Pictured: Former U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, speaking at JABSOM in 2016 at the services for Dr. Kekuni Blaisdell.
By UH Med Now
Former U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka has died at the age of 93, leaving a legacy of true aloha and many, many accomplishments behind. We at the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) are grateful for “Danny’s” service to his country.
Late Senator to be honored at the Hawai’i State Capitol
Sen. Akaka’s casket will be escorted by the military honor guards to the Capitol Rotunda at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 18. A brief prayer service with music and speakers will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 18. The late Senator will lie in state through the following morning. Shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, Senator Akaka’s casket will leave the Capitol for Kawaiaha’o Church. A celebration of life service will be held at Kawaiahao Church on Saturday, May 19. Visitation will begin at noon and the service will start at 2 p.m. Open to the public.
“Senator Akaka represented the people of Hawaiʻi with great humility, manaʻo and perspective. He used the University of Hawaiʻi as a key vehicle to bring federal funding and other opportunities to all the people of Hawaiʻi. As a friend of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, he gave liberally of his time and advice to better the health of the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Dr. Jerris Hedges, Dean.
Emeritus Professor of Public Health and Psychiatry Dr. Satoru Izutsu noted that in the late Senator’s book, “One Voice”, Akaka described his time at the University of Hawaiʻi, this way: “Those were good years”. The years Akaka referred to were on a “Deputation Team” sponsored jointly by the UH and the YMCA. The mission was to encourage and welcome high school students to attend UH, to let them know–especially those from the plantations and farms on the neighbor islands—that a university education is open to all. As the students arrived at UH, familiar faces of team members welcomed them. Students, especially from neighbor islands who had not dreamt of a college education, were now on their way to successful professions,” said Izutsu.
“Danny the elder statesman, was the leader. We followed his approach–acceptance, humility and Aloha. An outstanding trait was that he remembered and acknowledged all those who touched his life. He exercised this genuine approach daily. The Senator shall be missed,” said Dr. Izutsu.
On the national front, these words, among many others, have poured in about the nation’s first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian descent, a man who wanted simply to be called “Danny,” and who fellow members of Congress often said embodied the spirit of Aloha and Hawaiʻi.
From U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker and Congressional Minority Leader, via Twitter:
“From his service during WWII, to his 30 yrs representing the people of Hawaii in the halls of Congress, Daniel Akaka’s legacy of action & activism represent the best of America. May it be a comfort to his family that so many join in celebrating the life of this extraordinary man.”
From U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, via Twitter:
“Daniel K. Akaka was beloved by everyone in Hawaiʻi, 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.”
From U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, via Twitter:
“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.”
From U.S. Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, via Twitter:
“Hawaiʻi’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.”
From U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, via Twitter:
“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”
