NLSC Members meet former Senator and supporter of the NLSC

Hawai’i represents one of the most beautiful places in the world serving as a popular tourist spot, with beautiful pineapple groves, and an abundance of beaches. Hawai’i is home to many federal government agencies and one of three National Language Service Corps (NLSC) Regional Chapters.
During the latter part of June 2014, Hawai’i Regional Chapter Members had an exceptional opportunity to visit the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where distinguished guests including the Honorable Senator Daniel Akaka, former U.S. Senator of Hawaiʻi (1990 – 2013) joined the Hawaiʻi Regional Chapter reception.

With many special guests in attendance, meeting former Senator Akaka was the pinnacle of the Regional Chapter reception. NLSC Members and staff, as well as representatives from the Language Flagship, University of Hawai’i and the Hawai’i Language Roadmap Initiative, stated that making the acquaintance of the former senator was an exemplary honor. Approaching 90 years old, Senator Akaka was one of the principal supporters in Congress of the NLSC, sponsoring the legislation that created the program and advocating for its funding.

Senator Akaka humbly addressed the attendees prompting them to uphold the “Spirit of Aloha” by using and learning foreign languages and keeping an open mind to relationship building. Following the senator’s remarks, NLSC Director Holly Brown presented an honorary membership certificate to the Senator for his support of the NLSC while in office.

Retired Senator Akaka’s time in office brought about a unique perspective as he encouraged cultural and language policy to improve the federal government’s language capabilities. In Hawai’i, Akaka promoted a dialogue and reconciliation between Native Hawaiians and the federal government. Furthermore, he was the first U.S. Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry and the only Chinese American member of the United States Senate (1990-2013).