(L-R): Seated: Romana Espanta; Cha Cha Kaluahine; Dr. Lucy Miller and Muffin; William Neil Rapozo, Sr.; Carole Nacion. Standing: Rep. Dee Morikawa; Rep. Derek Kawakami; Lourdes Domingo; Rep. James Tokioka; Irenia Edrada; Lawrence Mendonca; Mayor Bernard Carvalho; Katsumi Gutsy Oyama; Sen. Ron Kouchi; Itsue Frecki Okada
By Staff Reports
(Kauai)- The Agency on Elderly Affairs and the Office of the Mayor recognized 10 of Kauais na kupuna who were nominated for the 2013 Outstanding Male and Female Older American awards.
Kauai seniors Lourdes Domingo; Irenia Edrada; Romana Espanto; Cha-Cha Kaluahine; Lawrence Mendonca; Dr. Lucy Miller; Carole Nacion; Itsue Frecki Okada; Katsumi Gutsy Oyama; and William Neil Rapozo, Sr. were nominated for exceptional contributions to their community.
The group was honored today at Kauais 47th Older Americans Recognitions Ceremony in recognition of Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate and appreciate the vitality and aspirations of older adults and their contributions to their respective communities. Named as Kaua’is Outstanding Male was William Neil Rapozo, Sr., and Outstanding Female was Dr. Lucy Miller.
Dr. Lucy Miller 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 Mayors Advisory Committee for Equal Access, and a member and current president of Toastmasters International, where she mentors new members and provides leadership. Dr. Miller has served the State of Hawaii Disability & Community Access Board both as a member and in leadership positions. She has been a keynote speaker several times at the Association of Late-Deafened Adults annual conferences and the Disability Access Conference. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Hawaii Quality Assurance System, which tests credentials of American Sign Language interpreters. A retired educator and family therapist, Dr. 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 towards the exemption of service dogs from quarantine laws and promotes awareness in the community of service animals.
L-R): Governor Neil Abercrombie, Dr. Lucy Miller with Muffin; William Neil Rapozo, Sr.; and Mayor Carvalho.
William Neil Rapozo, Sr. was recognized for his life of service and leadership in the community. A former supervisor at Lihue Plantation and Chevron dealer, Mr. Rapozo continued with new activities after his retirement, including a new career with Kauai Commercial Company as a truck driver and shop aide. He has achieved and maintained a number of licenses and certifications, including a commercial drivers license (CDL), hazardous endorsement, State of Hawaii mechanics license, and a pilots license. He has been an active member and leader in the Hanamaulu Community Association since 2004. Mr. Rapozo and his wife, Mildred, have been involved with the Kauai Ballroom Dance Club since its inception, and he has volunteered countless hours serving on its board, instructing classes and organizing dance functions. He is also a member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He has served as pilot and crew member in CAP emergency missions, including air searches, disaster relief operations, homeland security operations and tsunami warnings. Mr. and Mrs. Rapozo were featured in a local news publication as they celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Recognizing the Kaua’i honorees were Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr.; Governor Neil Abercrombie; Kauais state legislators Senator Ron Kouchi, and Representatives Derek Kawakami, Dee Morikawa and James Tokioka; and the Kauai County Council, including Chair Jay Furfaro, Vice Chair Nadine Nakamura, and members Tim Bynum, Gary Hooser, Ross Kagawa, Mel Rapozo, and JoAnn Yukimura. Also presenting awards was Mark Arthur, member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs.
The theme for this years Older Americans Month, Unleash the Power of Age!, has never been more fitting, stated Mayor Bernard P. 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.
The event was coordinated by the Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs. For information on services for seniors and volunteer opportunities, please call the Agency on Elderly Affairs at 241-4470.