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Maui County names 2026 Outstanding Older American Male and Female award winners

Maui residents were honored at the 2026 Outstanding Older Americans ceremony held on May 15. Photo courtesy Maui County Office on Aging

The Maui County Department of Human Concerns Office on Aging recognized Joseph Pontanilla and Roselani Enomoto with the 2026 Maui County Outstanding Older American Male and Female awards May 15 ceremony at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku. During a lunch ceremony, Pontanilla and Enomoto, who are both Kahului residents, were honored along with 11 other nominees. "These honorees remind us that aging brings meaningful opportunities to uplift others and give back to the community," Maui County Department of Human Concerns Director Maggie Willis said. "Joseph Pontanilla and Roselani Enomoto, along with all of our nominees, embody that spirit through their service and dedication." According to the county, Pontanilla is a longtime community leader and Lions Club member, with decades of service supporting Maui families, disaster relief efforts and local organizations. Additionally, Enomoto is a devoted educator, community leader and compassionate servant. Enomoto co-founded Nā Hoaloha and has dedicated decades to supporting seniors and strengthening Maui's community. The 2026 Maui County Outstanding Older American nominees also included Robin Canto, Pearl Rose Donnelly, Jerry Hayashida, Harry Hecht, Kailani Jackson, Matt Jim, Michelle Santos, Mele Stokesberry, Hedy Udarbe and Edwina Wilson-Snyder. Canto, who also lives in Kahului, is also a lifelong community servant, volunteer and caregiver who supports Maui residents, church programs and her family. Donnelly is from Pukalani and serves as an entertainer, cultural ambassador and lifelong volunteer. Hayashida is another lifelong volunteer and caregiver, as well as a veteran. Hayashida was nominated for his kindness, service and support of the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and the community. Hecht is a resident of Kihei and a retired engineer, public servant and community leader who's given decades of service to civic engagement, environmental stewardship and the well-being of Maui communities. Jackson serves as a community leader, mentor and advocate, empowering Maui's youth and families through education, social-emotional programs and compassionate leadership. Jim is a pastor and community servant, providing nourishment, companionship and hope to Maui's vulnerable populations through nearly two decades of consistent outreach. Stokesberry is a respected educator, martial arts leader and mentor, dedicated for decades to guiding Maui's youth and strengthening the Ki-Aikido community. Sorenson was honored for her work as a community leader and volunteer while founding a nonprofit at 66 years old to provide essential school resources while serving Maui's students, educators and communities for decades. Udarbe is a dedicated health care professional and community leader credited with rebuilding senior programs, advocating for seniors and strengthening Maui's community through decades of service. Wilson-Snyder is a lifelong educator and community leader, shaping Maui's schools, Hawaiian Studies programs and civic organizations through decades of dedicated service. Santos was honored posthumously for her decades of service as a dedicated public servant, mentor and community leader who empowered Maui's youth, celebrated Filipino culture and fostered civic engagement. During the ceremony, Mayor Richard Bissen delivered a proclamation that recognized May as Older Americans Month. Older Americans Month is commemorated each May across the U.S., and this year's national theme, "Champion Your Health," encourages older adults to take an active role in wellness, preventive care, informed decision-making and community engagement to support healthy, independent living. Maui County's first Outstanding Older Americans Awards honoree, Wendell Crockett, was recognized in 1968. Since then, more than 100 kūpuna have been honored for their enduring legacy of service.

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