Akaka, Daniel K. (Daniel Kahikina), 1924-2018

Daniel Kahikina Akaka (September 11, 1924 – April 6, 2018) was an American educator and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he was the U.S. Representative from Hawaii's 2nd congressional district from 1977 to 1990 and U.S. Senator from Hawaii from 1990 to 2013. Akaka was the first U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry.

Born in Honolulu, he served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He attended the University of Hawaii, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. Originally a high school teacher, Akaka went on to serve as a principal for six years. In 1969, the Department of Education hired him as a chief program planner. In the 1970s, he served in various governmental positions, most notably as a special assistant in the office of Governor George R. Ariyoshi, where he served from 1975 to 1976.

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