U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka has decided not to seek re-election in 2012, saying he believes it is the right time to step aside.
Here is the statement released by the Senator:
"After months of thinking about my political future, I am announcing today that I have decided not to run for re-election in 2012. As many of you can imagine, it was a very difficult decision for me. However, I feel that the end of this Congress is the right time for me to step aside. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve the people of Hawaii. In 2006, the people of Hawaii gave me an opportunity to continue my service in the United States Senate and I fully intend to serve the last two years of my term in office.
At the end of this term, I will have served almost 22 years in the United States Senate and, prior to that, more than 13 years in the United States House of Representatives. I am proud of my accomplishments and my incredible staff in Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. They have exemplified the true meaning of being a public servant. They have worked tirelessly and without their dedication and loyalty, I could not have accomplished all that I did.
Millie and I will return to Hawaii at the end of this Congress and spend time with our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I would also like to spend time documenting my life and career, and serving as a mentor to future political leaders. I have always strived to serve the people with much love and aloha, never forgetting my humble beginnings, and it is my hope that they, too, will continue this tradition. We must never forget that we, as political leaders, work for the people of Hawaii and not the special interests.
I will always cherish the time I spent working in Washington, D.C., and extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Hawaii for their confidence in me.
I would like to thank my family, my staff and my friends for their unwavering support. I would like to especially thank my wife, Millie, for her continuous support and encouragement. I could not have done it without her.
Finally, I would like to thank Senator Dan Inouye. I will forever be grateful for his friendship and steadfast support."
Sen. Akaka, 86 years old, has been a member of the U.S. Senate since 1990. Prior to that he served in the House of Representatives from 1976-1990.
In an interview last month on PBS's Island Insights, Democratic Sen. Daniel Inouye addressed the issue of whether Sen. Akaka would retire instead of running for re-election.
When asked who would be strong contenders for succession, Sen. Inouye listed Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, Lt. Governor Brian Schatz, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, Governor Neil Abercrombie, and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann. Asked about Ed Case he said him too and added Veterans Affairs Department Assistant Secretary Tammy Duckworth.
Former Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle's name has also come up in discussions on possible Republican candidates.
Statement by President Obama on the Retirement of Senator Daniel Akaka
“Danny Akaka answered the call to serve right after high school by joining the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. When he returned to Honolulu, he continued to serve the people of Hawai’i as an educator before embarking on more than three decades of distinguished service in both houses of Congress. Danny spent his career fighting for our troops, veterans and their families and for the rights of Native Hawaiians. He worked tirelessly to reform Wall Street and to make sure that consumers and small business owners are treated fairly in our system. His voice in the Senate will be missed. Michelle and I would like to join the people of Hawai’i in saying ‘mahalo’ to Danny for his lifetime of service and offer both him and Millie our best wishes for the future.”
Senator Dan Inouye
"I want to thank Senator Akaka for his service to Hawaii and the nation. For nearly four decades, first in the House of Representatives and then in the Senate, Senator Akaka has fought hard for the people of Hawaii. He is a tireless advocate for Hawaii's residents and a true ambassador of Aloha. He has been a willing and loyal partner and we have worked very well together over these many years. We have much more to do and I look forward to working with him over the next two years. Kanieala, thank you for your friendship and unwavering support. Irene and I wish you and Millie all the best in your future endeavors."
Congresswoman Mazie Hirono
“For the past 35 years, Senator Akaka has been a powerful advocate for the people of Hawaii. I am grateful for his life of service to Hawaii and our nation. As to whether I will seek the Senate seat, it is premature for me to make such a decision. I am concentrating on the work at hand: creating jobs and supporting middle class families.”
Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa
"I would like to thank Senator Akaka for his lifetime of public service – and for all he has done for the people of Hawaii. He is an example of how one can be a great leader with humility and grace. Because of that, he has been a role model to me throughout my own career. I wish him, Aunty Millie and his family nothing but the best for a prosperous and exciting future.”
Governor Neil Abercrombie
“His soul is one with Hawai'i. His love for Hawai'i and ours for him is as one. He is a true son of Hawai'i that we welcome back home with hearts full of the aloha that is Daniel Akaka. The words aloha and Akaka are interchangeable. Dan Akaka is Hawaii."
Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann
“I would like to convey my personal gratitude and aloha to Senator Akaka, Millie and their ohana. As Senator Akaka has done throughout his public service career, he has acted with what he believes is in the best interest of the State of Hawaii, putting the people of Hawaii before any personal interest. We will miss his understanding hand, wise counsel and gentlemanly demeanor when he retires. While some may be curious, there will be plenty of time to discuss my own personal plans in light of his announcement. Today, however, is a day to sing Senator Akaka’s praises. And there is much to sing about.”
Former Congressman Ed Case
"Sen. Akaka has served our Hawai‘i and country on Capitol Hill capably and with integrity and humility for over 34 years, including over 20 years in the Senate. He has truly been Hawai‘i's Senator, and the decision to move on must have been very difficult. But who can fault his desire to return to his home, enjoy time with his family and friends, reflect on a fascinating life and keep on contributing in different ways.
I also respect Sen. Akaka's decision to serve out his term. He was elected to it and he should finish out his full remaining 22 months. He's also provided the people of Hawai‘i with the gift of a long lead time to consider his successor and the ability to chose that person in a statewide vote.
For all of this Sen. Akaka has earned our gratitude. Mahalo, Senator.
For those who've asked, I remain interested in serving Hawai‘i in the U. S. Senate. Today, though, is not the time and place for that decision; that will come soon enough."
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Patty Murray
“Senator Akaka has served this country with distinction for his entire adult life. All Americans are grateful for his service. He will be missed, but Democrats will absolutely keep his seat. With a heavily-leaning Democratic electorate and their native son up for re-election as President of the United States, we are confident the people of Hawaii will continue to have two Democrats serving them in the United States Senate.”
