Kaiser Recognizes Hawai‘i Doctors for National Award

(L–R) Douglas DuPont, Cathy Alsup, Vincent Verdeprado, Dr. Daryl Kurozawa and Michelle Hashimoto. Courtesy photo.

Kaiser Permanente recognized Hawai‘i Island’s Dr. Daryl Kurozawa and Tammi Onaha on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, as recipients of the national David Lawrence Community Service Award.

The award honors the outstanding volunteer activities and initiatives spearheaded by Kaiser Permanente staff to improve community health and wellness. To celebrate their accomplishments, Kaiser Permanente will donate $10,000 to local nonprofits selected by each award recipient.

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(L–R) Tammi Onaha, and Children’s Alliance of Hawai‘i’s Lisa Dunn and Monica Aquiningoc. Animal assistance dog Pono. Courtesy photo.

Dr. Kurozawa, a general surgeon for Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i, will contribute his $10,000 award to the American Cancer Society. He has a 22-year history of volunteerism working with 19 nonprofits and organizations, primarily in his hometown of Kona. Dr. Kurozawa served as a former trustee of the Kona Hospital Foundation, where he played a key role in bringing radiation therapy to West Hawai‘i, improving access to treatment for patients with breast and prostate cancer. His other leadership roles include co-director of the West Hawai‘i Cancer Symposium and leader of the State Cancer advisory group. In 2015, Dr. Kurozawa received the St. George National Award from the American Cancer Society for his ongoing dedication to improving cancer care in Hawai‘i through patient outreach, legislative advocacy, fundraising and special events.

Onaha, a same-day surgery department technician at Moanalua Medical Center, will donate $10,000 to the Children’s Alliance of Hawai‘i, where she has volunteered for five years. Onaha has served as a parent mentor and supportive leader for more than 30 parents of sexually abused children through the Strengthening Parents program. Her advocacy efforts include participating in Hawai‘i’s first Restorative Justice Group, where she spoke on behalf of thousands of victims affected by criminals being released back into the community.

“Dr. Kurozawa and Tammi exemplify Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to serving the communities where we live and work,” said Joy Barua of Kaiser Permanente Hawai‘i. “We’re honored to support their selected nonprofits with donations on their behalf. Their time and efforts go a long way toward improving the total health of our communities.”

The David Lawrence Community Service Award is named for David Lawrence, MD, former chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente and a lifelong advocate for improving health.