Retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka could be the next inductee into the Aloha Order of Merit.

A resolution introduced by almost the entire Senate approves Akaka’s selection to the order because of his statesmanship and his tireless work to improve Hawaii. 

Akaka served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1976 to 1990, when he became the first Native Hawaiian elected to the U.S. Senate. Throughout his career, he has worked for the betterment of the state and has embodied the aloha spirit, the resolution says.

The Aloha Order of Merit was established in 1993 to honor individuals who have achieved national or international recognition in their fields and have provided extraordinary service or brought honor to Hawaii.