DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM
Project Dana volunteer Stan Ishizaki comes out to help Kinsei and Violet Uehara get to their appointment. Although the Uehara's live on their own, they still need help when it comes to transportation.
Driving Ms. Violet fulfills
selfless Kaimuki man
Stanley Ishizaki of Kaimuki started driving Violet and Kinsei Uehara around several years ago when they could no longer drive themselves.
CORRECTION
Friday, Aug. 8, 2003>> The correct address for Project Dana, an organization that serves the elderly, is 2720 Nakookoo St. Its mailing address is 902 University Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826. An incorrect address was given in an article on Page A17 Sunday..
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It gave him something to do and some new friends.
"I get a lot out of it," Ishizaki said. "... We've become pretty good friends and I enjoy doing it. I get a lot of self satisfaction helping those who need help. I wanted to do something other than staying at home."
Ishizaki, 66, a former radiology technician, volunteered with Project Dana when he retired in 1996.
Dana, which means "selfless giving" in Sanskrit, is a program that offers rides and other services to the elderly to help them live independently as long as possible.
Ishizaki usually takes the McCully couple to doctor appointments and later to lunch, where they insist on treating him. He and Kinsei Uehara have a lot of common interests, including golf and going to Las Vegas. Uehara doesn't normally talk much, Ishizaki said, but he "talks quite a bit to me. I always tease him, too."
Ishizaki said the couple does "too much" to show their appreciation, always giving him small gifts or extra fruit when they have any.
His first client, Nobu Miyashiro, moved to the mainland last year. He did extras for Miyashiro, too, even taking him out for breakfast and exercise walks around the park.
Project administrator Rose Nakamura labeled Ishizaki an "outstanding volunteer for his attitude and reliability. He's been servicing them since 1997."
Violet Uehara, 77, said she and her husband, 84, would have to take a taxi to get anywhere if they didn't have Project Dana.
"I can't stand on my own. When we get to the destination, he (Ishizaki) pushes me (in the wheelchair) into the office and waits for me. He's never impatient, always very pleasant."
The project started in 1989 at the Moiliili Hongwanji Mission, and now works out of 31 church sites throughout the state. The first rides offered were to and from church, but were then expanded to doctor appointments and other errands.
There are 17 sites on Oahu, supported by about 100 volunteers, according to Nakamura. The main office is at 2136 Waiola St., in Moiliili, and service can be arranged by calling 945-3736.
