POIPU — Thursday marked the first week of retirement for Kealoha Takahashi, who retired as the Executive on Aging on Dec. 1.
“It’s hard to believe that 47 years ago, I was hired on with the Office of Elderly Affairs as the senior citizens program specialist, assisting both the RSVP program director, and information and referral specialist,” Kealoha said in her farewell — “Good Friends Never Say Goodbye, They Simply Say ‘See You Soon’” that was printed in the program of the 2024 Annual Recognition at the Koloa Landing Resort.
“As of Dec. 1, 2024, I am officially a retiree,” Kealoha said.
As a retiree, Kealoha announced that she is the newest Kauai RSVP and look forward to working with the ohana.
Her replacement, Emily Ishida, was sworn in as the executive on aging on Tuesday, and was busy meeting the roomful of senior volunteers and dignitaries as well as helping the new Kauai RSVP Director Andrea Alfiler at the 24th banquet that celebrates the work and accomplishments of more than 200 kupuna volunteers.
“During today’s event, we recognize the hundreds of RSVP volunteers and the hundreds of hours they contribute to our Kauai community,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “We also extend our appreciation to the entire staff of our Agency on Elderly Affairs and for their continuous commitment and outstanding coordinating in presenting this year’s recognition event.”
“RSVP is a steadfast group determined to give whatever they can for as long as possible, and always with the biggest smiles on their faces,” Kawakami said. “We truly appreciate and value your tremendous service, year after year. On behalf of the County of Kauai, please accept my sincere gratitude for all that you do.”
Individuals were recognized for their years of service, including Beryl Ayabe, Carol Saiki, Kay Nakata and Thomas Timmons for providing 15 years of service; Margaret Hashimoto and Doris Nekomoto for providing 20 years; and Janice Bond, Pattie Pantone, Edna Holdeman and Mitzuko Valdez for giving 25 years of service.
Saiki manned a Martin Luther King Day of Service table where guests dropped off books that will replace the supplies in Little Libraries — most notably the ones near the Department of Motor Vehicles where young people are instructed to go read books.
“We are excited to continue the good work that makes this RSVP program a valuable entity in our community,” said Alfiler and Grace Delos Reyes, the RSVP program technician. “This year, 23,569 hours of volunteer service was provided at nearly 50 stations throughout the island. At each site, your kindness and compassion reverberate far beyond what can be seen, touching hearts and inspiring hope in ways that make a lasting impact.”
