The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs will visit O'ahu, Maui and the Big Island next month to hear testimony from various officials on VA issues and benefits.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, also will hold separate, informal town hall meetings on Lana'i, Moloka'i, Kaua'i and in Hilo to listen to veterans. VA officials are scheduled to attend the town hall meetings to answer questions and hear concerns.

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs hearings:

• O'ahu: Aug. 21, 10 a.m. Hearing on VA care and benefits in Hawai'i. O'ahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila St.
• Maui: Aug. 23, 10:30 a.m. Hearing on VA healthcare on Maui. Maui County Council Chambers, eighth floor, Kalana O Maui Building, 200 South High St., Wailuku.
• Big Island: Aug. 27, 1 p.m. Hearing on access to VA healthcare and benefits in Kona and outreach to the Guard and Reserve in Hawai'i. Sheraton Keauhou Bay, Keauhou II Room, 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua, Kona.

Akaka's town hall meetings with veterans:

• Lana'i: Aug. 22, 10 a.m., Lana'i High & Elementary School cafeteria.
• Moloka'i: Aug. 24, 2 p.m., Kaunakakai School cafeteria, 30 Ailoa St., Kaunakakai.
• Big Island: Aug. 28, 10 a.m., Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo.
• Kaua'i: Aug. 30, 4 p.m., Kaua'i Veterans Center, 3215 Kapule Highway, Lihu'e.

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