Trending
The annual People Who Made a Difference tabloid presented in this edition of The Maui News continues a tradition of celebrating outstanding Maui citizens that dates back to 1994.
Of all the features we work on through the year, this is one of our favorites. What's not to like about giving credit where credit is due, about shining a light on folks who toil selflessly behind the scenes? Every so often, the duty of breaking the news to recipients falls to us. As phone calls go, this is about as good as it gets for a journalist. Awardees almost always say they are surprised and humbled by the honor. Many are not even aware they had been nominated. A common theme sees them trying to deflect credit to others.
These folks aren't in it for the headlines. They might be volunteers who stepped forward to fill a need or assist a worthy cause. We have spotlighted bystanders who sprang into action to save others. Quite a few of our difference-makers have been people who were just really good at their jobs. Whether they were honored for putting their lives on the line, selflessly sacrificing their time and energy, or generously opening their pocketbooks, all went above and beyond the call of duty. They made Maui proud.
This year's recipients include: cancer survivor and advocate Peter Kafka; King Kekaulike head football coach Tyson Valle; coastal specialists Tara Owens and Wes Crile; Debbie Cabebe and Maui Economic Opportunity; Eddie Espiritu, Craig Murakami and the Lahainaluna Boarders Association.
Please take time to read their stories. We think you will find them inspirational. Their names are now added to a People Who Made a Difference list that reads like a who's who of Maui County. Since 1994, more than 220 individuals and organizations have been honored. The full list printed in the tabloid is well worth a scan.
We bet many names are familiar. So lasting are these people's impacts, you will probably also recall what they were honored for. There are movers and shakers, former mayors, Native Hawaiian activists, sports legends, musicians, environmentalists, police officers and everyday folk who did extraordinary things. Some have passed on, retired or left the island, while many are still plugging away at making positive differences in our community.
Maui is supremely fortunate that this desire to help is so ingrained in its society. That is truly what makes our island home no ka oi, the best. Our awardees would be quick to say they are just the tip of the iceberg. From pulling invasive weeds and picking up litter to reading in schools and donating to worthy causes, this island runs on volunteerism and sharing with those in need.
Congratulations, once again, to our outstanding awardees, both past and present. Thank you for making such positive differences in our community.