WAIKOLOA — They come from all walks of life and their accomplishments could fill many very different books.
But one common theme among these seniors from across Hawaii Island was tireless service to the community; their resumes were actually a little exhausting to read.
“Blaze a trail.” That was the theme of this year’s Hawaii County Office of Aging Outstanding Older American Awards at the Hilton Waikoloa on Friday. Good food, prizes, live music, even an old-fashioned dance or two on the ballroom carpet — it was a celebration of the often quiet and sometimes overlooked achievements of our kupuna.
The crowd of some 300 people ate it up.
Waikoloa’s Roy Haslip descended the stage with the signs of astonishment still on him. Founder of the Waikoloa Lutheran Church, a Sunday school teacher, Salvation Army volunteer, hospital and schools volunteer — he was nevertheless astounded he was picked.
That’s because he was in such good company.
Of course, chance played a role, too, in the form of a drawing.
Haslip, a U.S. Marine and medic in World War II, came to Waimea for training in 1943, and for a long time it stuck with him how well he was treated by the people living there. He ended up wanting to give back.
A man who still lives independently, cooking and cleaning for himself, Haslip chalks it up to exercise six days a week. He does weights and calisthenics one day, 25 pushups another day, all of this starting at 5 a.m.
“My father and mother were dedicated people,” he said. “They believed it was more blessed to give than to receive.”
He wasn’t the only one to evoke the memory of his parents. Claire Inman, 68, of Kailua-Kona, said the day and being selected a winner made her feel like she was on a Hawaiian cloud.
“It’s my Christian belief that keeps me going. Go through life acting right. My father and mother taught me that,” said Inman, who has spent a decade with St. Michael the Archangel Church, ministering to the homeless, those in need and those dealing with grief.
She was also the president and vice president of the Kailua-Kona Seniors Club in that time, volunteering for hospice, Hope Inc., The Food Basket, Kona Outdoor Circle, blood drives and a lot more.
Among the 14 other honorees were those who volunteered tirelessly for alcohol recovery programs and in libraries and schools, and founders of forest restoration initiatives. Decked in lei and all smiles were former and present kumu hula, teachers, historians and a soldier who went for broke as part of the 100th Battalion 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
To choose just one woman and one man from the lineup of nine women and five men aged 65 to 95 was a staggering prospect — but it had to be done. In years past, a committee chose the island’s two representatives to the Outstanding Older American state luncheon on Oahu in June. The Office of Aging decided to mix it up this year, picking winners with a lucky draw at the end of the celebration.
“Everyone is an outstanding older American and you all have a story,” said Kimo Alameda, the county’s executive on aging.
It was the 48th year the event has been held in Hawaii County, a year that also marks the 50th anniversary of the Office of Aging. May is Older Americans Month, celebrated nationally.
Other nominees were: Eric Mukai, 82, of Waimea; Daniel Reimer, 87, of Waikoloa; Shirley Ann Kauhaihao, 73, of Honaunau, Pearl Kawahara, 65, of Hilo; Robert Terukina, 72, of Waimea; Roy Wilson, 95, of Hilo; Beverley Brand, 70, of Waikoloa; Doreen Henderson, 90, of Keaau; Mary Ann Lim, 80, of Kapaau; Filomena Miyashiro, 85, of Keaau; Pauline Shinshiro, 70, of Waimea; and Billie Jeane Whitney, 89, of Waikoloa.
Kohala Councilwoman Margaret Wille said the event served to bring together seniors who otherwise often spend a lot of time at home alone.
“It’s about honoring our living treasures who have dedicated their time and effort to the community,” Wille said.
Dolly Somampong and Sydney Byrnes-Chun showed up not just for a nice day out and to socialize with friends, as Somampong put it, but also to show their support for Inman.
Walking someone’s dog, making deliveries to the poor — you name it, and Claire is there, Byrnes-Chun said.
“She doesn’t go out and say, ‘look what I’m doing.’ It’s from her heart,” Somampong said. “That’s the aloha spirit.”
