MEDIA RELEASE

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) was honored with a Friend of the National Parks Award from the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) for his contribution to protecting and enhancing America’s national parks.

The award recognizes members with pro-park voting records during the 111th Congress.

“Our national parks are irreplaceable treasures that serve our communities,” Akaka said. “Parks like Haleakala and Kalaupapa help us connect to our lands and our history and pass on the legacy of our past to our keiki. Hawaii’s eight national park units are showpieces of our state’s rich natural resources and cultural fabric. With our care, they will continue to educate generations to come. I am honored to receive this award from the National Parks Conservation Association for a fourth time and thank them for their advocacy for National Parks.”

NPCA President Tom Kiernan said, “America’s national parks are living classrooms that teach us valuable lessons about our shared heritage, and Senator Akaka’s support is essential to the protection and preservation of our national treasures.”

NPCA’s Friend of the National Parks Award was established in 1999 to track and publicize congressional members’ votes on significant park issues.

For the 111th Congress, NPCA examined six key Senate votes. Akaka voted pro-park on all six votes.

More information on the NPCA award is available at www.npca.org/park_policy/friend-award.html