Council recognizes two 'Outstanding Older Americans' for volunteer and resilience work

Vice Chair Brandon Wier and Council Member Kymberly Marcos Pine (Nishimoto in transcript) presented honorary certificates to Dottie Kelly Paddock and Edwin Tagawa as the City and County of Honolulu’s 2025 Outstanding Older Americans.

The council described Dottie Kelly Paddock’s work as advancing inclusive education and community resilience, citing her roles founding the Haula Emergency Leadership Preparedness Team and leading development of the Ko‘olau Community Resilience Hub. The remarks credited her work with enhancing local disaster preparedness and collaboration among government agencies and residents.

Council Member Kymberly Marcos Pine (Nishimoto in transcript) introduced Edwin Tagawa, age 87, and listed his volunteer activities: weekly service at the Kapalama DMV, support for a sustainable garden at the University of Hawai‘i, assistance to the Executive Office on Aging and the Susannah Wesley Community Center, meal deliveries with Hawaii Meals on Wheels and Lanakila Meals on Wheels, and participation in community recreation programs. Pine said Tagawa’s volunteerism has inspired others to serve.

The council framed both recognitions as honoring leadership, commitment and compassion and presented certificates on behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu. The remarks are ceremonial; the transcript records presentation and accolades but does not show a formal vote or ordinance attached to the recognitions.