Kaua‘i Attorney Receives AARP’s Highest Volunteer Honor

AARP Hawai‘i recognized Kaua‘i resident and attorney J. Michael Ratcliffe with the 2019 Andrus Award for Community Service -- the organization’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Hawai‘i selected Ratcliffe for his remarkable service which has greatly benefited his community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. Ratcliffe is the president, founding partner and founder of the Seniors Law Program, a non-profit corporation offering legal services to kupuna on Kaua‘i. With his wife, he also founded the Kaua‘i Elder Abuse Council and the J & B Ratcliffe Foundation. The foundation works on kupuna law, fraud and end of life issues. The couple also produces the Seniors’ Law Corner television show on Ho‘ike Kauai Community Television.

He has also coached the champion Kaua‘i mock trial team, AYSO soccer and serves on numerous nonprofit boards on the island.

“Starting out at Legal Aid Kauai in 1981, he was inspired to do more for a group that of citizens he saw that had been lacking quality assistance and representation,” said his son Cov Ratcliffe in the nominatoin form for the Andrus Award. "(Ratcliffe) lives a life dedicated to public service committing selfless actions to improve the wellbeing of the elderly of Kauai and all citizens contributing to the invisible social fabric of our community that we call Aloha..”

The award was presented to Ratcliffe at a ceremony at AARP’s annual volunteer recognition lunch in Honolulu on Nov. 13.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said Keali‘i Lopez, the 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.