Kauai-born retired Gen. Eric “;Ric”; Shinseki, President-elect Barack Obama's intended nominee for secretary of Veterans Affairs, met yesterday with U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

“;I was happy to congratulate Gen. Shinseki on his nomination in person,”; Akaka said in a written statement. “;I have known him for many years and have always been impressed. Over his career, he has sacrificed and has stood up to defend his troops. He does what is right, not what is easy. I know that as secretary he will continue to be a champion for those who have served our nation.”;

Akaka's committee will hold a confirmation hearing on Shinseki's appointment on Jan. 14 in the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106, to accommodate a larger audience. A committee vote on the nomination could be held as early as the afternoon of Jan. 20, Inauguration Day, after Obama is sworn into office.