On Oct. 19, the Hana community presented Sheila Roback with the Tiny Malaikini Mea Kokua Award at the parade marking the beginning of Hana’s Aloha Festivals Celebration, according to an Oct. 21 press release from Ward Mardfin. Every year the Malaikini award—established in 1992—goes to a person who has given most selflessly for the betterment of Hana.
It simultaneously honors the memory of Viewed Paniani “Tiny” Malaikini, a popular Hawaiian man whose life embodied the aloha and kokua spirit. “Simultaneously, it honors the memory of Viewed Paniani ‘Tiny’ Malaikini, a much beloved Hawaiian man whose life embodied ‘aloha’ and ‘kokua,'” stated the press release.
Roback won this year’s honor because of her many years of service to Hana’s kupuna, first as co-director and now as director of Hale Hulu Mamo. Her work at the center, which meets the social, creative, and physical needs of seniors in the community, helps the organization provide a safe and nurturing haven for Hana’s kupuna.
Roback also gives back to the community as an active supporter of the Hana Community Endowment Fund and Movie-in-the-Park. She also is known as a great public speaker and Mistress of Ceremonies for various events including Hana’s Aloha Week festivities. Additionally, Roback is active in the Catholic Church and arranges novenas and gives eulogies for community members. She also is a member of the Ka’ahumanu Society as well as being a talented creative writer.
The award—a koa framed certificate–was presented by several members of Malaikini’s family including his wife, Lynette, his daughter, Maydoria and his sons, Paniani and Joe Sol. In addition to the certificate, Roback’s name now appears on a perpetual trophy which hangs below a painting of Malaikini in the Hana Cultural Center.
PHOTO FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Micah (with photo of Tiny Malaikini and Carl Lindquist), Joe Sol (in back), Iris, Sheila Roback with certificate, Maydoria (behind Sheila), Amri (infant), Paniani, Lynette, Sage (holding perpetual trophy).
Photo by Ward Mardfin
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