Armed Services

As a senior member of the Senate Committee on Armed Forces, Senator Akaka is committed to strengthening our Armed Forces and improving the services and benefits for servicemembers and their families.  Senator Akaka works hard to enhance the capabilities of our Armed Forces; ensure a successful military and political strategy is developed and implemented in Iraq and Afghanistan; and find an appropriate balance between national security needs and environmental protection.

As a former soldier, Senator Akaka understands the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform and works to ensure that servicemembers and their families have the services they need and the benefits they deserve.  He continues to work on improving the coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the needs of current and former military members.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, he has championed efforts to ensure that our Active, Guard and Reserve forces have the equipment and training they need to remain the best fighting force in the world.  Senator Akaka has traveled extensively, including visits to Iraq and Afghanistan, to meet with our troops.

In October 2002, Senator Akaka voted against authorizing the use of military force in Iraq which drew resources and our attention away from going after the extremist groups involved in the 9/11 attacks.  He has worked to get our troops out of Iraq.  He believes the Iraqi government must continue to take more responsibility for their own security.  Senator Akaka supports President Barack Obama's plan to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan as well the goal to begin the withdrawal of our troops by July 2011.  He is a strong advocate for  training and building the Afghan National Security Forces so they are able to take responsibility for their own security and stability. 

Senator Akaka has worked to address issues of encroachment between military installations and training ranges and surrounding communities, and has repeatedly stressed the importance of open and direct communication between military leaders and community members.  He believes it is vital to find an appropriate balance between preserving natural and cultural resources and providing troops with appropriate training facilities.  Senator Akaka has worked with the Department of the Navy to address matters pertaining to the cleanup of unexploded ordnance on the island of Kahoolawe and with the Department of the Army to address the cleanup of unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa on the Big Island.

Senator Akaka is a Co-Chair of the Senate Army Caucus and has earned the Outstanding Legislator of the Year award presented annually by the Association of the United States Army.

Constituent Services

  • Washington D.C. Office
  • Honolulu Office
  • Hilo Office
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United States Senate

141 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Telephone: (202) 224-6361

Fax: (202) 224-2126

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Honolulu Office

300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 3-106

Box 50144

Honolulu, HI 96850

Telephone: (808) 522-8970

Fax: (808) 545-4683

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Hilo Office

101 Aupuni Street, Suite 213

Hilo, HI 96720

Telephone: (808) 935-1114

Fax: (808) 935-9064