Serving on the Neighborhood Board may run in the genes for one Mililani family.

Three generations of the Bass family sit on the Mililani/Waipi'o/Melemanu Neighborhood Board: vice-chairman Bill Bass; his daughter, Mary Bass Segura; and his granddaughter, Danielle Bass.

It's the first time three generations of one family have served together on the same board, according to the Neighborhood Commission Office.

"I think it's great," said board chairman Richard Poirier. "It's the new way to do volunteer work on an intergenerational basis. ... The whole family is very civic-minded."

Bill Bass, a 67-year-old retiree, has served on the board for more than 10 years. Mary Bass Segura, 41, joined the board in 2003. The board last week elected Mary's 22-year-old daughter, Danielle Bass, to fill a vacancy.

"Initially I thought they would perceive our family as trying to take over the neighborhood board," Mary Bass Segura said with a laugh. "But my daughter got her degree in political science, and this is a good way for her to get some experience. ... We all have our various views on things, and we don't break the Sunshine Law."

Having three generations on the board means bringing different perspectives, said Danielle Bass, a legislative aide. Bill Bass was executive director of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station Redevelopment Commission, while Mary Bass Segura is an assistant professor of remedial and developmental studies at Windward Community College.

"Three generations — shows all the age groups that need to be represented," Danielle Bass said. "There are 20-year-olds who live in Mililani, and I'm glad that I can help in that representation. My mother, she's a working mom. ... My grandfather being retired, he's able to show that generation of community involvement."

Danielle Bass said her family's tradition of public service has inspired her to be active in the community. But ultimately the three family members have their own opinions.

"I try to just look at them as fellow (board) members," she said. "I am there to represent (the community) and not the ideas of other members of my family."

In the meantime, Bill Bass is proud. "I think these two women have a lot to offer — they're bright and take things seriously and are making a good contribution to the board," he said.

Neighborhood Commission Office executive assistant Michelle Kidani said having three generations on the board is "terrific."

"It shows there's interest and how community service is taught and passed down from generation to generation," she said.

The Mililani board, established in April 1975, is the oldest neighborhood board on the island, Kidani said.

While it's the first time three generations have served on one board, relatives have been on the same neighborhood board before, according to Kidani. For example, a father-daughter pair, Steve Glanstein and Rachel Glanstein, serves on the Aliamanu/Salt Lake/Foster Village Neighborhood Board, while Steve Glanstein's mother, Debbi Glanstein, serves on the Kailua Neighborhood Board.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.