Every May, National Older Americans Month (established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy) celebrates the profound volunteer contributions of our country’s senior citizens. Here in Hawai‘i, we deeply value our kūpuna, whose wisdom and aloha spirit shape our communities. During Older Americans Month, each Hawai‘i county honors its special senior citizens with Outstanding Older American Awards, crowning a male and female champion who go on to represent their island at the state level. This year’s national theme, Champion Your Health, emphasized wellness, prevention and the active role older adults play in society.
Hawai‘i’s four county Area Agencies on Aging received nominations from the public for Outstanding Older Americans, recognizing two kūpuna from each county for their invaluable lifelong volunteer contributions and community service. Communities across our state honored their kūpuna throughout the month: Maui and Hawai‘i County hosted their celebrations on May 9, Honolulu County held its event on May 15 and Kaua‘i County concluded the month’s festivities with a gathering on May 29. Following these county celebrations, the state gathered for the Governor’s Hawai‘i Statewide Older Americans Month Recognition Ceremony on June 12 at 15 Craigside in Honolulu.
The Roots of Our Community
Our kūpuna are the roots that ground our island communities. Every year, Hawai‘i’s Outstanding Older Americans Month events highlight their strength. Through a lifetime of selfless kōkua (help) and deep aloha, awardees remind us that the most beautiful legacy we can leave is a community uplifted.
The chicken-skin stories of our honorees reveal our immense good fortune and privilege to be inspired by these service-above-self leaders. By honoring these individuals who volunteer their time sharing their talents, we become aware of the value of giving. May we always draw from their strength and carry their legacy forward.
Mahalo palena ‘ole (boundless gratitude) to our venerable ku¯puna — living treasures whose wisdom and grace continue to guide Hawai‘i toward a brighter tomorrow
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