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Daniel AkakaAmerican politician
Date of Birth: 11.09.1924
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Daniel Akaka: A Trailblazing Hawaiian Senator
- Political Career
- Legislative Legacy
- Controversy and Criticism
- Later Career
Daniel Akaka: A Trailblazing Hawaiian Senator
Early Life and EducationDaniel Akaka was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, the first U.S. senator of Hawaiian descent. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1952, he earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Hawaii, followed by a master's degree in 1966.
Political Career
Akaka began his political career in 1976 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. In April 1990, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate following the passing of Senator Spark Matsunaga. He held the seat temporarily until his election in November 1990. He was re-elected in 1994, 2000, and 2006.
Legislative Legacy
As a senator, Akaka's most notable piece of legislation was the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007. This bill aimed to establish a self-governing entity for the indigenous people of Hawaii.
Controversy and Criticism
In April 2006, Time magazine listed Akaka among the five worst U.S. senators, criticizing him for failing to advance legislation beyond the committee level.
Later Career
After the passing of Senator Daniel Inouye in 2012, Akaka became the senior senator until he was succeeded by Mazie Hirono on January 3, 2013.
