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AARP Hawai`i Recognizes Stephen Lung for Exceptional Community Service with 2022 Andrus Award

AARP Hawai`i presented Stephen Lung with its 2022 Andrus Award for Community Service, AARP’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Hawai`i selected Lung for his remarkable service as a volunteer with the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program, Meals on Wheels, the Policy Advisory Board on Elderly Affairs for the Executive Office on Aging, and as a Bishop in his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints congregation.

His community service greatly benefits his community, reflects AARP’s vision and mission, and inspires other volunteers – the key criteria for the award.

“He helps empower, educate, and assist older adults, their families, friends, and/or caregivers with Medicare related questions. Medicare is complex, confusing, and ever evolving. With Stephen’s assistance he has helped many save money on their health coverage, better utilize their Medicare benefits, and make informed decisions, said Candice Nakamoto, the state health insurance program volunteer coordinator, who nominated him.

Lung wears many hats at the state insurance program, Nakamoto said. He is a counselor to kupuna seeking advice about Medicare, gives presentations to groups, provides information at events, mentors university students taking a Medicare course and trains new volunteers.

The Andrus Award was formally presented to Lung at a ceremony during AARP Hawai`i’s annual Christmas volunteer recognition lunch.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said Keali`i Lopez, AARP Hawai`i State Director. “AARP has
long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed and inspire others to volunteer. The award is named after AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus.

Judges also recognized other Adrus Award nominees/finalists for their outstanding volunteer contributions. They are:

  • Lyle Apo: Apo was nominated for his work ethic, problem solving skills, dexterity, loving heart, and humor as a volunteer for The Pantry by Feeding Hawai`i Together. He also volunteers at the USO and other organizations.
  • Harold Bugado: Burgado is a long-serving volunteer for veterans groups on the Big Island. He co-chaired the Hawai`i County Welcome Home ceremony for Vietnam veterans in 2017 and served on many county and non-profit boards.
  • Elizabeth Bush: Bush was cited for her 16-years of service to the Online Academy at Pacific Academy of the Healing Arts educating students and the community about substance abuse.
  • Allen Russell: Russell was nominated for creating public art murals in Hilo and nearby communities. Russell pays for the materials and does the art work himself without charging for his services.
  • William (Bill) Doi: Doi created a non-profit organization Kupuna Aikido to teach older adults to fall safely using principles of Aikido.
  • Richard and Barbra Webb: The Webbs volunteer two to three times per week at The Pantry by Feeding Hawai`i Together helping clients both directly and indirectly access food and other items.
About AARP Hawaii
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