Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann plans to recognize 80 Senior Citizens for their service to the community.

The Mayor's Senior Recognition program has been going on for 42 years, often with a theme.

"The theme this year is Sharing Aloha through a Healthy Lifestyle. They're between the ages of 61 and 95. This is my fourth one and I always look forward to it," said Hannemann.

The seniors are honored for their service to the community, from Meals on Wheels to volunteering at the library.

"They all have a lot of stories to share with me about how they're making a difference in the community and I think it's great that through our Department of Community Services Elderly Affairs Division Honolulu Committee on Aging that we actually honor them for what they do each and every day of the year," said Hannemann.

I asked the mayor if there were particular examples of senior service that stood out for him.

“I'm always amazed when there is a life story about someone who continues to drive in their 80's and is taking their fellow home-bound seniors to a hospital, to visit someone, to go to the stores," said Hannemann.

The most important role for seniors, the mayor says, is one they may not even be aware of - quietly mentoring the next generation. And their volunteer service is a key part of that mentoring process.

"You know, our young people need that - they need to know that as they grow up in life, the example now is to give back and continue to share with others what you've learned," said Hannemann.

There is a nominating process each year that ends in February. If you know of a senior involved in the community and offering volunteer service, the city's Elderly Affairs Division would like to hear from you. As for the mayor, he's looking forward to tomorrow.

"And it's obviously very gratifying for me as mayor to recognize these individuals because as I said, they're the role models. They've been doing this all this time, it's important for the next generation to follow their example," said Hannemann.