[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 148 (Thursday, October 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1449-E1450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CELEBRATING SENATOR AKAKA'S 91ST BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK TAKAI

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2015

  Mr. TAKAI. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to address the House to say 
Happy Birthday to a selfless public servant, Senator Daniel K. Akaka. 
As we celebrate his 91st birthday, let us look back on a few of his 
numerous accomplishments as a Soldier, teacher and as a Member of 
Congress.
   Born on September 11, 1924 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Senator Akaka has 
worked ever since as a dedicated civil servant to Hawaii and the United 
States. During World War II, he served

[[Page E1450]]

in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After his military service, he 
earned his bachelor's degree in education at the University of Hawaii.
   As a school teacher and principal, he encouraged the use of the 
Native Hawaiian language and culture in schools and worked tirelessly 
to create some of the first Head Start programs in the State. The 
education of children, especially the Native Hawaiian children, was 
extremely important to him because he knew that increasing access to 
opportunity would improve educational outcomes among children.
   First elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1976, he 
served there for 14 years until he was elected to the Senate, where he 
served until he retired in January 2013. Senator Akaka fought endlessly 
to advocate on behalf of Hawaii, particularly Native Hawaiians, and his 
work on the Veteran's Affairs Committee combating PTSD and unemployment 
among Soldiers has had a profound impact on our country.
   His commitment to a lifetime of public service in the military, as a 
teacher and as a United States Senator should be an inspiration and 
motivation to us all.
   We wish Senator Akaka the best for the coming year. Happy Birthday 
(Hau`oli la hanau), Senator Akaka.

                          ____________________