The grand opening of the new Daniel Kahikina Akaka Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic continues a legacy of service and aloha.
On April 5, 2024, my ‘ohana and I participated in the ceremonies and blessing of this first-of-its-kind facility in the Pacific. Located at 91-1051 Franklin D Roosevelt Avenue in Kapolei, the $130 million, 88,675 square-foot multi-specialty outpatient clinic offers primary and mental health care, x-ray, laboratory and diagnostic services, a pharmacy, and specialty care for veterans on Oʻahu and throughout the Pacific.
The clinic also provides courtesy valet service, has 528 parking spots (43 of which are reserved for disabled veterans), provides a shuttle service to nearby housing areas, and is landscaped with native Hawaiian plants.
This state-of-the-art clinic is named to honor my dearest pa, U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, a Native Hawaiian WWII Veteran who was a strong advocate for veterans’ issues and instrumental in advancing initiatives on their behalf as chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.
Planning for this new clinic started more than 10 years ago, with the groundbreaking in December 2021. In June 2022, President Joe Biden signed legislation naming the clinic after my grandfather. The President’s letter marking this momentous celebration was read highlighting, “the life and legacy of Senator Akaka – my dear friend and an extraordinary leader…Danny’s life can be defined in a single word: service.”
My father, Kahu Daniel “Kaniela” Akaka Jr., and Kahu Kordell Kekoa offered oli and prayer before honored guests, ceremoniously untied the maile lei, and extended a warm welcome to all present. Among the first to enter was my grandmother, Millie Akaka, affectionately known as Aunty Millie, the ever-present, supportive wife and partner to her husband and statesman.
This is a culmination of his life’s work of service and care. Having this clinic named in his honor brings to full circle his legacy of service and aloha. From chairing the Committee on Veterans Affairs with the vision of caring for our veterans, to this sanctuary of healing, and the upcoming opening of the Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home, his legacy continues.
Mahalo to all who made the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic a reality.
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