U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) is resting comfortably at The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, after successful knee replacement surgery for his left knee on Monday, August 5. Senator Akaka underwent successful replacement surgery on his right knee in December 2001.

Total knee replacement is a procedure in which the surfaces of the arthritic joint are removed surgically and replaced with prosthetic components designed to reduce pain and restore motion. After a period of intensive physical therapy, Senator Akaka has been encouraged by his surgeon, Dr. Thomas Kane, that his knee should regain excellent function. The Senator will return to Washington, D.C., after Labor Day.