[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 7, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING KUAKINI MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY ON ITS 111TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I congratulate the Kuakini Medical 
Center Auxiliary on its 111th anniversary of service to Hawaii's 
community. From a modest beginning in 1889, the Kuakini Medical Center 
Auxiliary has grown to the largest active group of volunteers of a 
health care organization in Hawaii. The roots of the Kuakini Medical 
Center Auxiliary are closely tied to the charitable beginnings of 
Kuakini Medical Center. They form an indispensable century old team 
caring for the health of Hawaii's people.
  In today's busy world time is at a premium, yet these volunteers 
manage to provide essential support services to the Kuakini Health 
System, such as transporting patients, distributing patient meals, 
errands, sewing, tagging medical supplies, and collating medical 
research. Volunteers furnish comfort and companionship to patients and 
residents in need. On holidays and special occasions, volunteers create 
favors for patients' meal trays to brighten the day.
  In addition to the compassionate services provided, the Kuakini 
Medical Center Auxiliary assists the Kuakini Health System financially. 
Proceeds from the Gift Shop and numerous fundraising events are donated 
to Kuakini Foundation. Since 1980, the auxiliary has awarded more than 
$20,000 in scholarships to Kaukini employees to further their 
education. More than a million dollars has been raised for Kuakini 
Health System since 1971 by the Kuakini Auxiliary.
  Currently, the Kuakini Medical Center Auxiliary has over 600 active 
members contributing at least 67,000 hours annually. The savings in 
labor costs are estimated at more than $860,000 annually, but the 
selfless sacrifice and caring contribution that these volunteers 
provide are priceless gifts to Hawaii's community. I compliment and 
thank the volunteers of the Kaukini Medical Center Auxiliary for the 
111 years of concerned meritorious public service they have rendered to 
Hawaii's community.

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