KAPAA — Volunteers at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital were acknowledged for their contributions Thursday. “We would like to thank our volunteers for being committed to the mission, vision and values of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital,” said Myra Ornellas, Mahelona
KAPAA — Volunteers at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital were acknowledged for their contributions Thursday.
“We would like to thank our volunteers for being committed to the mission, vision and values of Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital,” said Myra Ornellas, Mahelona Hospital’s director. “Each of our volunteers contributes to the life of the hospital’s residents, patients, their families and the staff of the hospital.”
Many of the volunteers belong to the Mahelona Hospital Auxiliary, which operates the thrift shop that provides funds for scholarships, equipment and operations.
“Volunteers are found in our Auxiliary, helping with activities throughout the year,” Ornellas said. “They work in the thrift shop, the business office and volunteer in the different hospital departments.”
Joining the list of people offering appreciation to the volunteers, Kauai County Council Vice Chair Nadine Nakamura and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. added their certificates of commendation to the volunteers. Carvalho followed his presentation with mele from Kauai composer Jimmy Kaholokula, accompanied by brothers Ricah and Rydge Nuesca and Micah Torio-Villuan and Mercy Nuesca performing a hula.
“This is the first time for the boys who call themselves E Kolu,” Pablo said. “The boys even took off from work to come and perform for our residents and volunteers.”
The talents were not limited to the Nuesca ohana music and hula, as another brother, Ryden Nuesca, broke a 27-year drought and ignited the audience with the hospital’s first fire knife routine.
“Doesn’t it feel good to do something like this?” Pablo asked.
