They’ve been meeting on every federal holiday for maybe 25 years.
The Akaka Ohana, a group of volunteers for former U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, and their guests gather for lunch, camaraderie and campaign nostalgia even though the senator’s last campaign was in 2006.
"We kept this group together and we enjoyed it," said organizer Faith Kaneshiro at the Presidents Day event Monday at Maple Garden restaurant. "It started off small. At first it was to help Uncle Danny. We became a social thing. We welcome everyone."
Typically, 50 or more people attend, she said. But Monday the back dining room was packed, 90-plus, because word had spread that a special guest would be on hand: Akaka himself.
The 90-year-old former senator arrived at about 11 a.m., walking slowly with cane in hand, with zero fanfare, accompanied only by his daughter, Millannie Mattson.
The dining room, already abuzz with conversation, handshakes and hugs, instantly reached a new orbit of energy.
"These people have been with me since the beginning," Akaka said, gesturing at the crowd.
And he proceeded to say hello to everyone.
Individually.
At one of the first tables was Elizabeth Rathburn, his longtime campaign office manager and the founder of the Akaka Ohana.
"Good to see you, good to see you," Akaka said, making the rounds.
One table over was Haunani Apoliona, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustee and a mainstay of the musical group Olomana.
Former U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa stopped by.
So did Ken Inouye, son of the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye.
So did city Councilman Joey Manahan.
So did Kekoa Kaluhiwa, deputy director-designate of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
"I just came to say I love you," Kaluhiwa told Akaka, kissing him on the cheek.
"Aww, you’re in a good spot," Akaka told him with a smile, referring to his appointment.
"Still need to be confirmed by the Senate," Kaluhiwa said.
At a back table was retired Brig. Gen. Irwin Cockett, former commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard.
Cockett was there also to pay tribute to a fellow soldier in the Korean War, Herbert Pililaau, who won the Medal of Honor for his action defending "Heartbreak Ridge" in September 1951.
The citation says, "Pfc. Pililaau fired his automatic weapon into the ranks of the assailants, threw all his grenades and, with ammunition exhausted, closed with the foe in hand-to-hand combat, courageously fighting with his trench knife and bare fists until finally overcome and mortally wounded. When the position was subsequently retaken, more than 40 enemy dead were counted in the area he had so valiantly defended."
Monday’s meeting was dedicated to Pililaau, so his family was there: Agnes Pililaau, Yolanda Kala and Lani Sullivan.
"We do mahalo things," Kaneshiro said, referring to the tribute to Pililaau. "We invited his whole family."
But the vast majority of the people in the room were those who fondly remember working for a soft-spoken public servant.
"These are the people who mailed out the brochures, the Christmas cards, and answered the phone," Kaneshiro said.
The next meeting is Memorial Day, May 25.
