Mental Health America of Hawaii to honor local leaders

Mental Health America of Hawaii will honor local nonprofit and government leaders and organizations at the Second Annual Mental Health Mahalo Awards Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at the Japanese Cultural Center, Manoa Ballroom, 2454 South Beretania St., Honolulu.

The former Mental Health Association will recognize M.P. “Andy” Anderson, outgoing CEO of the Hina Mauka Recovery Center, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Poka Laenui, executive director of Hale Na'au Pono (the Waianae Coast Community Mental Health Center), will receive the Outstanding Executive Award.

Also to be recognized: the Outstanding Agency, Friendship House Clubhouse of Kauai; Outstanding Individual, Pualani Kamaunu Basbas, Maui Parent Advocate; Outstanding Government Agency, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Division/DOH, Christina Donkervoet, chief;
Outstanding Businesses, Hawai`i Transit Services, J. Roger Morton, CEO, for providing education and support to mental health, and Mililani Agricultural Park, Wayne Ogasawara, manager, for hiring persons with mental illness.

Reserve a seat for $50 and up; on-site parking is $3 with validation. Call 808-521-1846 or email info@mentalheath-hi.org for more information.