HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (October - December 2019)Elderly Activities Division’s
Kupuna News
A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI‘I’S SENIORS
Vol. 21 No. 4 October-December 2019
ERS: Akamai Living Fair
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, Hilo, October 18
Old Airport Events Pavilion, Kona, November 22
ERS: Ground Golf
Spooktacular, Waimea District Park, October 25
Turkey Trot for Ka‘ū District, Nā‘ālehu, November 8
ERS: Holiday Bash Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, October 29
ERS: Kamana Karaoke Recital, Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, November 7
RSVP: Hawai‘i Care Choices “Light Up A Life” December
ERS: Teacher & Volunteer Rec ognition Luncheon, December 11
Information and Assistance
Hilo (808) 961-8777
Kona (808) 323-4320
Published quarterly by the
County of Hawai‘i
Department of Parks and Recreation
Elderly Activities Division
Harry Kim
Mayor, County of Hawai‘i
Coordinated Services for the Elderly
Coran Kitaoka, EAD Operations Assistant Director, (808) 323-4320
Christine Namahoe-Loo, East Hawai‘i (808) 961-8777, Jodie Torres, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4320
Elderly Activities Division
I&A District Team Meetings
Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Hilo
Elderly Activities Division (EAD) held it’s I&A Team District Meetings on July 16 in Hilo
and on July 17 in Kona for the RSVP Council Representatives, EAD Senior Clubs and
Nutrition Council Presidents. The EAD I&A Team District Meetings in July provide program
information and upcoming July to December informational activity and event flyers. Senior
representatives also had the opportunity to discuss district problems and concerns. The
January 2020 EAD Advisory Council Meeting will be held in Hilo.
West Hawai‘i Civic Center (WHCC), Kona
AARP TAX APPOINTMENTS Coordinated Services will assist in scheduling AARP Tax
appointments at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) starting January 2, 2020.
Seniors living in the East Hawai‘i districts are encouraged to call our CSE Hilo office at
(808) 961-8777 to schedule an appointment or contact your nearest CSE district office to
assist you.
County of Hawai‘i
Offers Home Repair Loans
The Office of Housing and Community Development is currently accepting applications to
its’ Residential Repair Program (RRP).
The RRP is a low interest loan program available to eligible low-and moderate-income
homeowners who are interested in repairing and improving their primary residence.
The RRP loan can be used for, but not limited to, roof repairs, electrical and plumbing work,
sewer improvements, termite treatment, repairs to damages caused by termites or wood
rot and the installation of a solar water heating system. In addition, it could be used for home
modifications to meet the needs of a person with disabilities.
Loans range from $2,500 to $25,000 at 3% simple interest. Loan payments are deferred
for 15 years, at which time full payment will be due. Applicants 62 years or older or with
persons with a disability, may be eligible to have 30% of the principal balance of the loan
forgiven at end of the loan period.
Applications and program information may be found on-line at
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/office-of-housing.
For more information or an application packet contact:
Kimberly Pacheco
Special Programs Coordinator
County of Hawai‘i
Office of Housing & Community Development Phone: (808) 959-4642
Fax: (808) 959-9308
E-mail: ohcdloans@hawaiicounty.gov
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
CSE Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
“Our Volunteers are Superheroes”
Lily Yoshimatsu Senior Center, August 23, 2019
Coordinated Services for the Elderly (CSE) held their annual volunteer recognition luncheon
on August 23, 2019, at the Lily Yoshimatsu Senior Center. Our dedicated senior volunteers
who are an integral part of our operations were recognized for all their hard work in assisting
the CSE program with clerical and telephone assistance, driving and transporting seniors,
providing companionship to seniors who are homebound and many other support services
provided by CSE. Thank you for being our “Superheroes” as we continue to enrich the lives
of others.
Much Mahalo to Cafe 100, Kozmic Cones, Seaside Restaurant, Big Island Candies, Ken’s
House of Pancakes, Manago Hotel & Restaurant, Aaron Kahananui, KTA Super Stores,
Creative Arts, Wiki Fresh, Punalu‘u Bake Shop and KapohoKine Adventures who generously
donated prizes and gifts for our senior volunteers.
Front L-R: Violet Loo, Edith Miller, Ernesto Arciaga, Joseph AhChoy, Roann Okamura,
EAD Director.
Middle L-R: Odetta Peralta, Eileen Matsumoto, Mamie Bramlett, Darlette Miguel,
Sachiko Ishihara, Alice Cypriano, Maria Yano, Aaron Kahananui.
Back L-R: Geri Lyman, Kalani Heineke, Sam Ola, Lorraine Yadao, John Bigler, Bobby Miguel,
Clayton Araujo.
Super Heroes unable to attend: Melvin Keohohou, Heribert Pfecht, Marjorie “Shana” Moore,
Ward Kotaki, Encarnacion Datuin, Florence Fukui, Calvin “Cal” Manliguis,
Rodrigo “Rudy” Peralta, Luella Puahala, Patricia Soares and Kapuaokalani Andrade.
Kupuna News 3 October-December 2019
For Senior ID Cards, Information and Assistance, Referral, Chore & Transportation
October
01, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
02, Wed. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
03, Thurs. Kona Keauhou Shopping Center - Center Court 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
07, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
08, Tues. Waimea Lily Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
08, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
09, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
14, Mon. HOVE St. Jude’s Church 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
14, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Building” 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
16, Wed. Honoka‘a Malama Market 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
30, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center - Building B 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
November
01, Fri. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
04, Mon. Ka‘ū Pāhala Hawai‘i Housing Center 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
04, Mon. Ka‘ū Nā‘ālehu Community Center 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
04, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Building” 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
04, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
06, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
07, Thurs. Kona Keauhou Shopping Center - Center Court 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
12, Tues. Waimea Lily Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
12, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
12, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
15, Fri. Hilo CSE Pāpa‘aloa Office 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
20, Wed. Honoka‘a Malama Market 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
27, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center - Building B 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
December
02, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
03, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
04, Wed. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
05, Thurs. Kona Keauhou Shopping Center - Center Court 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
09, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Building” 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
10, Tues. Waimea Lily Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
10, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
11, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
18, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center - Building B 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
18, Wed. Honoka‘a Malama Market 11:00 – 1:00 p.m.
COORDINATED SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
East Hawai‘i
Christine Namahoe-Loo, Program Director, (808) 961-8777
Hilo, Cynthia “Leihua” Malani, (808) 961-8777
Kea‘au, Karen Kotaki, (808) 966-5800
Pāhoa, Jeffrey Gaeth, (808) 965-2705
Nā‘ālehu, Terry Saito, (808) 939-2504
Pāhala, Terry Saito, (808) 928-3100
West Hawai‘i
Jodie Torres, Program Director, (808) 323-4320
Kona, Junie-Ann Kamoku, (808) 323-4320
Kohala, Jun Ishimine, (808) 889-6502
Waimea, Vacant, (808) 887-3008
Honoka‘a, Lorrie Akina-Ferguson, (808) 775-7503
Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Eldelry Recreation Services
Iris Higa, Program Director (808) 961-8710
Randell Kokubun, N/S Hilo 961-8710 Onan Masaoka, Puna/Ka‘ū 966-5801 Charlie Brown, West Hawai‘i 323-4340
As we approach the end of the year we look back at the wonderful time we have spent with all
of you. From our Ukulele Festival to the ending of our softball season we’ve had an enjoyable
time for sure. And more is yet to come in 2020!
For more info please call our offices at: Hilo 961-8710, Kea‘au 966-5801 and Kona 323-4340
for more information about our programs, or visit us online at www.hawaiicounty.gov
4th Annual Hawai‘i Senior Ukulele Festival
Ukulele players from around the island joined together for our 2019 Ukulele Festival.
Over 400 seniors filled the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium and with their ukuleles they
played their hearts out. Six lucky seniors went home with brand new ukuleles that were
given as door prizes. Local entertainer Mark Yamanaka was the special guest performer
and he was able to hang out with the seniors. It was a successful event filled with lots of
music and fun.
Kupuna News 5 October-December 2019
3rd Annual Bon Dance Festival
It was a perfect day for our annual bon dance that was held at Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium.
Over 350 seniors from around the island attended our day time bon dance. Seniors enjoyed
making their own cards, headbands, fans, and luggage tags. They were even able to take
home their own bonsai plant and a bag of freshly made andagi! During their break from
dancing they were entertained by Kamana’s own Senior Taiko. It definitely was a fun filled
event!
Kupuna News 6 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Home & Home Bowling Tournament
Bowlers from Hilo and Kona enjoyed a fun day together at KBXtreme in Kailua-Kona.
3rd Annual Kamana Senior Art Exhibit The Hawai‘i Japanese Center sponsored an
awesome exhibit for the Kamana Senior Art Classes. The room was filled with
artwork from the talented seniors. Amy Hamane, pictured below was awarded the
“People’s Choice Award” for her work.
Kupuna News 7 October-December 2019
Senior Activities
Honaunau Seniors kanikapila at Royal Kona Resort.
Volcano Seniors card making activity.
Seniors enjoying the 4th of July Fireworks at Isles.
Waikoloa Seniors at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.
Michiko Ryan celebrating her 100th Birthday with Pōmaika‘i Senior Club.
Laupāhoehoe Seniors visiting the Orchid Show at Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium.
Pāhala Seniors visit Halemaumau Crater.
4th of July Hula performance at Seniors of Paradise potluck.
Kupuna News 8 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program
Kaui Paleka-Kama, Program Director, (808) 961-8730
Kathleen Azevedo, East Hawai‘i (808) 961-8730, Joy Foster, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4333
RSVP In Action
Ke Ola Pono No Nā Kūpuna—Kona entertaining at Regency at Hualalai
Haunani Medeiros, Rose Mary King & Eleanor Rodrigues,
Amelia “Chickadee” Dias & Dianna Kauinui, Eleanor Rodrigues & Roberta Smith
RSVP volunteers setting up for CASINO DAY!
Nate Suganuma, Tommy Haraguchi, Louis Azevedo & Tommy Kiyojima
American Cancer Society
BARK FOR LIFE
A Canine Event To Fight Cancer
Lili‘uokalani Park Saturday
June 01, 2019
Dollars Raised: $740.00
L-R: Marie Kuramoto, Vinnie Shishido, Tony Vicar, Leatrice Yamamoto, Deborah Osaki,
Kathleen Azevedo (CSPA) & Linda Silva
RSVP Volunteers assisted at registration.
Mahalo to our wonderful volunteers!
Kupuna News 9 October-December 2019
Big Island Marathon
March 15-17, 2019
REGISTRATION
Sandy Otake, Anna Honda & Sharon Okuda, LaVerne Miyazono, Trudy Ozaki, Sal Hagiwara
& Helen Matsui, Laura & Danny Padilla & Arlene Waugh, Patricia Arima, BJ Nesbitt, Linda Silva
& Anna Diego, Ray & Doris Koshi & Eva Hirano, Karen Nishida, Marge Kanemitsu & Elsie Iida,
Carol Ah Yo, Betty Ben & Marie Kuramoto
REFRESHMENTS
Kyle Ancheta, Louis Azevedo & Ralph Kuheana
Kalanianaole School Book Fair
Anna Diego, Linda Silva & Judy Ah Chin, Sal Hagiwara, Hazel Bello, Arlene Yonamine,
Judy Ah Chin & Anna Honda
WELCOME
New RSVP Advisory Council Members: Jacque Green, Toni Tracy &
Connie Somera being sworn in by Program Director Kaui Paleka-Kama
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Ka Uhane Hemolele O Ka Malamalama Church
Volunteers assisted in the church’s annual Merry Monarch fundraiser
BJ Nesbitt, Pearl Towata, Vinnie Shishido & Judy Ah Chin, Linda Silva,
Vinnie Shishido, Charlene Sugihara, Carol Ah Yo & Judy Ah Chin
RELAY FOR LIFE
American Cancer Society
T-SHIRT FOLDING
Janice Higashi, Roberta Cartwright, Carol Ah Yo & Lorraine Nakaji,
Bea Iwamoto & Deborah Osaki.
These dedicated volunteers worked through a power outage!
HIAC
Hawai`i Island Adult Care, INC
14th Annual Golf Tournament
Friday, July 12, 2019
Hilo Muni
Doreen Usui & Itsue Yamasaki, Jane Shimoda & Mel Honda,
Tommy Haraguchi & Harold Uyeno. Wendell Kelii & Friend,
Roberta Cartwright & Jan Higashi, Shirley Kawamoto & Jane Uyeno.
Kuikahi Mediation Center
Mass Mailing
Laura Padilla & Pearl Towata, Bea Iwamoto & Linda Silva, Danny Padilla &
Lorraine Nakaji
Volunteers like you bring a little hope and leave a little sunshine everywhere they go.
Kupuna News 11 October-December 2019
Blood Bank of Hawai`i
The RSVP program actively participates in various Blood Bank Drives islandwide. In
providing volunteers for the Elvis Sheppard Annual Blood Drive held on July 3rd and for
the County of Hawai‘i Blood Drive held on July 17th. As well as sponsoring the RSVP
W. HI Blood Drive on July 5th at the Kona LDS Church and the RSVP E. HI Blood Drive
on July 18th at Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale.
Elvis Sheppard Blood Drive
RSVP W HI Blood Drive
Janice Onaka & Janet Yanagi, Nani Adachi & Pat Aarhus
County of Hawai‘i Blood Drive
County Workers and RSVP volunteers
RSVP E HI Blood Drive
188 donors registered for the EHI RSVP sponsored blood drive.
13 were first time donors and 178 units of blood were collected.
Since each unit of blood can be divided into three different components,
this blood drive may have touched 513 lives!
Kalanianaole School Uniform Pickup
Kalanianaole Alumni Volunteers: Judy Ah Chin, Sue Escalona, Hazel Bello & Anna Diego
Volunteers: Linda Silva, Diane Kunimoto, Sal Hagiwara, Anna Diego & Judy Ah Chin
Beginning July 1, 2019: Approved mileage claimants will be able to claim a maximum
of 200 miles per month, providing funds are available. New volunteers or claimants
requesting mileage reimbursement will need to provide their current license,
registration (with current safety check) and current insurance. Claimants must volunteer
a minimum of 2 hours to claim mileage on a given day.
Kupuna News 12 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Nutrition Program Highlights
Carla Carpenter Kabalis, Program Director, (808) 961-8726
Michael Au, Community Service Program Assistant II, (808) 961-8726
ALOHA JERI KUNZER
Nutrition Staff Wishes YOU A Happy Retirement. You are the best, Account clerk!
HOLUALOA NUTRITION WELCOMES
Our NEW CSW III Edward Helmbrecht
Kupuna News 13 October-December 2019
Waimea Nutrition
Visits Parker Ranch
Kea‘au Nutrition
Has fun making Tie-dye Aprons and Cabochon Jewelry.
Kohala Nutrition
Enjoys a beautiful day Fishing and having a Picnic in Kohala.
Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Training & Employment Program
Mark Kunzer, Program Director, (808) 961-8750
HERE'S THE NEWS
SENIORS IN TRAINING
The Senior Training & Employment Program (STEP) is a community service and
work-based job training program for older Americans. Authorized by the Older American
Act, STEP provides training for low income, unemployed seniors age 55 years or older.
STEP helps seniors receive training to aid them in returning to the workforce. It provides
temporary, paid, part-time work experience with public sector and non-profit agencies.
Participants work an average of 19 hours per week and are paid at the current minimum
wage. This training assists older Americans connect to unsubsidized employment
opportunities.
PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY
• Must be 55 years or older and unemployed at the time applying for enrollment.
• Must meet low-income federal guidelines.
• Must be a resident of the County of Hawai‘i.
County of Hawai‘i
Parks & Recreation, Elderly Activities Division
Senior Training and Employment Program
1055 Kino‘ole Street, Suite 107, Hilo, HI 96720
Telephone: (808) 961-8750 Fax: (808) 961-8752
E-mail: senioremployment@hawaiicounty.gov
In April, our STEP participants attended a 9 day Computer and Job Readiness Training
program at Hawai‘i Community College instructed by Janet Carpenter. The training included
how to search for jobs, organizing your information, resume preparation, and interviewing,
which included mock interviews. All of the participants gained valuable knowledge in
preparing for the current job market.
Pictured above front row: Mary Beth Rank, Melvin Kittle, Albert Pacheco, Hawai‘i
Community College Instructor, Janet Carpenter, Fresia Hernadez. Back row: George Poai,
Josiah Naki, Eva Reyes, John Chesebro, James Bird.
Senior Training Employment Program serves as a bridge to unsubsidized employment
opportunities for participants. Pictured above is Mr. Craig Newton. Craig is doing Internet
job searches, applying for jobs through on line applications and creating an updated Resume.
Kupuna News 15 October-December 2019
Roann Okamura, EAD Director
Milford “Mil” Anthony, CSE CSW II Hilo/Ka‘ū
Keila Ah Mow, CSE CSW I Hilo
Anna Marie “Maile” Canario, CSE CSW I Hilo
Darwin Egusa, CSE CSW I Hilo
Joni Wah Yick, CSE CSW I Hilo
Coran Kitaoka, Operations Assistant Director
Wendy Souza, CSE CSW I Hilo/Puna
Tanya Dye, CSE CSW I Kona
Kier “Kalehua” Parker, CSE CSW I Kona
Brent “Kainoa” Kailimai, Van Driver RSVP Hilo
Stanford Regidor, Van Driver Nutrition Hilo
Bernadette Johansen, Van Driver Nutrition Honoka‘a
William Lowden, Meals on Wheels Nutrition Hilo
Stacy Padaken, Meals on Wheels Nutrition Hilo
Tim Schrobilgen, Meals on Wheels Nutrition Hilo
Lovely Simonson, Meals on Wheels Nutrition Hilo
Scott Forington, Meals on Wheels Nutrition Kona
Jennifer Hofpar, Meals on Wheels Nutrition Kona
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OCTOBER
18: ERS: Akamai Living Fair Hilo
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Onan Masaoka, (808) 966-5801
25: ERS: Halloween Ground Golf Spooktacular
Waimea District Park, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Charlie Brown, (808) 323-4340
29: ERS: Halloween Bash
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Randell Kokubun, (808) 961-8710
NOVEMBER
TBA: RSVP: Christmas Giftwrapping
(November & December)
Kathleen Azevedo, Hilo (808) 961-8730
7: ERS: Kamana Karaoke Recital
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710
8: ERS: Ground Golf Turkey Trot for Ka‘ū District
Nā‘ālehu Community Center, 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Onan Masaoka, (808) 966-5801
11: VETERANS’ DAY - HOLIDAY OBSERVED
22: ERS: Akamai Living Fair Kona
Old Airport Events Pavilion, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Charlie Brown, (808) 323-4340
28: THANKSGIVING DAY - HOLIDAY
DECEMBER
TBA: RSVP: Christmas Giftwrapping
RSVP: Hawai‘i Care Choices “Light Up A Life”
Kathleen Azevedo, Hilo (808) 961-8730
11: ERS: Teacher & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710
16: ERS: Winter Class Registration Begins
Winter Classes Start January 6 to March 13, 2020
Hilo (808) 961-8710
Kea‘au (808) 966-5801
Kona (808) 323-4340
25: CHRISTMAS DAY - HOLIDAY
The County of Hawai‘i does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admissions or
access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs or activities. Should you require any
special needs, contact the respective program at least 10 days prior to the event. If you are
unable to provide the advance notice, the Elderly Activities Division staff will attempt to make
a reasonable accommodation to satisfy the request as long as it does not impose an undue
hardship.