HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (July - September 2016)Elderly Activities Division's
Kupuna News
A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT HAWAI‘I’S SENIORS
Vol. 18 No. 3 July-September 2016
RSVP: Blood Drives
Kailua LDS Church, July 8
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, July 19
Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Maka‘eo Park, Kona, July 14-15
State Senior Softball Tournament
Hanapepe Sports Complex, Kaua‘i, August 2-4
EAD: I&A Team District Meetings
East Hawai‘i, ADRC, Hilo, July 19
West Hawai‘i, WHCC, Kona, July 20
Kupuna Hula Festival
Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou
Kona, September 14-15
Employ The Older Worker Week
Senior Training & Employment Program
September 18-24
Senior Walkabout for Puna-Ka‘ū Districts
Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium
September 21
Published quarterly by the
County of Hawai‘i
Department of Parks and Recreation
Elderly Activities Division
Information and Assistance
Hilo (808) 961-8777
Kona (808) 323-4320
Billy Kenoi
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, Fran Takamiyashiro, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4320
BE A SENIOR COMPANION
Enjoy helping others remain independent,
then this might be for you. The Senior
Companion Program recruits and trains
Senior Volunteers to provide families and
caregivers much needed time off by running
errands, assisting with transportation to
doctor visits, providing simple meal
preparation and simply being a friend.
What are the benefits? The satisfaction
of helping others and changing the lives to
homebound seniors. Who is eligible? If you
are 55 or older, able and willing to serve 15 hours
a week, on limited income, be physically and
mentally healthy and willing to accept
supervision. And yes, there are other
benefits like paid vacation, training, sick
leave, transportation allowances, annual
recognitions, a non-taxable stipend,
supplemental accident/liability insurance, meal
allowance and the best one of all is meeting
many precious seniors. If this is for you, Call
Coordinated Services for the Elderly in Hilo
at 961-8777 or Kona at 323-4320.
Aloha Sophia Iaukea
CONGRATULATIONS to Sophia who retired on May 31, 2016.
Sophia started her career with CSE in Kona and eventually
transferred to the South Hilo office. She has worked in ALL
9 district offices islandwide, as a CSW I, and was temporary
assigned to CSW III and CSPA positions over her career.
We will miss your smile, laughter and great personality.
Enjoy your retirement!
NEW Hele-On Kako‘o Paratransit Service
Starting July 1, 2016 the Hawai‘i County Mass
Transit Agency will begin its Hele-On Kako‘o paratransit
service within Hilo and Kona. Paratransit service may
be available to those who are eligible based on person’s
functional inability to ride the regular fixed-route Hele-On bus.
This reservation-based service will offer origin-to-destination
transportation within one (1) mile of the existing intra-Hilo and
intra-Kona fixed routes for a $4 fee. For eligibility requirements,
hours of operation and more information about the service,
please visit www.heleonbus.org or call the Mass Transit Agency
at 961-8744. Informational brochures are also available at County
offices and various service provider locations island wide.
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
SENIOR COMPANION
RECOGNITION LUNCHEON
This year’s Senior Companion Recognition
Luncheon was held at the Nani Mau Garden
& Restaurant on May 18, 2016. Anne Holton,
the Senior Companion Director, flew in from
Oahu to thank the Senior Companions for their
dedication to helping other seniors. Special
guest speaker, Tim Kitagawa, from Adult Protective
Services, provided a thoughtful in-service for Senior
Companions and thanked them for their contribution
to the community.
The Senior Companions were treated to a delicious buffet luncheon, certificates of appreciation,
a Senior Companion windbreaker and leis. Mahalo to all of the wonderful Senior Companions.
Kupuna News 3 July - September 2016
CSE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION LUNCHEON: “YOU RAISE US UP…”
This year’s West Hawai‘i CSE volunteer
recognition luncheon was held at the
West Hawai‘i Civic Center on May 12, 2016.
The theme of our luncheon was “You Raise Us Up….”
for all of the CSE volunteers who contribute so much
to the lives of our kupuna and community. You raise
us up to more than we can be. Mahalo for all of your help!
Kupuna News 4 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Elderly Recreation Services
Iris Higa, Program Director (808) 961-8710
Randell Kokubun, N/S Hilo 961-8710 Margaret Yafuso, Puna/Ka‘ū 966-5801 Kelly Hudik, West Hawai‘i 323-4330
ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES
Let’s get this Summer STARTED!!! Looking forward to a fun
filled quarter with many exciting events and classes. We hope
that everyone stays cool during these upcoming hot days.
Call our offices at: Hilo 961-8710, Kea‘au 966-5801 and
Kona 323-4330 for more information about our programs,
or visit us online at www.hawaiicounty.gov
Big Island Senior Stars Talent Show
This year’s Big Island Senior Talent Show brought out some new
acts as well as some regulars that always leave the crowd wanting
more. Over 200 seniors from around the island attended this year’s
event at the Kona Maka‘eo Pavilion. Most came to show their
support and enjoy the talented acts from around the island. This year
soloists came to the stage from Kohala, Waikoloa, Waimea, Hilo and
Pāpa‘ikou sharing cultural dances (while balancing
pumpkins!), singing and even performing a song in sign language.
The talents of our seniors never ceases to amaze! In the group
categories, newcomers Hale Ho‘okipa showed off their talent
belting out “Mansion over the Hilltop”. Kohala got everyone
moving with “Hot Hot Hot” and Pomaika‘i Senior Club brought
a bit of high fashion (and humor) to Kona with their Ultimate
Fashion Show. Finally, the Waikoloa Senior Club performed
a rendition of “The Green Side of the Grass” and Honoka‘a
gave us a musical Calendar Medley. Every one of our performers
received a prize this year, generously donated by Big Island Candies.
Hats off to all of the seniors that came on stage and entertained us
at this year’s Talent Show!
Group Winners! Individual Winners!
1st -Kohala Senior Club–Hot Hot Hot! 1st -Anna Kauinui-Singing
2nd -Honoka‘a Seniors-Calendar Medley 2nd -Liz Montague-Signing
3rd -Pomaika‘i Senior Club-Fashion Show 3rd -Edith Tumpap-Dancing w/Pumpkin
4th -Waikoloa Senior Club-Singing 4th -Penny Madamba-Singing
5th -Hale Hookipa-Singing 5th -Lani Eugenio-Philipino dance
Kupuna News 5 July - September 2016
Senior Club Activity
Kailua Kona Seniors enjoyed a cooking
demonstration at the Hāmākua Mushroom Farm
Ladies at Yano Hall work on
making cards for loved ones
Laupāhoehoe Seniors enjoying their
“pho” cooking demonstration.
Waimea Seniors lei making craft.
Ka‘ū Seniors enjoyed a day
of board games.
Pāhala Seniors excursion to
Paradise Meadows.
HMSA Well-Being program visited the
Pāhoa Senior Center.
Mt. View Seniors Ellison Onizuka
excursions before closing its doors.
Waimea Seniors Craft Day
Pāpa‘ikou Seniors displaying
their beautiful craft creation.
The seniors at Painted Church
perform an impromptu concert
complete with hula dancing
Kea‘au Seniors excursion to
OK farms
Hakalau Seniors
“mochi” day.
Hilo Seniors excursion to Kohala.
Hakalau Jodo Mission lunch enjoyed by the Volcano Seniors
A sunny day at Ha‘ena Beach for the Kea‘au Seniors
Honoka‘a Seniors showing off their
colorful Spring artwork.
Hakalau Seniors excursion to OK Farms.
Nā‘ālehu Seniors Ellison Onizuka
excursions before closing its doors.
Kupuna News 6 Information & Assistance (808) 961-8777
Seniors of Paradise held their mini Merry
Monarch Hula show featuring their hula Halau,
Pua Kea. Many enjoyed the annual show.
Pepe‘ekeō Seniors
enjoying their Easter get together.
They had fun decorating eggs, dressing up & playing games.
Seahorse Farm at the Natural Lab with Seniors of Paradise.
Perla trying some ogo. Tommy holding a seahorse.
Laupāhoehoe Seniors excursion to Kona Joe’s Coffee Farm.
Senior Class
Fun
Pomaikai’s Dorothy William’s 90th birthday celebration.
Monday’s Kailua-Kona Art Club work on watercolors and silhouettes
The Humble Project entertained visitors at the Sheraton Kona with song & dance from the Islands
Kona synchronized Swimming Class
Kamana’s
Gardening Class displaying their healthy
vegetables.
Yogi’s stretch and take in the view at the
West Hawai‘i Civic Center
Kamana’s Gardening Class
excursion to Keiki Cucumber Farm
Kamana’s Ukulele Group performing at the mall.
Kamana’s Lauhala Weaving Class displaying their work
Kamana’s Cooking Class
excursion to the Octopus Farm
Philip Hema’s Friday Tai Chi Class in Kona work on strength and balance
Kamana’s Ukulele Group at the Waikoloa Ukulele Festival
Kupuna News 7 July - September 2016
1st Annual Hawai‘i Senior Ukulele Festival
175 seniors from Kea‘au, Hilo &
Kailua-Kona joined together to
have a fun day singing and playing ukulele.
Local Entertainer, Mark Yamanaka started
off the program followed by group performances lead by their class instructors.
2nd Annual Kamana Art Exhibit
The Hawai‘i Japanese Center coordinated
with the art classes at Kamana Senior Center
to display their beautiful work. Ceramics,
Watercolor, Acrylic/Oil, & Woodblock Prints
were open for the public to view and showcased
the many talents of our seniors.
Hawai‘i State Karaoke Revue
The Annual Karaoke Revue was held at Aunty Sally’s
Lu‘au Hale with 32 talented singers from Hilo, Kona and Maui.
Over 250 spectators came to enjoy the wonderful entertainment.
34th Anniversary Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival
The 34th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival will be held
the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou, September 14
and 15. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and performances begin
at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 per night. The Royal Court
appearance will precede Solo performances and the
International Ho‘olaulea Wednesday night and the Kane,
Wahine, and Mixed group competitions on Thursday night.
20 halaus have entered the festival to date. This year’s theme
“Na Lei Hiwa No Kalakaua” focuses on songs written by or about
King Kalakaua. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at the Special
Programs office located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy., Bldg. B.
For more information about the 34th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula
Festival call Special Programs at 323-4340.
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
2016 Recognition Luncheon
HOVE, North & South Kohala, North & South Kona
February 19, 2016 @ Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach
MAHALO FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO VOLUNTEERISM!
5 Years
L-R: Tad Humble, Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), June Coelho,
Margaret Couttie, Clinton Lake, Ruth Liwai, Lita Kuniyoshi,
Kaui Paleka-Kama (RSVP PD), Etsuko Nanashima & Karen Kuniyoshi
10 Years
L-R: Geraldine Ayoso, Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), Margaret Kawamoto,
Janet Yanagi, Janice Onaka, Eileen Matsumoto, Edward Watanabe, Kayoko Hanano & Donna Kualii
15 Years
L-R: Bertha Dement, Hatsue Hayashi & Tomie Miyashiro
Mahalo! Errol Ishimine
Providing great entertainment to start off the luncheon.
20 Years
L-R: Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), Kealoha Sugiyama, Sachiko Oka,
Mary Iwanaga & Kaui Paleka-Kama (RSVP PD)
21 - 26 Years
L-R: Patricia Hope, Elaine Loo, Fujiko Dochin, Mina Switzer,
Ruby Kahoonei, Kaui Paleka-Kama (RSVP PD), Estella Baoy &
Aiko Pennington
L-R: Tabitha Tavares (King Kamehameha F & B Mgr and
Suga Suzuki’s granddaughter), Suga Suzuki, Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), Zachary DeBernardi & Meimi Tauriainen
& Meimi Tauriainen
Mahalo to Barbara Kossow for the donation of Teddy Bears w/Gift Cards and Beverly Aikele for the potted plant centerpieces!
Winners!!!
Kupuna News 9 July - September 2016
Robby Robertson Ross Wilson Barbara Kossow Debbie Wills Clayton Honma Roann Okamura
Sen Brian Schatz Sen Mazie Hirono Mayor’s Office Office of Aging P & R Director EAD Oper. Dir.
L-R: Drew Kanuha (District 7), Ross Wilson (Sen Hirono’s Liason),
Karen Eoff (District 8), Maile David (District 6) & Margaret Wille (District 9)
SPECIAL MAHALO...
*RSVP Advisory Council* *Kohala Sr Club-Entertainers
*June Domondon* *Mass Transit*
*Barbara Kossow-Mayor’s Office* *County of Hawai‘i Support Svc*
*Rowena Tique—Kona Adult Care* *Punalu‘u Bake Shop*
*Mel Honda (Photographer)* *Tad Humble (Photographer)*
*Lloyd Narimatsu—MC* *County of Hawai‘i—EAD Staff*
RSVP Fishing Derby
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS OF THE 2016 RSVP FISHING DERBY
hanapa`a
MAHALO to our “FISHING BUDDIES”!
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
2016 Recognition Luncheon
Hilo Town
March 24, 2016 @ Sangha Hall
MAHALO FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO VOLUNTEERISM!
5 Years
L-R: Lorraine Fukuda, Vivian Ueyama, Doris Koshi, Ken Nishimoto, Diane
Ware, Ray Koshi, Pat Hakoda, Virginia Ikeda, Elsie Iida, Lillian Madeyski & Jeanette Fukuda
10 Years
L-R: Sandra Todd, Leatrice Kishii, Romana Ito, Napoleon Kenoi, Linda Bacdad,
Kukunaokala Smith-Yotsuda, Lorna Rosa, Constance Riddle, Nohealani Sarong, Amy Higuchi & Violet Ferreira
15 Years
L-R: Evelyn Togashi, Carmena Otomo, Lucille Takemoto, Jackie Valera,
Harold Uyeno, Mieko Asato, Doreen Lucas & Jane Uyeno
20 Years
L-R: Helen Ozaki, Mary Ann Katayama
& Jeanette Hanagami
21-24 Years
L-R: Harry Suzuki, Janet Hamada, Kiyomi Okura, Alice Andagan, Priscillla Carvalho, Michiko Ryan, George
& Shirley Ito, Shimomi Araujo, Maile Tashiro & Hisae Masaki
Kupuna News 11 July - September 2016
25 Years
L-R: Pat Abe & Annie Aoki
26-28 Years
L-R: Virginia Maeda, Sumayo Nakamura & Beatrice Isemoto
30 Years
Helen Young
31 Years
Rosaline Victorine
32 Years
Ethel Yonemitsu
35 Years
L-R: Iris Higa (ERS Prog Dir), Roann Okamura (EAD Oper. Dir), Clayton Honma (P & R Dir),
DOROTHY WILLIAMS, & Kaui Paleka-Kama (RSVP Dir)
Ann Ebesuno Keola Kenoi-Okajima
Sen Hirono’s Liason Mayor Billy Kenoi Office of Aging
HONORING THE VOLUNTEERS
Clayton Honma Roann Okamura Lurlyne Paleka-Kama
Dir of Parks & Rec. EAD Oper. Dir. Program Dir—RSVP
SPECIAL MAHALO...
~RSVP Advisory Council
~Punalu‘u Bake Shop
~Anonymous Donors (2)
~Shirley Kauhaihao
~Mel Honda (Photographer)
~Lloyd Narimatsu—MC
~Penny Madamba-Entertainer
~Kamehameha School Alumni
~Cua’s Care Home
~Jeff & Donna Nooney
~June Domondon
~Hale Anuenue
~George & Shirley Ito
~Waiau River Coffee
~Evelyn Togashi (Photographer)
~County of Hawai‘i Support Svc
~Coconut Grill
~County of Hawai‘i—EAD Staff
~Vizion 20/20 & Friends
FISHING DERBY WINNERS
Our apologies to those inadvertently not listed on the program:
5 years
Norman Kiso
10 year awardees
Rudy Serain
Kukunaokala Smith-Yotsuda
Sandra Todd
Charles Wagaman
12 years
Emileen Kawamura
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
Hilo Nutrition, at aunty sally’s Recognizes volunteers
Maureen Denning, CSW III, for the Hilo Nutrition Program recognized the Hilo
Nutrition volunteers that helped throughout the year at Don’s Grill.
Everyone received a certificate and a goodie bag.
Here are photos of some of the volunteers enjoying their meal and celebrating the moment.
Welcome our new CSW III!
Tereza Waite Renee Gonsalves
Kailua Nutrition Kohala Nutrition
Kailua &Holualoa Nutrition
are serenaded with classical music by
Meals and Wheels Supervisor, Mike Au
Kupuna News 13 July - September 2016
Na‘alehu Nutrition enjoys lunch at Miyo’s
Kulaimano Nutrition
CSW III Kanoe Lee, helps unpack lunch with participants.
Kohala Nutrition
volunteers get ready to serve meals to the Kupuna. Thank you
volunteers for your help.
Debra Funai
She worked for 11 years with the
Nutrition Program as the
Account Clerk .
We wish her Best Wishes on her
promotion as she transferred to the
Department of Public Works
on April 1, 2016.
Joe and Joe are from Kohala and look forward to
eating lunch at the Kohala Nutrition Center.
Kupuna News 14 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
Senior Training & Employment Program
Program Director, (808) 961-8750
The Senior Training & Employment Program (STEP)
assists eligible, unemployed, low-income job seekers 55 and over in getting temporary but current work
experience. STEP helps seniors receive training to allow them to return to the workforce at large.
It provides training and temporary, paid, part-time work experience.
Kupuna News 15 July - September 2016
Coordinated Services for the Elderly CSW III’s (961-8777 Hilo / 323-4320 Kona)
Roann Okamura, EAD Director
Coran Kitaoka, Op. Assistant Director
Vacant, Hilo
Jun Ishimine, Hilo
Billie Keawekane-Beere, Hilo
Janice Klingenberg, Kona
Angie Onaka, Kona
Terry Terada, Kona
Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program CSW III’s (961-8726 Hilo)
Maureen Denning, Hilo
Kanoe Lee, Pepe‘ekeō
Jessie Rodrigues, Pa‘auilo
Maile Canario, Pāpa‘aloa
Catherine Luthe, Honoka‘a
Vacant, Waimea
Renee Gonsalves, Kohala
Tereza Waite, Kailua-Kona
Roblynn Yomes, Hōlualoa
Helen Lindsey, Kealakekua
Vacant, Ocean View
Julie Ann Pasquale, Pāhala
Vacant, Nā‘ālehu
Adelaide Velasco, Kea‘au
Cindy Aragon, Pāhoa
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
4: INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY
5: ERS: Summer Classes Begin
8: RSVP: Kona Blood Drive
Kailua LDS Church,11:00 a.m.–5:15 p.m.
Joy Foster, (808) 323-4333
14-15: ERS: Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Maka‘eo Park, Kona
Randell Kokubun, (808) 961-8710
19: RSVP: Hilo Blood Drive
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 8:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Kathleen Azevedo, (808) 961-8730
19: EAD: I&A District Team Meetings East Hawai‘i
ADRC Training Room (Hilo), 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Covers Hāmākua through Ocean View districts
CSE Hilo, (808) 961-8777
20: EAD: I&A District Team Meetings West Hawai‘i
WHCC Liquor Conference Room, Bldg. B, 2nd floor (Kona)
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Covers N/S Kohala through South Kona districts
CSE Kona, (808) 323-4320
AUGUST
2-4: ERS: State Senior Softball Tournament
Hanapepe Sports Complex, Kaua‘i
Randell Kokubun, (808) 961-8710
19: STATEHOOD DAY HOLIDAY
SEPTEMBER
5: LABOR DAY HOLIDAY
14-15: ERS: 34th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Hula Festival
Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou
Craft Fair 8:00 a.m.
Doors open 4:30 p.m., Starts 5:00 p.m.
Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340
18-24: STEP: Employ The Older Worker Week
STEP, (808) 961-8750
21: ERS: Senior Walkabout for Puna-Ka‘ū Districts
Edith Kanaka‘ole Stadium, 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801
26: ERS: Fall Classes Begin (Registration Sept. 12)
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.