County of Maui honors Outstanding Older American Male and Female of 2025

Bishop Pahia of Waiehu and Patricia Niibu of Lānaʻi City were honored as the 2025 Maui County Outstanding Older American Male and Female, respectively, the County of Maui Department of Human Concerns Office on Aging announced.

The two were among 14 nominees recognized for their contributions to the community at a luncheon May 9, 2025, at the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku.

In a proclamation, Mayor Richard Bissen declared May as Older Americans Month. US Rep. Jill Tokuda praised the lifelong service and aloha shown by Maui County’s kūpuna.

This year’s Older Americans Month national theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages a renewed appreciation for aging as a time of purpose, service and continued impact.

“These honorees remind us that as we age, we are given opportunities to uplift the lives others and give back to the community,” said Rowena Dagdag-Andaya, County Executive on Aging. “Bishop Pahia and Patricia Niibu, along with all of our nominees, are proof of that truth.”

The 2025 Outstanding Older American nominees:

• Alfred Kailihiwa of Wailuku, lifelong advocate for Maui’s feral cats and for humane animal treatment and care.
• Angie Haramoto of Pukalani, longtime Lions Club leader and wildfire relief coordinator with service in women’s advocacy and civic organizations.
• Earlyn Ginoza of Kahului, Maui Arts and Cultural Center volunteer, retired nurse and role model for servant leadership.
• Emma Shipe of Lahaina, community organizer, fire recovery leader and spiritual guide through her boutique and church ministry.
• George Gonzalez of Kula, Nā Hoaloha volunteer with more than 100,000 miles logged serving kūpuna and caregiver to vision-impaired individuals.
• Johanna Amorin of Kīhei, business leader, cultural advocate and wildfire responder with decades of civic engagement.
• Joycelyn Victorino of Wailuku, multi-organization leader and mentor, with dedication to intergenerational service.
• Melinda Caroll of Kula, Nā Hōkū-winning songwriter and arts leader, empowering youth through her nonprofit, When We Shine Foundation.
• Patricia Niibu of Lāna‘i City, educator and caregiver to more than 100 kūpuna on Lāna‘i through wellness checks, meal deliveries and spiritual support.
• Rose Cambra Freitas of Makawao, rodeo trailblazer, Haleakalā National Park volunteer and National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee.
• Scarlett Ritte of Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i, community advocate and cultural steward, transforming Moloka‘i’s public spaces through service.
• Tamara Davis of Kahului, leader of Hale Mahaolu Akahi Social Club, revitalizing senior living through programs, visits and community events.
• Valerie Kailihiwa of Wailuku, feral cat caregiver who has devoted decades to humane animal care and public service.
• Bishop Pahia of Waiehu, former correctional officer and reentry program leader offering hope and second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals.

As the County of Maui’s 2025 honorees, Patricia Niibu and Bishop Pahia will represent Maui County at the State of Hawai‘i Older Americans Month Celebration on Friday, June 13, 2025, where honorees from across the state will be recognized.

Since 1968, when Wendell Crockett became Maui County’s first honoree, the Outstanding Older Americans Awards have  recognized more than 100 kūpuna for their enduring legacy of service.

For more information about the awards or programs available through the County Office on Aging, call 808-270-7755 or visit www.mauicountyadrc.org.