By William Cole
Advertiser Columnist

Hawai'i's congressional delegation earned some high marks from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

IAVA said it looked at 22 key votes on veterans' issues in the 110th Congress (nine votes in the Senate, 13 votes in the House).

The organization said the votes covered the entire range of issues facing new veterans, including veterans' healthcare, the new GI Bill, mental health, and support for homeless veterans.

Scores are based on how often legislators took the "pro-veteran" position and voted with IAVA, the organization said. For every vote in line with IAVA and in support of veterans, the lawmaker received one point. Those who voted against the position of IAVA, or those who failed to vote, did not receive a point.

Any senator or representative who signed on to be a co-sponsor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Senate bill 22, and House bill 5740) received two additional points.

Following are the results for Hawai'i's delegation. All are Democrats.

Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, A; Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, A+; Rep. Neil Abercrombie, A+; Rep. Mazie Hirono, A+.

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