Kauaʻi Gold Volunteers honored with proclamation and awards

The Kukui Grove Center in Līhu‘e was filled with music, laughter and quiet moments of reflection on Wednesday as the Kaua‘i Retired and Senior Volunteer Program hosted its annual Day of Service and Remembrance.

Five “Gold Volunteers,” all retired seniors, were highlighted for their exceptional service to their community.

In recognition of their dedication, Nancy Abreu, Laurie Davey, Allen Momohara, Gwen Saiki and Judith Stricker were honored by the community for each contributing more than 500 hours of service within one calendar year.

In addition to receiving a jacket and a lei from Kaua’i Mayor Derek Kawakami, they were also honored with a proclamation issued by him.

Together, the five golden volunteers have contributed a total of 14,671 hours to the Garden Isle community through the Kaua’i Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.

Andrea Alfiler, director at the Kaua‘i Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, said that “to be able to have a day to inspire and evoke volunteerism and service and to be able to highlight these five gold volunteers is special.”

Hosted by the County of Kaua‘i Agency on Elderly Affairs, the event brought the community together in remembrance of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and to celebrate the resilience and service that have helped the nation move forward.

“When tragedy strikes, many people step up to serve and volunteer,” Alfiler said. “Having the mayor issue a proclamation is a meaningful way to remind us of our nation’s commitment to service.”

Since 2019, Abreu has dedicated nearly 5,000 hours to community service.

Abreau and the Kauai Retired and Senior Volunteer Program partner with various public and private nonprofit organizations, including the Hawaii Foodbank, National Tropical Botanical Garden, and Kauai Independent Foodbank, as well as many others in attendance on the event.

“To see the benefits of their acts of service, and also witness the positive impact these experiences have on the volunteers themselves, is truly a win-win,” Alfiler said.

Attendees enjoyed live entertainment and took part in prize giveaways. Attendees were also invited to participate in hands-on acts of kindness — such as writing thank-you notes to Kaua‘i’s first responders.

“We are always accepting new volunteers,” Alfiler said. “We welcome anyone who wants to continue to strengthen the social fabric of our small, wonderful island.”

To volunteer, email rsvp@kauai.gov or call 808-241-4483. The only requirement to volunteer is being 55 years old or older.