For more than 30 years, the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai'i has honored outstanding Island residents who have contributed to preserving the traditions and teaching of cultures in the Islands.

The award is a powerful testimony to the many ways committed individuals in our island community make Hawai'i a better place and make a difference in the lives of others.

This year, five individuals are being honored.

Elsie Tanaka, 75, is a master ikenobo artist who has made significant contributions to spreading appreciation for and understanding of flowers in Hawai'i.

Mahi Beamer, 79, is a musician, dancer, composer and entertainer. He has always been willing to share his talent and time with everyone, said his cousin, Marmie Kaaihue.

Charles P.K.M. Burrows, 74, cultural resource specialist and environmental advocate, co-founded 'Ahahui Malama I ka Lokahi, which seeks to conserve Hawai'i's native ecosystems.

The Rev. Sam Cox was executive director of Hale Kipa for 23 years and now at age 74 is visitation pastor for Kailua United Methodist Church, on the Board for Kokua Council for Senior Citizens and spearheads Open Table, an interfaith dialogue that eventually grew into the Hawai'i branch of Interfaith Alliance.

Benjamin Kodama Sr., 82, is known as Hawai'i's orchid ambassador and has worked with the orchid industry for about 60 years. He developed a branding method to recognize orchids bred in Hawai'i because he wants to see the Islands become one of the top orchid growing areas in the world.

Congratulations for the richly deserved honor and to Honpa Hongwanji for its role in recognizing so many deserving individuals over the years.