embodied the spirit of Hawaii. For all he taught us, for his service and his friendship, we say “Mahalo” one final time.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) April 6, 2018
