Kaua‘i AEA seeks nominations for kūpuna for Older Americans Month

Kaua‘i’s Agency on Elderly Affairs is asking the public to nominate kūpuna who have made meaningful and lasting contributions to the island for recognition during Older Americans Month. The county agency says the program is intended to spotlight older adults whose service, leadership and dedication have strengthened Kauai communities.

Eligible nominees must be 65 years of age or older by Dec. 31, 2025, and “demonstrate a strong commitment to service, leadership and dedication to helping others.” Nominations require a completed application, and organizations are encouraged to include a supporting letter. Applications are available at the Agency on Elderly Affairs office or on the AEA website.

Completed applications must be mailed and postmarked no later than Feb. 28, 2026, or delivered in person to the AEA office by 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026. For questions, the Agency on Elderly Affairs can be reached at 808-241-4470 or by email at elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov. The AEA release announcing the call for nominations was issued Feb. 9, 2026.

Selected nominees will be honored locally at an Older Americans Recognition Ceremony; the AEA said details of that Kauai event will be announced in a later news release. Of those recognized, “one male and one female will be selected to represent Kauai at a statewide recognition ceremony to be held on Oahu in June.” The agency framed the effort as a moment for the island to show appreciation: “This annual recognition provides an opportunity to express appreciation for the invaluable contributions of Kauai’s older adults and to celebrate the positive and lasting impact they continue to have on our island.”

The invitation aligns with similar county-level programs across the state. Maui County’s Office on Aging notes that its recognition program “is held each May in conjunction with Older Americans Month to recognize older adults across the nation for their extraordinary efforts and contributions to society.” Maui plans a county awards luncheon on May 15, 2026, and Mayor Richard Bissen observed, “Maui County is home to so many kūpuna who have devoted their time, energy and knowledge to helping others and making our community a better place. When we recognize these residents and their contributions, we are reminded that strong communities are built across generations.” Kauai’s schedule differs in that county nominees will proceed to a statewide ceremony on Oahu in June.

For nominators, the immediate steps are practical: obtain the AEA nomination form, prepare a completed application and, if possible, include a supporting letter from an organization or community group, then mail or deliver by the stated deadlines. The next update readers should watch for is the AEA’s announcement of the local Older Americans Recognition Ceremony, which will provide the date, time and venue for Kauai’s honors.