Obama gives Akaka "props" at tribal nations conference

WASHINGTON D.C. (HawaiiNewsNow) - At the closing session of the 2012 Tribal Nations Conference Wednesday, President Barack Obama gave a "shout out" to U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka who was attending the conference as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

"I want to give a special shout-out to Senator Danny Akaka, who has been such a tireless advocate for Native Americans throughout his career," President Obama said to applause. "You know that Danny is going to be retiring this year, and he's such a great friend. And as a Hawaiian boy, I've got to give him a little special props. (Laughter.)"

Senator Akaka retires in January after 36 years in Congress. Today's event was held at the U.S. Department of the Interior.