NCAPA Statement on the Passing of Senator Daniel K. Akaka

Washington, DC—The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) Executive Committee Member, Michelle Kauhane of the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and NCAPA National Director, Gregg Orton released a joint statement on the passing of Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii.

President and CEO of CNHA, Michelle Kauhane said:

"As the first Native Hawaiian in Congress, Senator Akaka will be sorely missed.  Our beloved Senator championed the formal apology by the United States to the people of Hawaii, acknowledging the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.  He was also responsible for requiring the federal government to replace lands to the Hawaiian Homeland Trust. Senator was a true champion who sought parity for his Native people.  He led by extraordinary example through his longtime leadership in Congress and will always be remembered for his embodiment of Aloha."

NCAPA National Director, Gregg Orton added:

“The AAPI community, the state of Hawaii, and the country has lost one of its true, great leaders. Senator Akaka represented Hawaii with the highest degree of integrity for decades in Congress; and his dedication and leadership has left a legacy of accomplishments that have impacted countless lives in Hawaii. By all accounts, whether from his colleagues in Congress, the staff that worked with him, or others who simply had the privilege of meeting him in the halls of Congress, Senator Akaka brought a warmth and friendliness that will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.”  

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Based in Washington, D.C., the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans is a coalition of 35 national Asian Pacific American organizations that serves to represent the interests of Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and to provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns. Our communities are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the United States, currently making up approximately six percent of the population.