NUKOLI‘I — Dr. Lucy Miller and William Neil Rapozo are Kaua‘i’s Outstanding Female and Male Older Americans, selected from a field of 10 nominees — seven women and three men — Thursday at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort. Miller and Rapozo
NUKOLI‘I — Dr. Lucy Miller and William Neil Rapozo are Kaua‘i’s Outstanding Female and Male Older Americans, selected from a field of 10 nominees — seven women and three men — Thursday at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
Miller and Rapozo were selected at the 47th Older Americans Recognition Ceremony in conjunction with May being celebrated as Older American Month, a time to celebrate and appreciate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions to the community.
Nominees vying for the Outstanding Older American honor include Lourdes Domingo, Irenia Edrada, Romana Espanto, Cha-Cha Kaluahine, Lawrence Mendonca, Carole Nacion, Itsue “Frecki” Okada and Katsumi “Gutsy” Oyama.
“The theme for this year’s Older Americans Month, Unleash the Power of Age!, has never been more fitting,” said Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. “Older Americans are productive, active and influential members of society, sharing essential talents, wisdom and life experience with their families, friends and neighbors. How very fortunate we are to have such talented people to help us.”
Gov. Neil Abercrombie joined Carvalho in congratulating Kaua‘i’s Outstanding Older Americans, and said one-third of Hawai‘i’s population is 65 years or older.
“More people are living longer and attaining the age of 65,” Abercrombie said. “I truly believe paradise, where we all help each other, is one of the reasons we live longer.”
Abercrombie said in dealing with his challenge of people living longer and their desire to be independent, he would like to see an Aging Disability Resource Center, a one-stop facility, become a reality on each of the islands.
“We have one of these functioning on Maui,” Abercrombie said. “Kaua‘i is next to get one with O‘ahu and the Big Island to follow.”
He added the state is looking at a study on long-term care insurance for the elderly.
Miller, accompanied by her service dog Muffin, was recognized for her continued efforts to create a more accessible and accepting community for all. She has provided disability awareness and advocacy training and provides technical assistance and training to public service agencies.
She is a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Equal Access and a member and current president of Toastmasters International, where she mentors new members and provides leadership.
Miller has served the State of Hawai‘i Disability and Community Access Board both as a member and in leadership positions.
She has been a keynote speaker several times at the Association of Late-Deafended Adults annual conferences and the Disability Access Conference.
She was instrumental in the establishment of the Hawai‘i Quality Assurance System, which tests credentials of American Sign Language interpreters.
A retired educator and family therapist, Miller has devoted her retirement years to creating a more welcoming encompassing, and accessible society for all through education, outreach and advocacy. She has also worked toward the exemption of service dogs from quarantine laws and promotes awareness in the community of service animals.
Rapozo was recognized for his life of service and leadership in the community. A former supervisor at Lihu‘e Plantation and Chevron dealer, Rapozo continued with new activities following his “retirement,” including a new career with Kaua‘i Commercial Co. as a truck driver and shop aide.
He has achieved and maintained a number of licenses and certifications, including a Commercial Drivers License, hazardous endorsement, state of Hawai‘i mechanics license and a pilot’s license.
An active member and leader in the Hanama‘ulu Community Association since 2004, Rapozo and his wife Mildred have also been involved with the Kaua‘i Ballroom Dance Club since its inception, volunteering countless hours serving on its board, instructing classes and organizing dance functions. The couple was also featured in a local publication on their 60 years of marriage.
Rapozo is a member of the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and is currently a lieutenant colonel, having served as pilot and crew members in CAP emergency missions, including air searches, disaster relief operations, homeland security operations and tsunami warnings.
The Older Americans recognition ceremony was coordinated by the Kaua‘i Agency on Elderly Affairs.
Call 241-4470 for more information on services for seniors and volunteer opportunities.
