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Committee on Aging Meeting Minutes Friday, September 27, 2019 Page 2 Malia Hall, Corporation Counsel; Eric Honda, State DOH; Laron Kageyama, State DOH -APS 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MAY 31, 2019 MEETING Motion - Judy Bell, Seconded - Rowena Tiqui. Unanimously approved 4. WELCOME FROM MAYOR'S MANAGING DIRECTOR, WIL OKABE Wil was not able to attend the meeting, and asked Horace Farr to attend the meeting. Horace mentioned about what he does in the "back of the house," in keeping the necessary data in order, and flowing properly. He has been the office's data plumber! He also assured us that even though it is not yet clear when the Mayor will post the Executive Director position or appoint a different temporary Executive on Aging. The office will continue to run smoothly and deliver services to kupuna as always. He commended the staff for pulling together to make this happen. 5. IN-HOME WORKFORCE SHORTAGE: Discussion with guest experts: Shinichi Matsumoto, Seniors Helping Seniors Michelle Yamasaki, Services for Seniors Kara Osada D'Avella, Island CPR Carol Copeland, Community Ties of America Cionie Patricio, Nurse Aide Training school owner Jolean Yamada, Hawaii County Office of Aging Melinda Toa, Mastercare A. Meizhu Lui started the discussion with some facts about in-home care services. While the majority of caregivers are family members, today our discussion was focused on paid health and chore service personnel. • We have 7500 semi -dependent kupuna on Hawaii Island today which is 28% of the total population. The numbers will rise rapidly and the percentage will also rise. • In the needs assessment conducted last year, the Office of Aging found that people identified the shortage of home -care workers to be a top issue. • While needs continue to rise, the workforce is shrinking. While there are more than enough available jobs, people are not moving to home -care occupations.