Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic One Year Anniversary

The Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic is an approximately 88,000 square-foot facility located at 91-1051 Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue, Kapolei HI, 96707. The clinic houses primary care, specialty clinics like audiology, women’s health, nephrology, mental health, and prosthetics, as well as diagnostic services like CT, X-ray, and MRI. The Akaka Clinic also has the Brew Cafe canteen, an urgent care center, the West Oahu Vet Center, and a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) office. Finally, the clinic includes a laboratory, dental clinic, optometry, and a pharmacy. 

“What a difference a year makes,” said Interim VAPIHCS Director Thandiwe “Tandi” Nelson-Brooks. “One year ago, I stood here with the rest of the VAPIHCS leadership team as we prepared to open these clinic doors for the very first time. Now -one year later- we’re virtually bursting at the seams.” 

Nelson-Brooks talked about Senator Daniel K. Akaka, for whom the clinic is named, and his work advocating for Veterans. She also talked about the long journey from idea to opening, a twelve-year long project that was located on the west side of the island of Oahu due to it having the largest population of Veterans in the Pacific Islands to all live in one area. The clinic was built by Hunt Companies Hawaii, and VAPIHCS and Hunt celebrated the groundbreaking on the clinic on December 21, 2021. Hunt Companies Hawaii handed the keys over to VAPIHCS on December 3, 2023. In the last year, the clinic has been adding services and is now offering all planned services, as well as an urgent care clinic. 

“We are proud to celebrate one year of the Daniel Kahikina Akaka CBOC—an 88,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility that has quickly become the cornerstone of Veteran care in the Pacific,” said Dr. Arun Raman, Chief of Staff at VAPIHCS. “Named for Senator Akaka, a true champion for Veterans, this clinic reflects our commitment to accessible, coordinated, and high-quality care. In just one year, we’ve expanded urgent care, launched the first VA MRI services in the region, and continued to grow—proving that VA care in the Pacific is not just keeping up, but leading.”

Many distinguished guests were in attendance, including Hunt Senior Vice President Thomas Lee, who managed the construction of the Akaka VA Clinic. From the Akaka family, Dr. Gerard K. Akaka -Senator Akaka’s son- was in attendance. Additionally, Army Veteran Alvin Akana and his son Air Force Veteran Elroy Akaka were invited as they were the first patients to be seen at the Akaka clinic one year ago. Veteran guests filled the room with a joyous atmosphere, and clinic staff lined the walls with tables to showcase the services that are offered. 

“Akaka clinic is not a building, it is the people that make it happen,” said Dr. Adam Robinson. “I want to thank you -all of you- for what you do to deliver the care and services that Veterans have earned and deserve.” 

After the speakers, music was provided by Clint Ka’aiakamanu, Kanoa Kawai, and William Hipa. At noon, there was a hula by Halau Hula ‘O Hokulani. Staff stayed at tables until 2pm to give Veterans an opportunity to mingle, and to learn about VA services and programs. Veterans shared praise for the clinic itself, and for the staff. 

“I love coming to the clinic for appointments but also for events,” said Ret. Air Force Reserves Lt. Col. Edna Higa. “There are events here all the time, and the staff is so nice and welcoming. It really feels like they enjoy their jobs.”