NUKOLI‘I — The more than 325 active volunteers with the Kauai Retired Senior Volunteer Program contributed about 30,000 hours of service to Kauai, resulting in savings of more than $187,000 to the County of Kauai, said Mayor Derek Kawakami, Friday during the 2018 Kauai RSVP Annual Recognition Ceremony held at the Aqua Kauai Beach Resort.
“The volunteers come from different backgrounds, different experiences, and different interests,” Kawakami said. “All of our volunteers have at least one thing in common — the willlingness to give from their hearts to help others. From tutoring children to assisting those less fortunate, their time, treasures of wisdom, and talents are immeasurable in the service to our community. We are fortunate and grateful to have many wonderful kupuna volunteering for this amazing program.”
Among the 45 Kauai RSVP honorees, Theresa Mahuiki and Margaret McGinty were announced recipients of the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for contributing more than 500 hours of service in a 12-month period.
These Gold Award recipients receive the honor of presidential recognition in the form of a personalized certificate, congratulatory letter, and a commemorative pin.
Mahuiki started as a Kauai RSVP volunteer in January, 2017 and volunteers with the St. Catherine’s Church food pantry, and at the Hawaii Foodbank, Kauai Branch where she finished the year with 862.25 volunteer hours.
McGinty has been an active volunteer since 2007, helping out at the National Tropical Botanical Garden where she accumulated 1,278.50 hours over the past year.
Derrick Ariyoshi, the Hawaii program director for the Corp. for National &Community Service, said more than 3,600 people of all ages and backgrounds in the state are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service through the Americorps, Senior Corps, and RSVP program.
‘These people serve at more than 300 locations throughout the state, tutoring and mentoring children, supporting veterans and military families, providing health and support services, restoring the environment, increasing economic opportunities, and fighting poverty,” Ariyoshi said in a message delivered by Olivas-Kaohi. “The spirit of Aloha lives strong! Aloha starts with you, and my heart is full, and my spirit inspired as I lie witness to your sacrifice in bettering your community, serving your neighbors, and ‘ohana.”
Other honorees included volunteers with five years of service, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, and 30 years of contributing to the community.
“Dorothy Higuchi is 99 years old, and still has the best yard in Lihue,” said Beverly Muraoka, the day’s hostess of a 30-year volunteer. “And, she does it by herself. Today, we celebrate you. As the theme states, ‘Aloha Begins with You,’ and you all give back with aloha.”
