Molokai Island Times

Washington, D.C. - The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) today released its 2006 National Environmental Scorecard which graded Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) at 100% for protecting the environment.

Senator Akaka said, "I am pleased that the LCV recognizes my commitment to environmental protection. I believe that preserving our environment is vital for growth of our natural resources. This is why I am a staunch supporter of alternative energy and environmental policies that affect my home state of Hawaii and the rest of our country."

from TheHawaiiChannel.com

HONOLULU -- For some parts of the Big Island, things may never get back to normal after the damage left behind by Sunday's powerful 6.7 earthquake.

Civil Defense officials are still getting damage reports from Big Island residents and businesses.

Their focus on Monday was working with agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to get detailed damage assessments.

Hawaii County Civil Defense announced on Monday that it will dispatch teams to survey residents' homes for structural damage. They urged residents to call 935-0031 on the Big Island. Teams will evaluate whether the homes are safe to remain in and help to survey the total damage on the Big Island.

Opinion
The Honolulu Advertiser

Election year 2006 brings Hawai'i to a juncture at which it would be most prudent to capitalize on the experience of veteran lawmakers in Washington.

In the tumultuous arena of national partisan politics, the midterm elections could overturn congressional leadership, or the GOP majority might remain intact. Either way, Hawai'i's voters are best served by retaining two of its veterans who have accrued seniority that can only enhance the state's influence.

Molokai Island Times

Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) was recognized today by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) as one of just over a dozen U.S. Senators who received a 100 percent voting rating in AAUW's Congressional Voting Record.

Senator Akaka said, "I have consistently voted in support of women because it is the right thing to do. I strongly believe that Congress must protect the rights of all Americans."

According to the AAUW, the Senate votes covered in its Congressional Voting Record for the 109th Congress include: Pell grant funding, vocational education reauthorization, funding for higher education, judicial nominations, the federal marriage amendment, and reproductive rights.

By Derrick DePledge, Advertiser Government Writer
The Honolulu Advertiser

Democrats torn by the Senate primary between U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Ed Case edged toward unity yesterday, but many of the party's leaders recognized that Case's insurgent campaign brought with it a lesson about change.

Akaka turned back Case with 54 percent of the vote to 45 percent on Saturday after getting substantial help from national and Island Democrats. The margin was personally satisfying for Akaka, who was criticized by Case during the campaign as ineffective, and it showed that the party's establishment can still deliver when challenged.