U.S. Senate unanimously passes resolution honoring late Sen. Daniel Akaka

WASHINGTON D.C. (HawaiiNewsNow)

- The United States Senate unanimously voted to pass a resolution to honor the life of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka on Tuesday.

The resolution was introduced by Hawaii U.S. senators Brian Schatz and Mazie K. Hirono.
“The U.S. Senate—and our country—would be better off if there were more leaders like Senator Daniel K. Akaka,” Schatz said in a news release.

“He fought for the vulnerable, promoted peace, and looked for common ground. Most of all, he embodied the aloha spirit, and showed us all what it means to have a pure heart and be a true public servant.”

Akaka was the first and only U.S. senator of Native Hawaiian descent and served in Congress for almost 40 years. He's known for his many legislative feats including providing greater benefits for Native Hawaiians, strengthening consumer protections, and improving veteran services.

“Senator Akaka embodied the Aloha Spirit," Hirono said in a news release. "From meeting nearly every Hawai‘i family who came to his office for a Capitol tour – to serving as a tireless advocate for veterans, the Native Hawaiian community, and Hawaii families – Senator Akaka’s care, empathy, and compassion were evident to everyone who knew him."

“At a time when Congress and our country are deeply divided, it would do all of us well to reflect on Senator Akaka’s commitment to working together with empathy and compassion and aloha for one another.”

The Senate's resolution can be found in the link.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/37928164/congress-members-pass-resolution-to-honor-late-sen-daniel-akaka