On Monday, April 9, I return to Washington after an eventful district work week in Hawaii.

Tuesday morning, the Senate will begin consideration of S. 5 and S. 30, the Stem Cell bills.

Also Tuesday morning, I meet with National Park Service Director Mary Bomar to discuss the Park Service's upcoming centennial in 2016 and the Centennial Challenge Initiative, the administration's proposal to raise private funds and renovate and restore Park facilities.

Tuesday afternoon, I will chair the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness hearing on military construction.

Wednesday morning, my Veterans' Affairs Committee will hear S. 57, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2007, introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye. I am a long time supporter of full equity for Filipino veterans of World War II who fought alongside US Forces.

Thursday morning, the Senate Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services Committee will hold a joint hearing to discuss ways to improve the transition of service members from active duty to veteran.

Friday afternoon, I will participate in a question and answer session in cyberspace as the subject of the Honolulu Advertiser's "Hot Seat." Please join us by accessing the Advertiser's website at http://honoluluadvertiser.com on Friday at noon, Hawaii time. If you're not able to join us then, but have a question or suggestion for me, feel free to call one of my offices or email me at http://akaka.senate.gov/contactme.htm