Category: Articles

During National Older Americans Month each May, Hawai‘i’s four county Area Agencies on Aging receive nominations from the public for Outstanding Older Americans known for their volunteer accomplishments. A man and a woman from each county are chosen to be honored. This year’s theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focused on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. The following volunteers were honored on June 13, 2025, on O‘ahu.

Dotty Kelly-Paddock (Honolulu County) is an educator and community leader with a lifelong commitment to disability advocacy and resilience planning. She helped develop inclusive education services in U.S.-affiliated Pacific jurisdictions at UH Mānoa’s Center on Disability Studies. She is a Neighborhood Board member in Hau‘ula, president of the Hau‘ula Community Association and Executive Director of Hui O Hau‘ula. She co-founded the Hau‘ula Emergency Leadership Preparedness team and authored strategy that lead to the creation of O‘ahu’s first resilience hub. Her leadership strengthens disaster preparedness and cultural revitalization in Ko‘olauloa and beyond.

Charlene Dorsey (Kaua‘ i County), a Vietnam veteran and retired DOH clerk, is a passionate advocate for veterans. For over a decade, she’s helped lead the Kaua‘i Veterans Council and Miss Kaua‘i Veteran Scholarship Program. She has served with the Kaua‘i Veterans Museum for 15 years, sharing Kaua‘i’s military history and caring for hundreds of artifacts. She co-founded local chapters of Vietnam Veterans of America and AMVETS. She also volunteers with RSVP, Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Hanapēpē Library and her church. Her strength, optimism and unwavering dedication uplift the veteran community and inspire all who serve alongside her.

Ronald Ebert (Hawai‘i County) of Ka‘ū is a lifelong public servant focused on safety and community resilience. He served as captain of two volunteer fire departments and has led ‘O Ka‘ū Kakou since 2006, supporting health, safety and local events. Ron also serves on the Ka‘ū Hospital Charitable Foundation board, and raises funds with Red Hatters and Ka Lae Quilters. The Ocean View Church of Christ minister supports community safety and outreach, sending $10,000 for Lahaina wildfire recovery. With his wife Nadine and the Pāhala Senior Club, Ron brings heartfelt care and steadfast leadership to every endeavor.

Ed Tagawa (Honolulu County), of Kea‘au is a retired teacher and Army veteran dedicated to lifelong service. After serving in a record-breaking training unit with fellow Hawai‘i soldiers, Ed pursued higher education and then taught at He‘eia Elementary School. Since retiring, Ed has volunteered at Nalo Farms, Ho‘ola Aina Pilipili and Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels. Whether preparing Thanksgiving meals, mentoring new volunteers or assisting at outreach events, Ed embodies the meaning of aloha. As a DMV concierge and neighborhood helper, he brings kindness to every interaction. Known for his friendly nature and tireless service, he touches lives through acts of care and connection.

Gary Smith (Kaua‘ i County) spent his life enriching the Kīlauea community through leadership, historical preservation and civic service. He served on many boards focused on local agriculture and heritage. He’s a passionate historian and educator, working with the Kaua‘i Historical Society and the DOE Kupuna Program to preserve Kilauea’s stories and landscapes. He leads cultural hikes, volunteers with local cemeteries and plays key roles in community events like Kīlauea Kalikimaka. He’s an advocate for safe roads, parks and land stewardship. Known as a storyteller, singer, builder and problem-solver, Gary is a community cornerstone whose energy and dedication span generations.

Patricia Dunn (Hawai‘i County) of Hilo is a model of volunteerism and community spirit. A retired public servant, she fills her days with service—from gardening and ceramics to Meals on Wheels and Lions Club projects. She has helped organize vision screenings, food drives, zoo painting projects and educational events. A member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she has supported scholarships and charitable causes. She’s deeply involved with the Hilo Orchid Society, YMCA tree sales, AARP tax support and the Papaikou Senior Club. Her joy and energy are contagious. She inspires others to get involved, building a sense of belonging.

Bishop Pahia (Maui County) of Waiehu has transformed lives through his work in reentry and prison ministry. A former correctional officer turned MEO Being Empowered and Safe Together specialist, he guided hundreds of formerly incarcerated individuals toward productive lives. He’s helped clients obtain housing, jobs and stability, offering dignity and second chances without judgment. Now retired, he continues volunteering with MEO and co-leads a prison ministry. He’s also MEO’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Whether offering support or simply believing in someone, Bishop embodies compassion, humility and the transformative power of care.

Patricia K. Niibu (Lāna‘i City, Maui County) spent decades uplifting her community through education and service. A retired teacher, she now devotes her time to caring for kūpuna—visiting homes, delivering meals and providing companionship with aloha. She volunteers with the Lāna‘i Food Bank and her church, aiding over 100 older adults. She mentors teachers, helps local businesses and contributes to social connection across generations. Whether checking in with elders, volunteering at the school or filling staffing gaps at shops, Patricia meets every need with grace and humility. Her quiet leadership weaves strength, resilience and compassion into the fabric of island life.