Akaka has knee replaced,
is recovering at Queen’s

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Star-Bulletin staff and news services

Sen. Daniel Akaka, recovering from knee surgery at a Honolulu hospital, said he hopes to be home by the end of the week.

"I'm fine, I'm coming along," Akaka, 77, said from his bed at the Queen's Medical Center, where he underwent knee replacement surgery yesterday for his right knee.

The total knee replacement involved removing the surfaces of the arthritic joint and replacing them with prosthetic components designed to reduce pain and restore motion, according to a press release from his office.

The surgery had been postponed twice as the adjournment dates for the first 2001 Congressional session were extended. He chose to have the surgery this week after consulting with the Senate Democratic leadership on remaining Senate business.

Akaka will recuperate at home and plans to return to Washington, D.C. in when the Senate returns for business next month.

Akaka had surgery to replace his right hip in August 2000.