Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs next month will take a closer look at the services the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing to veterans in the 50th state. Ranking Member, Senator Daniel K. Akaka is hosting four statewide hearings titled, The State of VA Care in Hawaii, from January 9th - 13th at the following times and locations:

January 9, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Kauai Veterans Center
3215 Kapule Highway
Lihue

January 10, 2006 10:00 a.m.
J. Walter Cameron Center Auditorium
95 Mahalani Street
Wailuku

January 11, 2006 10:00 a.m.
DAV Hall - Keehi Lagoon
2685 North Nimitz Highway
Honolulu

January 13, 2006 10:00 a.m.
Department of Labor Conference Room
1900 Kinoole Street
Hilo

These hearings are open to the public. Witnesses providing testimony include high-ranking VA officials, medical specialists, and representatives from veteran service organizations. Due to time constraints, the public will not be able to make oral statements. However, written comments will be collected.