Senator Akaka is committed to enhancing the readiness of our Armed Forces and ensuring services and benefits for those who serve in the defense of the country. Since joining the Senate Armed Services Committee in 2000, Senator Akaka has worked to add over $296 million for Hawaii-specific projects to the Department of Defense authorization and appropriations measures.
As the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, Senator Akaka has championed efforts to ensure that soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines receive the training and equipment necessary to successfully accomplish their missions around the world. In an effort to remain current with military operations, Senator Akaka routinely meets with military and civilian leadership from the Department of Defense. Senator Akaka authored legislation to establish the Office of Corrosion and Oversight in an effort to prevent and mitigate the adverse impacts of corrosion within the Department of Defense. Senator Akaka is one of the leading advocates of improving the accountability of the Department of Defense to account for its spending.
Senator Akaka has been a strong supporter of the military housing privatization programs which improve the quality of life for military members and their families. 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. Senator Akaka has worked to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between preserving natural and cultural resources, including marine mammals and endangered species, and providing troops with appropriate training can be achieved. 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 is working with the Department of the Army to address the cleanup of unexploded ordnance at Waikoloa on the Big Island.
Senator Akaka is one of the founders of the Senate Army Caucus which routinely meets with Army leadership to discuss issues of importance to soldiers and their dependents. Senator Akaka was awarded the Outstanding Legislator of the Year award for 2002 by the Association of the United States Army. Senator Akaka has traveled around the world, including visits to Afghanistan and Iraq, to meet with soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines working to defend the United States.
