Sen. Lieberman honors Akaka on Capitol Hill

Accolades for the soon-to-be-retired Hawaii Senator Daniel Akaka on Capitol Hill Wednesday.

"He is much loved here in the Senate and in Hawaii," said Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.  "He's accomplished an enormous amount in his time here.  I just want to express to him, not only my gratitude for his friendship, and what an honor it has been to serve with him."

Akaka replied, "Thank you very much for those words.  I'm glad we're stepping out of the Senate together."

The exchange began the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing.

Akaka will retire at the end of this year after serving in the U.S. House and Senate since 1976.

Democrat Mazie Hirono and Republican Linda Lingle are among the candidates vying for his seat.

Lieberman is also retiring at the end of the year.