Six people were given the award in Hawai'i; Boas was selected from those for the national award.

"Of the six on the list, I didn't think I would be the one selected," the 73-year-old Boas said. "They asked me to be on next year's selection committee. I can select better people. I'm extremely flattered."

Sens. Dan Inouye and Daniel Akaka presented the award yesterday to Boas, a retired international attorney who has focused his philanthropic efforts toward the arts, education and his community.

Mike Fisch, president and publisher of The Honolulu Advertiser, which is the Hawai'i sponsor of the Jefferson Award, said Boas "epitomizes" the award. Fisch was amused to hear of Boas' comments.

"Frank is the kind of guy that gets involved and isn't looking for a lot of recognition," Fisch said. "His service is selfless."

Boas has been especially gratified by the foreign exchange education programs he has helped create. His most recent passion is the University of Hawai'i Law School's new graduate degree for foreign attorneys.

Boas also set up an annual Boas Travel Scholarship through the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council to help public high school students attend a summer study abroad, and assisted the Honolulu Academy of Arts education program locally and internationally.

Inouye said: "Frank Boas' community service has been invaluable. (He is) a most worthy recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Award."

Boas is board president of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council, a trustee of the University of Hawai'i Foundation and chairman of its planned-giving committee, a member of the Friends Board of the University of Hawai'i Law School, a member of the Dean's Pacific Asian Legal Studies advisory committee and a Honolulu Academy of Arts trustee.