MEDIA RELEASE

Sen. Gilbert Kahele was among several dignitaries at the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s Annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet. He will be presenting certificates of recognition to the awardees.

The event was Friday, Feb. 24 at UH Hilo’s Campus Center Dining Hall.

“It is an honor to be part of this great event celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of such notable citizens of Hawaii Island,” said Kahele, who represents Ka‘u, Puna and Hilo.

This year’s award recipients in the Distinguished Alumni category include:

* Brigadier General Gary M. Hara
* Dennis O’Brien
* Gladys Sonomura
* Ross Wilson

Recipients in the Distinguished Service category are:

* Dr. Miyoko Sugano
* Jimmy Yagi

Kahele Honors Keaau Librarian Technician

On Thursday, Kahele honored Keaau Public and School Library technician Teri King-Agan.

Teri King-Agan and Sen. Gilbert Kahele (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

King-Agan, of Mountain View, has been with the library system for 15 years. She began her career in Hilo, then moved on to Keaau Public and School Library.

As a library technician, she created a variety of programs, including developing a color-coded video catalog system. She has also simplified a technique in teaching novices on how to use the computer-based collection catalog.

King-Agan is truly an asset to the Keaau community. She is dedicated to her work and has created programs to stimulate community engagement,” Kahele said.

Each year, Friends of the Library of Hawaii presents the Excellence in Service Awards to recognize those who work “in the trenches” as library assistants, technicians, janitors, or in other capacities.

The Librarian of the Year Award also was .

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