While the “Flip the Script on Aging” Recognition Ceremony is so special that almost all of the Kauai County Council members were present, we should have more, said Council Chair Mel Rapozo during the annual recognition luncheon coordinated by the Agency on Elderly Affairs Thursday at the Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort.
“Older American Month is a time to recognize the wisdom, strength and contributions of older adults in our lives, our communities and across the nation,” said Emily Ishida, the Executive on Aging for the Agency on Elderly Affairs in the day’s program.
“This year’s theme, ‘Flip the Script’ on Aging,’ invites us to transform the way society perceives, speaks about and approaches aging,” Ishida said. “It encourages us to challenge outdated stereotypes and embrace a more accurate and empowering view of growing older.”
Ten Kauai older adults who were nominated by the public were honored and recognized for their service. Videos explained what volunteerism means to them. These individuals — Adeline “Dely” Sasaki, Alice Baptista, Carol Saiki, Chad Pharis, Charlene Dorsey, Eugene Onio Punzal, Gary Smith, Martga Goosen, Michael Brenner and Wilma Chandler — were recognized by Council Chair Rapozo and Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami by jan-ken-po.
Other dignitaries present to honor the kupuna included almost all members of the County Council, including freshman Fern Holland, as well as Rep. Nadine Nakamura, who only recently returned from the 2025 legislative session.
“These dedicated kupuna are true assets to their communities, contributing countless hours of unpaid service to causes that matter,” said Caroline Cadirao, the director of the Executive Office on Aging. “Their efforts not only enrich our county, but also exemplify the strength and resilience of our older generations. We applaud these individuals who have truly ‘Flipped the Script on Aging,’ and thank them for their extraordinary contributions.”
Highlights of the recognition were the selection of the Outstanding Male Older American and the Outstanding Female Older American who would represent Kauai Older Americans during a special recognition ceremony on June 13 on Oahu. These two individuals — Charlene Dorsey as the Outstanding Female Older American and Gary Smith as the Outstanding Male Older American, were selected by a panel of judges
Dorsey is a volunteer with multiple veterans organizations, including the selection of the annual Miss Kauai Veteran, and, for many years with the Kauai RSVP, the Kauai Veterans Memorial Auxiliary, West Kauai United Methodist Church, and the Hanapepe Public Library.
“Charlene’s positive attitude, even in the face of serious medical issues, and her determination to make a difference make her a pleasure to be around, and to work alongside,” said her nominator, retired Gen. USAF Mary Kay Hertog.
Smith, nominated by Councilmember Felicia Cowden, has been an integral part of the Kilauea community almost since moving there at the age of 3 from Pepeekeo on the Big Island.
Described by Kawakami as the second ‘mayor of Kilauea next to Gary Pacheco,’ Smith is well-known in the community and encourages all residents to be proud of their hometown.
“Gary has been described as a storyteller, teacher, singer, songwriter, artist, and skilled in carpentry and masonry — an all-around ‘do-er,’” said Cowden.
