Posted on: Friday, August 1, 2008
Salutes
Eight kupuna were recently honored for service within their communities by the state Executive Office on Aging and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. They are: Irene Nagao and Tom Poy of Hawai'i County; Naoko Ho and Richard Kashiwabara of Kaua'i County; Gwendolyn Ewalani Shim and Gordon Cockett of Maui County; and Gladys Takamoto and Norberto Baysa, M.D., of Honolulu County.
Don Yamauchi, a physical therapist and supervisor of the Hilo Clinic for the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, has been named the recipient of the first Heather Malia Ho Memorial Scholarship. He will use the award to further his education in cutting-edge assistive technology to help clinical and out-patients.
Peter and Michelle Ho established the fund in memory of Peter's sister Heather, who died in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
The Queen's Medical Center recently honored Morris Mitsunaga and Whitney Limm as the 2008 Ke Kauka Po'okela Outstanding Physicians of the Year. The award recognizes physicians on staff who exemplify high-quality care, professional conduct and outstanding contributions in the medical field.
Mitsunaga is chief of orthopedics. Lim is a general and transplantation surgeon.
The Farrington Foundation recently announced the 2008 inductees into the Governors' Hall of Fame. They are: Kellet Min, 1954, educator and co-founder of the Farrington Foundation; Robert Kuroda, 1940, military Medal of Honor recipient; Cha and Jack Thompson, 1964 and 1963, founders and co-owners of Tihati Productions Ltd.; Jesse Sapolu, 1979, professional athlete with four Super Bowl championships; and Romy Cachola, city council member.
Three teens were recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii at its Youth of the Year awards luncheon. Selected as the 2008 Youth of the Year was Jazzlyn Pasion-Saflor of the Kapa'a, Kaua'i, club. She is the first recipient of the Macy's Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii Youth of the Year Perpetual Trophy. She is a club leader and Tahitian dance instructor.
Speech of the Year winner was Benjie Baclig of the Waimea, Kaua'i, club, who gave an inspirational and eloquent speech about breaking free from the chain of anger.
The Most Inspirational Speech award went to Raymond Berdon of the Wai'anae clubhouse.
