Hawaii Society for Respiratory Care

Helen M. Ono Award

Award Description:

The award honors the memory of Helen M. Ono, RRT who served the HSRC for most of the 30 years of her respiratory care career (president at least twice, delegate to the AARC, director, secretary, treasurer, and on numerous committees). As chairperson of the annual State RC Conference Committee for many years, she helped to build stature among RC state conferences nationwide. Besides giving time to the HSRC, she was a dedicated supporter and long-time volunteer for the American Lung Association of Hawaii (Emphysema Hui, Kokua Na Keiki Family Asthma Program and the Hawaii Thoracic Society); a volunteer with the Young Buddhist Association (Hawaii Asthma Camp); a volunteer  for community events at her workplace, Kuakini Medical Center; and with her church, St. Patrick in Kaimuki.

Each year since 2000, Hawaii respiratory therapists are invited to nominate a peer who exemplifies the qualities of leadership and the spirit of giving that Helen lived; and who has also contributed to the growth and development of the HSRC and the Respiratory Care profession in Hawaii.

Past Recipients of the Helen M. Ono Award Include the Following:

  • 2000,  Jo Ann Ikehara, RRT
  • 2001,  Nancy Mendoza, RRT
  • 2002, Carol Agard, RRT
  • 2003, Wendell Inouye, RRT
  • 2004, Kristine Hara, RRT
  • 2005, Steve Wehrman, RRT
  • 2006, Linda Castro, RRT
  • 2007, Aaron Koseki, RRT
  • 2008, Ronald Sanderson, RRT
  • 2009, Diane Brenessell, RRT
  • 2010, Joan Tso Fong Loke, RRT
  • 2011, Ross Y. Fujiwara, RRT
  • 2012, Lisa Vidinha, RRT
  • 2013, No nominee
  • 2014, Brian N. Oka, RRT
  • 2015, Ed Borza, RRT
  • 2016, Clarence Rodrigues, RRT
  • 2017, June Kanda, RRT
  • 2018, Shary Hayashi, RRT
  • 2019, No nominee

Criteria:

  1. Nominee shall be a Respiratory Therapist licensed to practice in the state of Hawaii and a current AARC/HSRC member.
  2. Nominee shall be an individual “who has worked for the advancement of the Respiratory Care profession through excellence of care, compassion and advocacy on behalf of the respiratory patient; for the promotion of respiratory health through community service, public awareness and the mentoring of health professionals; for the advancement of the art and science of Respiratory Care and the enrichment of the Respiratory Care community.”

Awardee Receives:

  1. A commemorative plaque.
  2. Registration paid for the next year’s conference.

Nominate a Respiratory Therapist for the Helen M. Ono Award with the Form Below