Daniel Akaka: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
imported>MallonAllah12
No edit summary
 
imported>Myasuda
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 59: Line 59:
Akaka graduated from [[Kamehameha Schools]] in 1942. During [[World War II]] he served in the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]], including service on [[Saipan]] and [[Tinian]]. He served from 1945 to 1947.<ref name="AUSA2011" /> He worked as a welder and a mechanic and in 1948 was a first mate on the [[schooner]] ''Morning Star''.<ref name=honoluluadvertiser>{{cite web|url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/20/ln/FP601200356.html |title=Akaka in Congress since 1976 &#124; The Honolulu Advertiser &#124; Hawaii's Newspaper |publisher=The Honolulu Advertiser |date=January 20, 2006 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>
Akaka graduated from [[Kamehameha Schools]] in 1942. During [[World War II]] he served in the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]], including service on [[Saipan]] and [[Tinian]]. He served from 1945 to 1947.<ref name="AUSA2011" /> He worked as a welder and a mechanic and in 1948 was a first mate on the [[schooner]] ''Morning Star''.<ref name=honoluluadvertiser>{{cite web|url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jan/20/ln/FP601200356.html |title=Akaka in Congress since 1976 &#124; The Honolulu Advertiser &#124; Hawaii's Newspaper |publisher=The Honolulu Advertiser |date=January 20, 2006 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>


Akaka married Mary Mildred "Millie" Chong on May 22, 1948. The Akakas had five children.<ref name="HNN" />
Akaka married Mary Mildred "Millie" Chong on May 22, 1948. The Akakas had five children.<ref name="HNN" /> His granddaughter, Kalei Akaka, is a statewide elected official on the [[Office of Hawaiian Affairs]] Board of Trustees (first elected in 2018).<ref>https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/government-politics/2018-12-10/oha-elects-officers-and-look-to-the-future</ref>


Entering college (funded by the [[G.I. Bill]]), Akaka earned a [[Bachelor of Education]] in 1952 from the [[University of Hawaii]]. He later received a [[Master of Education]] from the same school in 1966.<ref name="ruymar">{{cite book |last=Ruymar |first=Lorene |date=1996 |title=The Hawaiian Steel Guitar and its Great Hawaiian Musicians |location=Anaheim Hills, California |publisher=Centerstream Publishing |page=82 |isbn=1-57424-021-8}}</ref>
Entering college (funded by the [[G.I. Bill]]), Akaka earned a [[Bachelor of Education]] in 1952 from the [[University of Hawaii]]. He later received a [[Master of Education]] from the same school in 1966.<ref name="ruymar">{{cite book |last=Ruymar |first=Lorene |date=1996 |title=The Hawaiian Steel Guitar and its Great Hawaiian Musicians |location=Anaheim Hills, California |publisher=Centerstream Publishing |page=82 |isbn=1-57424-021-8}}</ref>
Line 66: Line 66:
Akaka worked as a high school teacher in Honolulu from 1953 until 1960, when he was hired as a vice principal.<ref name="ruymar"/> In 1963, he became head principal.<ref name=honoluluadvertiser/>
Akaka worked as a high school teacher in Honolulu from 1953 until 1960, when he was hired as a vice principal.<ref name="ruymar"/> In 1963, he became head principal.<ref name=honoluluadvertiser/>


In 1969, the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Health, Education and Welfare]] hired Akaka as a chief program planner. Akaka continued working in government, holding positions as director of the Hawaii Office of Economic Opportunity, human resources assistant for Governor [[George Ariyoshi]], and director of the Progressive Neighborhoods Program.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown |first=Emma |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/daniel-k-akaka-hawaii-senator-with-spirit-of-aloha-dies-at-93/2018/04/06/c732d81a-39cc-11e8-8fd2-49fe3c675a89_story.html |title=Daniel K. Akaka, Hawaii senator with 'spirit of aloha,' dies at 93 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=The Associated Press |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/06/daniel-akaka-longtime-hawaii-senator-dead-at-93/ |title=Daniel Akaka, longtime Hawaii senator, dead at 93 |work=Mercurynews.com |date=April 6, 2018 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>
In 1969, the [[United States Department of Education|Department of Health, Education and Welfare]] hired Akaka as a chief program planner. Akaka continued working in government, holding positions as director of the Hawaii Office of Economic Opportunity, human resources assistant for Governor [[George Ariyoshi]], and director of the Progressive Neighborhoods Program.<ref>{{cite news|last=Brown |first=Emma |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/daniel-k-akaka-hawaii-senator-with-spirit-of-aloha-dies-at-93/2018/04/06/c732d81a-39cc-11e8-8fd2-49fe3c675a89_story.html |title=Daniel K. Akaka, Hawaii senator with 'spirit of aloha,' dies at 93 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|agency=The Associated Press |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/04/06/daniel-akaka-longtime-hawaii-senator-dead-at-93/ |title=Daniel Akaka, longtime Hawaii senator, dead at 93 |work=Mercurynews.com |date=April 6, 2018 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>


==U.S. House of Representatives (1977-1990)==
==U.S. House of Representatives (1977-1990)==
[[File:Daniel Akaka as Representative.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Akaka in 1977, during his first term in Congress]]
[[File:Daniel Akaka as Representative.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Akaka in 1977, during his first term in Congress]]
Akaka was first elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] in 1976 to represent {{ushr|Hawaii|2}}, comprising all of the state outside the city of Honolulu.<ref>{{cite web|last=Killough |first=Ashley |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/06/politics/hawaii-senator-daniel-akaka-dead/index.html |title=Former Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka dies at 93 - CNNPolitics |publisher=Cnn.com |date=September 1, 2015 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref> He was reelected seven times, all by wide margins; apart from 1986, when he obtained 76%, he never received less than 80 percent of the vote. {{citation needed|date=April 2018}}
Akaka was first elected to the [[United States House of Representatives]] in 1976 to represent {{ushr|Hawaii|2}}, comprising all of the state outside the city of Honolulu.<ref>{{cite web|last=Killough |first=Ashley |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/06/politics/hawaii-senator-daniel-akaka-dead/index.html |title=Former Hawaii Sen. Daniel Akaka dies at 93 - CNNPolitics |publisher=CNN |date=September 1, 2015 |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref> He was reelected seven times, all by wide margins; apart from 1986, when he obtained 76%, he never received less than 80 percent of the vote. {{citation needed|date=April 2018}}


Akaka voted for the [[Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=TO PASS H.R. 4242, TAX INCENTIVE ACT OF 1981. (MOTION … -- House Vote #167 -- July 29, 1981 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/97-1981/h167 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}</ref> The Act aimed to stimulate economic growth by significantly reducing [[Income tax in the United States|income tax]] rates. It passed the House of Representatives in a 323–107 vote, the Senate via a [[voice vote]], and it was signed into law by President [[Ronald Reagan]] on August 13, 1981.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rep. Rostenkowski |first=Dan [D-IL-8 |date=1981-08-13 |title=H.R.4242 - 97th Congress (1981-1982): Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/97th-congress/house-bill/4242#:~:text=Economic%20Recovery%20Tax%20Act%20of%201981%20-%20Title%20I:%20Individual%20Income,,%201983,%201984%20and%20thereafter. |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref> However, Akaka voted against the [[Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TO PASS H.R. 3982, TO PROVIDE FOR THE BUDGET RECONCILIATION … -- House Vote #104 -- June 26, 1981 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/97-1981/h104 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}</ref> The Act decreased federal spending and increased millitary funding. Despite his vote against it, the bill passed the House of Representatives in a 232–193 vote, the Senate via a voice vote, and it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rep. Jones |first=James R. [D-OK-1 |date=1981-08-13 |title=H.R.3982 - 97th Congress (1981-1982): Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/97th-congress/house-bill/3982 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref>
Akaka voted for the [[Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=TO PASS H.R. 4242, TAX INCENTIVE ACT OF 1981. (MOTION … -- House Vote #167 -- July 29, 1981 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/97-1981/h167 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}</ref> The Act aimed to stimulate economic growth by significantly reducing [[Income tax in the United States|income tax]] rates. It passed the House of Representatives in a 323–107 vote, the Senate via a [[voice vote]], and it was signed into law by President [[Ronald Reagan]] on August 13, 1981.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rep. Rostenkowski |first=Dan [D-IL-8 |date=1981-08-13 |title=H.R.4242 - 97th Congress (1981-1982): Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/97th-congress/house-bill/4242#:~:text=Economic%20Recovery%20Tax%20Act%20of%201981%20-%20Title%20I:%20Individual%20Income,,%201983,%201984%20and%20thereafter. |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref> However, Akaka voted against the [[Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TO PASS H.R. 3982, TO PROVIDE FOR THE BUDGET RECONCILIATION … -- House Vote #104 -- June 26, 1981 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/97-1981/h104 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}</ref> The Act decreased federal spending and increased military funding. Despite his vote against it, the bill passed the House of Representatives in a 232–193 vote, the Senate via a voice vote, and it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan the same day.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rep. Jones |first=James R. [D-OK-1 |date=1981-08-13 |title=H.R.3982 - 97th Congress (1981-1982): Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/97th-congress/house-bill/3982 |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=www.congress.gov}}</ref>


Akaka voted for the [[Abandoned Shipwrecks Act|Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS S 858, ABANDONED SHIPWRECK … -- House Vote #532 -- March 29, 1988 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/h532 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}</ref> The Act asserts United States title to certain abandoned shipwrecks located on or embedded in submerged lands under state jurisdiction, and transfers title to the respective state, thereby empowering states to manage these cultural and historical resources more efficiently, with the goal of preventing [[Treasure hunting|treasure hunters]] and salvagers from damaging them. President [[Ronald Reagan]] signed it into law on April 28, 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laws - Division of Historical Resources - Florida Department of State |url=https://dos.fl.gov/historical/archaeology/underwater/laws/#:~:text=On%2028%20April%201988,%20President,authority%20over%20those%20abandoned%20shipwrecks |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=dos.fl.gov}}</ref>
Akaka voted for the [[Abandoned Shipwrecks Act|Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=TO SUSPEND THE RULES AND PASS S 858, ABANDONED SHIPWRECK … -- House Vote #532 -- March 29, 1988 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/100-1988/h532 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=GovTrack.us |language=en}}</ref> The Act asserts United States title to certain abandoned shipwrecks located on or embedded in submerged lands under state jurisdiction, and transfers title to the respective state, thereby empowering states to manage these cultural and historical resources more efficiently, with the goal of preventing [[Treasure hunting|treasure hunters]] and salvagers from damaging them. President [[Ronald Reagan]] signed it into law on April 28, 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laws - Division of Historical Resources - Florida Department of State |url=https://dos.fl.gov/historical/archaeology/underwater/laws/#:~:text=On%2028%20April%201988,%20President,authority%20over%20those%20abandoned%20shipwrecks |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=dos.fl.gov}}</ref>
Line 88: Line 88:
In 1996, Akaka sponsored legislation that led to nearly two-dozen [[Medals of Honor]] being belatedly awarded to Asian-American soldiers in the [[442nd Regimental Combat Team]] and the [[100th Infantry Battalion]].<ref name=NYTobit>{{cite news|last1=Clymer|first1=Adam|title=Daniel Akaka, Former Democratic Senator From Hawaii, Dies at 93|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/06/us/former-senator-daniel-akaka-dead.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|work=The New York Times |date=April 7, 2018|page=B7}}</ref> He also passed legislation compensating [[Philippine Scouts]] who were refused veterans benefits.<ref name=NYTobit/>
In 1996, Akaka sponsored legislation that led to nearly two-dozen [[Medals of Honor]] being belatedly awarded to Asian-American soldiers in the [[442nd Regimental Combat Team]] and the [[100th Infantry Battalion]].<ref name=NYTobit>{{cite news|last1=Clymer|first1=Adam|title=Daniel Akaka, Former Democratic Senator From Hawaii, Dies at 93|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/06/us/former-senator-daniel-akaka-dead.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|work=The New York Times |date=April 7, 2018|page=B7}}</ref> He also passed legislation compensating [[Philippine Scouts]] who were refused veterans benefits.<ref name=NYTobit/>


From 2000 until his retirement from the Senate in 2013, Akaka sponsored legislation, known as the [[Akaka Bill]], to afford [[sovereignty]] to [[Native Hawaiians]]. In 2005, Akaka acknowledged in an interview with NPR that the Akaka Bill could eventually result in outright independence.<ref>{{cite web| last=Kaste | first=Martin | title=Native Hawaiians Seek Self Rule | date=August 16, 2005 | work=NPR.org | publisher=NPR | url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4801431 | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref>
From 2000 until his retirement from the Senate in 2013, Akaka sponsored legislation, known as the [[Akaka Bill]], to afford [[sovereignty]] to [[Native Hawaiians]]. In 2005, Akaka acknowledged in an interview with NPR that the Akaka Bill could eventually result in outright independence.<ref>{{cite web| last=Kaste | first=Martin | title=Native Hawaiians Seek Self Rule | date=August 16, 2005 | work=NPR | url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4801431 | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref>


The Akaka Bill has been supported as a means of restoring Hawaiian [[self-determination]] lost with the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.<ref>{{cite news| last=Reyes | first=B.J. | title=Obama would sign Akaka Bill as president | date=January 22, 2008 | newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin | url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/01/22/news/story05.html | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref> It would include giving up the ability to sue for sovereignty in federal courts in exchange for recognition by the federal government (but would not block sovereignty claims made under international law.)<ref>{{cite news| last=Carlson | first=Ragnar | title=Nationhood | date=August 19, 2009 | newspaper=Honolulu Weekly | url=http://honoluluweekly.com/cover/2009/08/nationhood/ | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref> The bill has been criticized as discriminating on the basis on ethnic origin in that only Native Hawaiians would be permitted to participate in the governing entity that the bill would establish.<ref>{{cite news| last=Camire | first=Dennis | title=After bill fails, Akaka vows to try again | date=June 9, 2006 | newspaper=Honolulu Advertiser | url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jun/09/ln/FP606090359.html | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref>
The Akaka Bill has been supported as a means of restoring Hawaiian [[self-determination]] lost with the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.<ref>{{cite news| last=Reyes | first=B.J. | title=Obama would sign Akaka Bill as president | date=January 22, 2008 | newspaper=Honolulu Star-Bulletin | url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2008/01/22/news/story05.html | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref> It would include giving up the ability to sue for sovereignty in federal courts in exchange for recognition by the federal government (but would not block sovereignty claims made under international law.)<ref>{{cite news| last=Carlson | first=Ragnar | title=Nationhood | date=August 19, 2009 | newspaper=Honolulu Weekly | url=http://honoluluweekly.com/cover/2009/08/nationhood/ | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref> The bill has been criticized as discriminating on the basis on ethnic origin in that only Native Hawaiians would be permitted to participate in the governing entity that the bill would establish.<ref>{{cite news| last=Camire | first=Dennis | title=After bill fails, Akaka vows to try again | date=June 9, 2006 | newspaper=Honolulu Advertiser | url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Jun/09/ln/FP606090359.html | access-date=March 3, 2011}}</ref>
Line 94: Line 94:
In October 2002, Akaka voted against authorizing the [[War in Iraq|use of military force against Iraq]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00237 |title=U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records > Votes > Roll Call Vote |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/11/national/senate-roll-call.html|title=Senate Roll Call|date=October 11, 2002|access-date=September 28, 2021|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
In October 2002, Akaka voted against authorizing the [[War in Iraq|use of military force against Iraq]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=107&session=2&vote=00237 |title=U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records > Votes > Roll Call Vote |publisher=Senate.gov |access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/11/national/senate-roll-call.html|title=Senate Roll Call|date=October 11, 2002|access-date=September 28, 2021|work=The New York Times}}</ref>


In April 2006, Akaka was ranked by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' as one of America's Five Worst Senators. The article criticized him for mainly authoring minor legislation, calling him "master of the minor resolution and the bill that dies in committee".<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Massimo|last1=Calabresi |first2=Perry Jr.|last2=Bacon|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1183980,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060515062953/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1183980,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 15, 2006|title=Daniel Akaka: Master of the Minor|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |publisher=[[Meredith Corporation]]|location=New York City|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>
In April 2006, Akaka was ranked by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' as one of America's Five Worst Senators. The article criticized him for mainly authoring minor legislation, calling him "master of the minor resolution and the bill that dies in committee".<ref>{{cite magazine|first1=Massimo|last1=Calabresi |first2=Perry Jr.|last2=Bacon|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1183980,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060515062953/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1183980,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 15, 2006|title=Daniel Akaka: Master of the Minor|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |location=New York City|date=April 24, 2006|access-date=April 6, 2018}}</ref>


In February 2009, a bill was authored in the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Philippine House of Representatives]] by Rep. [[Antonio Diaz (Filipino politician)|Antonio Diaz]] seeking to confer honorary [[Philippines|Filipino]] citizenship on Akaka, Senators [[Daniel Inouye]] and [[Ted Stevens]] and Representative [[Bob Filner]], for their role in securing the passage of [[Filipino American#World War II veteran benefits|benefits for Filipino World War II veterans]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Leila|last=Salaverria |title=4 US solons as honorary Filipinos |publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090224-190786/4-US-solons-as-honorary-Filipinos |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=March 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227074635/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090224-190786/4-US-solons-as-honorary-Filipinos |archive-date=February 27, 2009 }}</ref>
In February 2009, a bill was authored in the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines|Philippine House of Representatives]] by Rep. [[Antonio Diaz (Filipino politician)|Antonio Diaz]] seeking to confer honorary [[Philippines|Filipino]] citizenship on Akaka, Senators [[Daniel Inouye]] and [[Ted Stevens]] and Representative [[Bob Filner]], for their role in securing the passage of [[Filipino American#World War II veteran benefits|benefits for Filipino World War II veterans]].<ref>{{cite news |first=Leila|last=Salaverria |title=4 US solons as honorary Filipinos |publisher=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090224-190786/4-US-solons-as-honorary-Filipinos |date=February 24, 2009 |access-date=March 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227074635/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20090224-190786/4-US-solons-as-honorary-Filipinos |archive-date=February 27, 2009}}</ref>


On March 2, 2011, Akaka announced he would not be running for re-election in the 2012 U.S. Senate elections.<ref name="2012 Election"/> The 88-year-old Akaka attended his final session in the Senate on December 12, 2012. He closed his speech with a traditional Hawaiian farewell, "a hui hou" (until we meet again).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Sen-Daniel-Akaka-says-a-hui-hou-to-Congress/6ymRwwfpAU-wxHwpwBA5HA.cspx|title=Sen. Daniel Akaka says 'a hui hou' to Congress|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127175357/http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Sen-Daniel-Akaka-says-a-hui-hou-to-Congress/6ymRwwfpAU-wxHwpwBA5HA.cspx |archive-date=January 27, 2013|work=[[KHON-TV]]|date=December 12, 2012}}</ref>
On March 2, 2011, Akaka announced he would not be running for re-election in the 2012 U.S. Senate elections.<ref name="2012 Election"/> The 88-year-old Akaka attended his final session in the Senate on December 12, 2012. He closed his speech with a traditional Hawaiian farewell, "a hui hou" (until we meet again).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Sen-Daniel-Akaka-says-a-hui-hou-to-Congress/6ymRwwfpAU-wxHwpwBA5HA.cspx|title=Sen. Daniel Akaka says 'a hui hou' to Congress|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127175357/http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Sen-Daniel-Akaka-says-a-hui-hou-to-Congress/6ymRwwfpAU-wxHwpwBA5HA.cspx |archive-date=January 27, 2013|work=[[KHON-TV]]|date=December 12, 2012}}</ref>
Line 359: Line 359:
[[Category:20th-century Hawaii politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Hawaii politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Hawaii politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Hawaii politicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Asian-American politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Asian-American politicians]]
[[Category:Akaka family]]
[[Category:Akaka family]]
[[Category:American military personnel of Chinese descent]]
[[Category:American military personnel of Chinese descent]]

Latest revision as of 14:43, 26 June 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Script error: No such module "infobox". Daniel Kahikina Akaka (Template:IPAc-en;[1] September 11, 1924 – April 6, 2018) was an American educator and politician who served as a United States Senator from Hawaii from 1990 to 2013. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

Born in Honolulu, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He attended the University of Hawaii, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. Originally a high school teacher, Akaka went on to serve as a principal for six years. In 1969, the Department of Education hired him as a chief program planner. In the 1970s, he served in various governmental positions.

Akaka was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1976 to represent Hawaii's 2nd congressional district; he served for 13 years. In 1990, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate to succeed the deceased Spark Matsunaga, subsequently winning the special election to complete Matsunaga's term. He would later be reelected to three full terms. In March 2011, he announced he would not run for reelection in 2012.[2]

After fellow U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye died on December 17, 2012, Akaka became the state's senior senator for 2 weeks until he left office on January 3, 2013. He was succeeded by fellow Democrat Mazie Hirono.[3]

Early life, family, and education

File:Senator Daniel Akaka and Millie Akaka.jpg
Senator Akaka and his wife, Millie Akaka

Daniel Kahikina Akaka was born in Honolulu, the son of Annie (née Kahoa) and Kahikina Akaka. His paternal grandfather was born in Shantou, Guangdong, China, and his other grandparents were of Native Hawaiian descent.[4][5] His brother was Rev. Abraham Akaka.[6]

Akaka described Hawaiian as his "native tongue".[7]

Akaka graduated from Kamehameha Schools in 1942. During World War II he served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers, including service on Saipan and Tinian. He served from 1945 to 1947.[8] He worked as a welder and a mechanic and in 1948 was a first mate on the schooner Morning Star.[9]

Akaka married Mary Mildred "Millie" Chong on May 22, 1948. The Akakas had five children.[10] His granddaughter, Kalei Akaka, is a statewide elected official on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees (first elected in 2018).[11]

Entering college (funded by the G.I. Bill), Akaka earned a Bachelor of Education in 1952 from the University of Hawaii. He later received a Master of Education from the same school in 1966.[12]

Early career

Akaka worked as a high school teacher in Honolulu from 1953 until 1960, when he was hired as a vice principal.[12] In 1963, he became head principal.[9]

In 1969, the Department of Health, Education and Welfare hired Akaka as a chief program planner. Akaka continued working in government, holding positions as director of the Hawaii Office of Economic Opportunity, human resources assistant for Governor George Ariyoshi, and director of the Progressive Neighborhoods Program.[13][14]

U.S. House of Representatives (1977-1990)

File:Daniel Akaka as Representative.jpg
Akaka in 1977, during his first term in Congress

Akaka was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1976 to represent Template:Ushr, comprising all of the state outside the city of Honolulu.[15] He was reelected seven times, all by wide margins; apart from 1986, when he obtained 76%, he never received less than 80 percent of the vote. Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Akaka voted for the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981.[16] The Act aimed to stimulate economic growth by significantly reducing income tax rates. It passed the House of Representatives in a 323–107 vote, the Senate via a voice vote, and it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on August 13, 1981.[16][17] However, Akaka voted against the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981.[18] The Act decreased federal spending and increased military funding. Despite his vote against it, the bill passed the House of Representatives in a 232–193 vote, the Senate via a voice vote, and it was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan the same day.[19]

Akaka voted for the Abandoned Shipwrecks Act of 1987.[20] The Act asserts United States title to certain abandoned shipwrecks located on or embedded in submerged lands under state jurisdiction, and transfers title to the respective state, thereby empowering states to manage these cultural and historical resources more efficiently, with the goal of preventing treasure hunters and salvagers from damaging them. President Ronald Reagan signed it into law on April 28, 1988.[21]

U.S. Senate (1990-2013)

Elections

File:Daniel Akaka at senate youth program.jpg
Akaka at a Senate youth program

Akaka was appointed by Governor John Waihee to the U.S. Senate in April 1990 to serve temporarily after the death of Senator Spark Matsunaga.[22] In November of the same year, he was elected to complete the remaining four years of Matsunaga's unexpired term, defeating U.S. Representative Pat Saiki with 53% of the vote. He was reelected in 1994 for a full six-year term with over 70% of the vote. He was reelected almost as easily in 2000.[23]

For the 2006 election, he overcame a strong primary challenge from U.S. Representative Ed Case,[24] then won a third full term with 61 percent of the vote, defeating Cynthia Thielen.[25]

Tenure

During his Senate tenure, Akaka served as the Chair of the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the United States Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs.[25]

In 1996, Akaka sponsored legislation that led to nearly two-dozen Medals of Honor being belatedly awarded to Asian-American soldiers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion.[26] He also passed legislation compensating Philippine Scouts who were refused veterans benefits.[26]

From 2000 until his retirement from the Senate in 2013, Akaka sponsored legislation, known as the Akaka Bill, to afford sovereignty to Native Hawaiians. In 2005, Akaka acknowledged in an interview with NPR that the Akaka Bill could eventually result in outright independence.[27]

The Akaka Bill has been supported as a means of restoring Hawaiian self-determination lost with the 1893 overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.[28] It would include giving up the ability to sue for sovereignty in federal courts in exchange for recognition by the federal government (but would not block sovereignty claims made under international law.)[29] The bill has been criticized as discriminating on the basis on ethnic origin in that only Native Hawaiians would be permitted to participate in the governing entity that the bill would establish.[30]

In October 2002, Akaka voted against authorizing the use of military force against Iraq.[31][32]

In April 2006, Akaka was ranked by Time as one of America's Five Worst Senators. The article criticized him for mainly authoring minor legislation, calling him "master of the minor resolution and the bill that dies in committee".[33]

In February 2009, a bill was authored in the Philippine House of Representatives by Rep. Antonio Diaz seeking to confer honorary Filipino citizenship on Akaka, Senators Daniel Inouye and Ted Stevens and Representative Bob Filner, for their role in securing the passage of benefits for Filipino World War II veterans.[34]

On March 2, 2011, Akaka announced he would not be running for re-election in the 2012 U.S. Senate elections.[2] The 88-year-old Akaka attended his final session in the Senate on December 12, 2012. He closed his speech with a traditional Hawaiian farewell, "a hui hou" (until we meet again).[35]

Committee assignments

File:Senator Daniel Akaka and Senator Barack Obama.jpg
Akaka with then U.S. Senator Barack Obama in 2005

Caucus memberships

File:George W. Bush approves Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument.jpg
Akaka and President George W. Bush in 2006

Death

Akaka died of organ failure at a Honolulu care facility on April 6, 2018, at the age of 93.[10] Former president Barack Obama remembered Akaka as "a tireless advocate for working people, veterans, native Hawaiian rights, and the people of Hawaii. [...] He embodied the aloha spirit with compassion and care."[36]

Electoral history

Template:Election box winning candidate with party link
United States Senate special election, 1990: Hawaii
Party Candidate Votes % <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Political party". Pat Saiki 155,978 44.35
Script error: No such module "Political party". Ken Schoolland 6,788 1.93
Majority 32,923 9.36 Script error: No such module "String".
Turnout 351,666 Script error: No such module "String".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:Election box winning candidate with party link
United States Senate election, 1994: Hawaii[37]
Party Candidate Votes % <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Political party". Maria Hustace 86,320 24.2%
Script error: No such module "Political party". Richard Rowland 14,393 4.0%
Majority Script error: No such module "String".
Turnout Script error: No such module "String".
Script error: No such module "Political party". hold Swing

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:Election box winning candidate with party link
United States Senate election, 2000: Hawaii[38]
Party Candidate Votes % <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Political party". John Carroll 84,701 24.5%
Script error: No such module "Political party". Lauri A. Clegg 4,220 1.2%
Script error: No such module "Political party". Lloyd Jeffrey Mallan 3,127 0.9%
Script error: No such module "Political party". David Porter 2,360 0.7%

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:Election box winning candidate with party link
United States Senate election, 2006: Hawaii
Party Candidate Votes % <templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" />±%Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
Script error: No such module "Political party". Cynthia Thielen 126,097 36.8 Script error: No such module "String".
Script error: No such module "Political party". Lloyd Mallan 6,415 1.9 Script error: No such module "String".
Majority 84,233 24.6 Script error: No such module "String".
Turnout 342,842 Script error: No such module "String".
Script error: No such module "Political party". hold Swing

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

See also

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:S-endTemplate:USSenHITemplate:Hawaii RepresentativesTemplate:USCongRep-startTemplate:USCongRep/HI/95Template:USCongRep/HI/96Template:USCongRep/HI/97Template:USCongRep/HI/98Template:USCongRep/HI/99Template:USCongRep/HI/100Template:USCongRep/HI/101Template:USCongRep/HI/102Template:USCongRep/HI/103Template:USCongRep/HI/104Template:USCongRep/HI/105Template:USCongRep/HI/106Template:USCongRep/HI/107Template:USCongRep/HI/108Template:USCongRep/HI/109Template:USCongRep/HI/110Template:USCongRep/HI/111Template:USCongRep/HI/112Template:USCongRep-endTemplate:SenIndianAffairsCommitteeChairmenTemplate:SenVACommitteeChairmenTemplate:OGH RecipientsTemplate:Authority control
Template:Error
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Hawaii's 2nd congressional district
1977–1990 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Hawaii
(Class 1)
1990, 1994, 2000, 2006 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Template:Error
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Hawaii
1990–2013
Served alongside: Dan Inouye, Brian SchatzTemplate:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Chair of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee
2007–2011 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee
2011–2013 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
  1. ↑ AP pronunciation guide
  2. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Genealogy Template:Webarchive from ancestry.com
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AUSA2011
  9. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/government-politics/2018-12-10/oha-elects-officers-and-look-to-the-future
  12. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Retrieved from "http://debianws.lexgopc.com/wiki143/index.php?title=Daniel_Akaka&oldid=1694222"