Rep. Akaka to Fill U.S. Senate Seat
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HONOLULU — U.S. Rep. Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii was appointed Saturday to fill the U.S. Senate seat of Sen. Spark M. Matsunaga, who died April 15 of complications of prostate cancer.
Hawaii Gov. John Waihee signed a proclamation naming his fellow Democrat to the post, effective May 16. Akaka will serve until January, when the winner of special elections held during the regular primary and general elections will be seated to serve the remaining four years of Matsunaga’s six-year term.
“I am honored to serve in the United States Senate. I am honored to fill the seat vacated by our beloved Sen. Matsunaga,” Akaka said. “I will continue his work of peace and justice.”
Matsunaga, a Democrat, was elected to the Senate in 1976 after serving 14 years in the U.S. House.
Akaka, 65, is a former schoolteacher and school administrator who has served in the House since 1976. He announced last week that he would enter the race to fill Matsunaga’s full term.
Akaka’s 2nd Congressional District seat will be filled in a special election to be held in conjunction with the Sept. 22 primary.
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