[1][2] Akana worked for the Hawaii Electric Light Company as a design planner before his retirement.

He "threw no fund-raisers, made no campaign promises, sought no union endorsements and spent only $1,660.

Akana died of stomach cancer while in office on April 12, 1990, in Hilo, Hawaii, at the age of 70.

[1][2] Akana's managing director, Larry Tanimoto, became acting Mayor of Hawaii upon his death.

[2] Lorraine Inouye, a member of the Hawaii County Council, was elected to succeed Akana for the remainder of his term.