[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2042-E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF GERALD K. SUMIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gerald K. 
Sumida as he retires after serving nearly 23 years as Program Director 
of the Hawaii Senior Companion Program (SCP).
  Gerald's career with the Hawaii state government began in July 1975, 
where he worked in the then Corrections Division and the Adult Services 
Unit of the then Department of Social Services and Housing. On March 
16, 1983, he began his tenure with SCP and has dedicated his time and 
compassion in helping improve the lives of our beloved kupuna or 
elders. Under the direction of Gerald, the SCP and the Respite 
Companion Service Program (RCSP) have gained the recognition and 
respectability in the aging community.
  Through Gerald's guidance the Senior Companion Program has expanded 
its senior companion services to include Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, 
Lanai, and Kauai. Gerald's tireless efforts have provided Hawaii the 
opportunity to be continually blessed with two federally funded 
programs providing much needed services to the frail elderly 
population. Through Gerald's foresight, the SCP and RCSP have continued 
to improve the quality of life for thousands of frail elderly 
individuals, and the RCSP has provided hundreds of its participants the 
opportunity for unsubsidized employment as ``older workers'' in today's 
workforce.
  Gerald's gentle and compassionate nature has given many elderly low-
income individuals, with limited resources and command of

[[Page E2043]]

the English language, hope and encouragement to become productive 
seniors in the community. He will truly be missed at the Hawaii Senior 
Companion Program, but I believe that he will remain an active member 
of the community. Mahalo nui loa for all of your hard work, Gerald! 
Aloha and Imua!

                          ____________________