"I see the advantage for growth of the college in its global position between East and West here in Hono-lulu," Combs said. "I am energized by HPU, the strength of the college's faculty and the opportunities here for growth of the college's programs."

He is a Marine Corps combat veteran who helped establish the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery Association, the Veterans League of Hawaii Island and the Marine Corps League Camp Tarawa Detachment on the Big Island.

Mental Health Kokua evolved under her guidance from a small agency into one of the largest statewide mental-health providers in Hawai'i, offering clients community-based, recovery-oriented housing options and rehabilitation programs that enable individuals to achieve optimum recovery and improved quality of life.

The society's Special Merit Citation Award was presented to the state Judiciary's HOPE Probation Project.