Akaka to be Honored by Maui Veterans

By Wendy Osher

U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka. Courtesy photo.

US Senator Daniel Akaka is on Maui today where he will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, presented by the Maui County Veterans Council, recognizes Sen. Akaka’s service to veterans.

Sen. Akaka served in the US Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 to 1947 as a civilian and active duty member during WWII.  In the Senate, he continues to advocate for military affairs through his role on the Armed Services, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.

The award will be bestowed upon Sen. Akaka during a luncheon at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Among those scheduled to be in attendance are Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and veterans from Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

Later this week, Akaka will travel to O’ahu where he will participate in Bank of Hawaii’s Community Service Day on Saturday in Moiliili.

Then on Sunday, the Senator will visit the grounds of the State Capitol where he will be honored by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation.

He will be presented with an original piece of the black granite which was used to create the memorial.

The award also honors Sen. Akaka for his efforts on behalf of the Education Center while Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks.