2011 Outstanding Advocates for Children

Pamela Young with Sen. Chun Oakland, Rep. Thielen, Rep. Mizuno, Sen. Pohai, and Sen. Ching

Thirteen individuals and organizations were honored today at the 2011 Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Luncheon held at Washington Place.

2011 Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth Recipients

The Hawaii Meth Project – Cindy Adams has been the Executive Director of the Hawaii Meth Project, a non-profit organization utilizing public service messaging and community outreach to prevent methamphetamine use in Hawaii. Cindy has also created the Teen Advisory Council made up of students across the state to help the organization grow. The campaign "Not Even Once" has been a success in poster contest, media outlets, in schools and businesses. Because of Cindy, many teens make the right choice to be "meth free" and therefore, our community has been a safer and better place for our youth. Nominated by Colby Takeda.

Adult Friends for Youth was established in 1985 at the University of Hawaii as a volunteer mentoring program for at risk children. Today Adult Friends for Youth promotes educational achievement and offers a prescription of hope for significantly reducing poverty and destructive behaviors among at risk youth. AFY also provides for a Clinical Competency Based High School Diploma Program which provides students who have dropped out of high school the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma. AFY has reduced youth substance abuse and gang-related activities and have help at risk youth attain their educational and career goals and improved our community. Nominated by Ronald Oyama.

Malcolm Ching with family, friends and guests.

Malcolm Ching has been a visionary youth and family leader establishing the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol Wing Encampment which trains youth leadership development, aerospace education, emergency response and preparedness and the importance of community service. Often, a cadet's completion of this Encampment Program will provide them with the opportunity to receive advanced placement as an enlisted member within our Armed Services, advanced college credit within a college ROTC program, or support in an application to one of our prestigious military academies. Nominated by Rep. Ryan Yamane.

Graham Builders is a locally owned design/build firm which has, for the past 11 years, hosted and organized the annual holiday dinners for the Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation, ensuring all children in each family receives a gift, even siblings of the cancer-stricken children. A special recognition to Danny Graham, CEO of Graham Builders, along with his wife, Charlotte, who took on the task of organizing Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation's annual holiday party. Nominated by Tracy Aiwohi.

Joshua Beal has shared his time to AccessSurf Hawaii every month to help deaf and handicapped children learn to surf and has been teaching American Sign Language to at risk youth from the Waianae area. Joshua Beal also delivers hot meals to the homeless during his free time. Nominated by Amy Hammond.

Help the Hawaii Homeless is a homeless service organization which seeks to assist homeless children, youth and families by way of services to coordinating communities opportunities and partnerships with a number of local agencies to provide essential services to homeless families in Hawaii. This program also sponsors return flights to reunify families and reduce homelessness in Hawaii. Nominated by Tisha Woytenko.

Kea'au Youth Business Center (KYBC) has served over 500 youth, won several state and national awards, produced approximately 30 PSAs and documentaries dealing with youth social issues like smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, domestic violence, and environmental issues such as recycling. KYBC gives economically disadvantaged youth access to state-of-the-art facility with quality equipment and professional trainers in areas such as digital media, art, culinary arts, music and recording. Nominated by Eugene McElroy.

Louise Kido Iwaishi, M.D. has been a champion for special needs children and as a pediatrician has served many special needs children. She is an advisor on the Good Beginnings Alliance board and on the Hawaii Early Intervention Coordinating Council and trains pediatricians in Hawaii. Dr. Iwaishi advocates for child health issues related to federal Title V Children with Special Health Care Needs as well as Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment, Autism Services Implementation and Children's Oral Health. Nominated by Annette Mente, Leolinda Parlin, Patricia Heu, and Keiki Nitta.


Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services (KKV) provides holistic and comprehensive healthcare to the residents of Kalihi Valley, many immigrant youth and families who may lack insurance. KKV established the 100 acre park for learning opportunities for the youth in farming, exercise, reconnection with the land, and restoring ancient sites in Hawaii. In addition to healthcare for youth, KKV has been instrumental in educating Hawaii's youth on understanding the Hawaiian cultural values, the ecology, and unity by working together. Nominated by Judith Clark.

Pamela Young anchors KITV 4 News on the weekends and has been an 11-time Emmy winner and Peabody recipient and produces Mixed Plate which displays her critically acclaimed local prime time specials. Pamela Young is a well-respected and high profile personality news reporter and journalist, who has touched the lives of many in Hawaii with her empathy and passion, especially when featuring stories directly affecting Hawaii's youth on issues such as education and safety issues for Hawaii's Keiki. Moreover, Pamela Young has supported Sounding Joy Music Therapy, which provides for stimulating music therapy in rehabilitation for children and youth who suffer from a mental or physical ailment. Nominated by Keiko Kajiwara.


Certificates of recognition were given to Uncle "Mel" Murata, Bonnie "Pua" Case and Ewa Beach PONY Bronco Division Coaches.