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News Release

April 14, 2008
Oahu seniors honored for outstanding community service

Laura Lott
(808) 952-7566

The 42nd Annual Mayor’s Senior Recognition Program was held Friday, April 11, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. The program honored 80 individuals age 60 and over who volunteered their time, talent and experience to schools, organizations and programs in the community.

Nominated by senior clubs, service organizations, government agencies, family and friends, this year’s top six seniors received special recognition from the mayor, the Honolulu Committee on Aging, and the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA).

The 2008 top senior volunteers were:

  • Gladys Takamoto – Outstanding Female Senior Citizen (nominated by Councilmember Rod Tam and Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center).
  • Norberto Baysa – Outstanding Male Senior Citizen (nominated by Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club).

The 2008 winners of HMSA’s Akamai Living Lifetime Achievement Awards were:

  • Platinum Award – Nellie Aina (nominated by Waimanalo Seniors).
  • Gold Award – Gloria Lopez (nominated by Kokua Kalihi Valley Elderly Services Program).
  • Silver Award – Gladys Watanabe (nominated by Aiealani Seniors Club).
  • Bronze Award – Florence Menor (nominated by Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center).

“These remarkable seniors are prime examples of what it means to age gracefully and give back to the community,” says Cliff Cisco, HMSA senior vice president. “Their outstanding volunteer efforts are making a real difference in the lives of others in the community. Although they don’t seek it, they deserve this recognition and our sincere thanks for helping make Honolulu a safer, healthier community.”

The Mayor’s Senior Recognition Program began in Honolulu in 1965, and is an annual awards program for outstanding senior volunteers. It is presented each year by the mayor and the Honolulu Committee on Aging. HMSA is a presenting sponsor and has participated in the program for eight years.

HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is governed by a community board of directors and includes representatives from health care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large. HMSA is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Nationally, HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to more than 100 million members.

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