HONOLULU – The State of Hawai'i Executive Office on Aging (EOA) and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) will honor the contributions of kupuna to Hawai'i during a recognition luncheon at 11:15 a.m. today at Washington Place.

Eight honorees, two from each county, will be recognized for their dedicated contributions to their communities.

"These kupuna serve as role models by providing countless hours of volunteer, community and civic service through formal organizations and a variety of activities that benefit countless residents. They enhance our communities and lives by sharing their knowledge of culture, values and life experiences across the generations," EOA Executive Director Noemi Pendleton said in a news release.

The honorees were selected from among their peers to represent their counties, and are from a broad range of rural and urban settings. The honorees are Irene Nagao and Tom Poy (Hawai'i County); Naoko Ho and Richard Kashiwabara (Kaua'i County); Gwendolyn Ewalani Shim and Gordon Cockett (Maui County); and Gladys Takamoto and Norberto Baysa, M.D. (City and County of Honolulu).

Mrs. Vivian Aiona will present a proclamation on behalf of Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. who have proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in Hawai'i. This year's theme is "Working Together for Strong, Healthy and Supportive Communities."

This is the 45th year Older Americans Month is being celebrated in the United States.