MEDIA RELEASE
Hawai`i Death With Dignity Society
https://hawaiidwdsociety.org/
CONTACT:
Scott Foster
Communications Director
808-590-5880
[email protected]
HAWAI`I DEATH WITH DIGNITY SOCIETY RECEIVES 2017
THINKTECH HAWAI`I COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Constance Lau Delivered Keynote Honoring Five Individuals and Organizations
During Annual Reception & Dinner
HONOLULU: DECEMBER 13, 2017 — The Hawai`i Death With Dignity Society was one of the five individuals and organizations honored during the 2017 ThinkTech Hawai`i annual Reception and dinner in the ballroom of Honolulu’s Laniākea YWCA. The Society was recognized “for outstanding service to the community in its efforts to educate the community on Medical Aid in Dying legislation and in offering advice to those who are confronted with the pain and turmoil of terminal illness.”
Scott Foster accepted the commemorative certificate on behalf of “those who led the way and have passed on.” Remembered were: Eleanor “Andi” Van der Voort, founder of the Hawaii Hemlock Society; Journalist and Advertising guru Robert “Bob” Rees; Former State Representatives Lisa Naito and Uncle Ernest “Juggie” Heen Jr.; Dr. Ira Rohter, UH political science professor; George Fox, “our self described ‘Junk Yard dog’”; Ruth Ellen Lindenberg, MPH; Folly Hofer, RN and Ah Quon McElrath, “labor champion and social activist.” Learn more about these formidable advocates HERE.
Foster also recognized his friend and long-time associate Marsha Joyner. They co-produce the weekly ThinkTech broadcast of “Navigating The Journey” which focuses on end-of-life issues and Hawai`i politics. Now in its 53rd week, the show airs live every Wednesday at 11:00 am, is archived on YouTube HERE and is also rebroadcast on TIme-Warner-Spectrum cable channel 16.
Introduced by ThinkTech.com founder and President, Jay Fidel, the keynote speaker Constance Lau praised the five outstanding local individuals and organizations “for their dedication and service to the ongoing welfare of our community.” Ms. Lau is the Chairman of American Savings Bank, Chairman of the Board of Hawaiian Electric Company Inc. and a Director of the Matson Corporation.
ThinkTech Hawai`i, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a platform for civic engagement, presented awards to the following:
– Randy Harris accepting for the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region for outstanding service to the community in responding to disasters that threaten us and in providing critical services to the victims of those disasters.
– Clare Hanusz, Immigration Lawyer for outstanding service to the community for her courage and determination in assisting disadvantaged refugees, detainees and other immigrants in Hawai`i.
– Scott Foster representing the Hawai`i Death with Dignity Society for outstanding service to the community in its efforts to educate the community on Medical Aid in Dying legislation; and in offering advice to those who are confronted with the pain and turmoil of terminal illness.
– Greg Barbour representing the National Energy Laboratories of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) for outstanding service to the community in its efforts to support the development of our state’s economy by providing facilities for energy and ocean-related research and entrepreneurship in an environmentally sound and culturally sensitive way.
– Brett Oppegaard, Journalist and Associate Professor, School of Communications at the University of Hawai`i.
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