Senator Daniel Akaka

Senator Daniel Akaka has served the state of Hawaii since the 1970s, he is the first senator of Hawaiian ancestry, and the only member of the senate that is Chinese-American. In my lifetime I've seen Daniel Akaka elected and re-elected many times (despite the fact that he's obviously blowing it) simply out of respect for his position (I'm serious). Daniel Akaka has constantly attempted to pass the Akaka Bill that tries to get Native Hawaiians the same rights as Native American on top of the rights they receive for being of Hawaiian decent. He's been elected amongst America's Five Worst Senators, the article calling him "master of the minor resolution and the bill that dies in committee". He's been a staunch supporter of the democratic party, and has done little more than trying to pass the Akaka Bill.

With a little bit of history on Hawaii's everlasting senator, we can look at what his stance on the environment is. He's been a strong advocate for clean oceans (like most people from the Islands) and has made the point that the protection of the environment isn't a new thing to the islands and its inhabitants, the debate has been going on for nearly 30 years when increased carbon dioxide levels were first detected by Mauna Loa observatory. Senator Akaka has been a constant supporter of technological advancements for the control of green house gases, and has been an ardent supporter of bills that will enable to advancement of alternative energy and the limiting of greenhouse gases.

Senator Akaka has seen most activism towards the islands attempting to combat (with the assistance of Governor Lingle) invasive species, cleaning of debris in the oceans and shores, and helping to preserve the coral reefs. In 2006 he participated in the proclamation ceremony of the NWHI marine sanctuary with President George W. Bush. Akaka has been a strong advocate for the expansion and protection of forests and our national parks, the Senator has had a strong voting record to help our national parks, and has been named a friend of the national parks by the National Park Service.

Daniel Akaka Wiki
Enviro-Issues