A moving tribute was held Sunday at Kaneohe Elementary School where Daniel Akaka once worked. A mural was unveiled at the campus.
He was the principal at Kaneohe Elementary school for several years before becoming a United States Congressman and then a United States Senator. Educators at the school say he left a lasting impression on students.
Kaneohe Elementary School principal Derek Minakami said, “A student here at the time, and she remembers Senator Akaka as being one of the first principals to really talk to kids and really get to know them and impress upon them the importance of education.”
Three artists won a grant to paint the mural.
Jeff Kaneta from the Playground Art Crew said, “Daniel Akaka is a historic figure in Hawaii’s history and he represents education and he represents community and that’s what we were going for with the mural.”
Akaka’s son, grandson and great grandson attended Sunday’s unveiling.
