Hawaii-born President Barack Obama recognized retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka on Wednesday during the president’s remarks at the Tribal Nations Conference held at the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Akaka, the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, is leaving office after more than three decades in the Senate and House.

From Obama:

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. 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.