HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (April - June 2017)Elderly Activities Division's
Kupuna News
A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors
Vol. 19 No. 2 April-June 2017
Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, April 27
May Day Celebration
Hale Halawai, May 1
Hawai‘i State Bowling
Tournament, Kona, May 4-5
RSVP: Blood Drives
Kailua LDS Church, May 10
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, May 25
Big Island Senior Golf Tournament
Waikoloa Kings Course, May 19
Senior Line Dance
Maui, June 7-8
Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Walter Victor Complex, Hilo, June 29-30
Coordinated Services for the Elderly
Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
West Hawai‘i, April 21 & East Hawai‘i, June 14
Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon Hilo, May 24
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
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, Fran Takamiyashiro, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4320
PROVIDING INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
The Coordinated Services Program provides
individuals 60 years and older, the direct linkage
to many vital services and benefits available in
Hawai‘i County. Staff will assist older individuals
and their caregivers by providing adequate
INFORMATION about the agencies and
organizations that provide the services. CSE staff
conducts interviews and assessments in order that
REFERRRALS can be made to the appropriate
community resources that can best meet the needs
of the individuals. Staff will FOLLOW-UP to ensure
that linkages between the older individual or their
caregiver was made with the appropriate service,
and when the needed services are not
adequately meeting the needs provided by an
organization CSE will ADVOCATE in behalf of the individual.
OUTREACH services are also provided in reaching out to
identify older persons and appraise them of the nature and
availability of I&R services.
Coordinated Services for the Elderly has a total of 11 offices
islandwide ready to serve you and your needs.
INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE CALL:
961-8777 Hilo or 323-4320 Kona
Coordinated Services “Information & Assistance” Office/Center
is located at 1055 Kino‘ole Street, Suite 106 in Hilo, with a
branch office at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Building B,
74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Highway, Kona.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION UPDATE LIST
CSE is part of the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense response team.
We are updating our Emergency Evacuation Assistance List to be
ready to respond and swing into action. If you are in need of
transportation assistance in the event of a natural disaster or
civil defense emergency, please call our CSE staff at 961-8777
in East Hawai‘i or at 323-4320 in West Hawai‘i to get more information.
You may also call the nearest district CSE office for your convenience.
Let’s get prepared!!!
MAHALO AARP!
Mahalo to AARP for their valuable service to the Kupuna islandwide.
AARP provided free tax aide service from February through April in
Captain Cook, Hilo, Kona, Kamuela, and specified dates in Honoka‘a
and Kohala. MAHALO AARP!
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
2017 West Hawai‘i CSE Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
West Hawai‘i Coordinated Services for the
Elderly Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
will be held at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center
on April 21, 2017. This year’s recognition
luncheon theme is “CSE Volunteers Help
Plant Seeds of Love.” CSE volunteers assist
our program in many ways, from assisting
with transporting our kupuna to helping in
our CSE offices filing, answering phones,
and in numerous other ways……A great big
M-A-H-A-L-O to our wonderful volunteers!
Senior Companion Program
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 a lot of precious seniors. If this is right
for you, Please Call one of our Coordinated
Services for the Elderly offices.
East Hawai‘i
Hilo (808) 961-8777
Kea‘au (808) 966-5800
Pāhoa (808) 965-2705
Nā‘ālehu (808) 939-2504
Pāhala (808) 928-3100
West Hawai‘i
Kona (808) 323-4320
Kohala (808) 889-6502
Waimea (808) 887-3008
Honoka‘a (808) 775-7503
Kupuna News 3 April-June 2017
APRIL Senior ID Card Schedule
03, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
04, Tues. Kona K-Mart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
04, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
05, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
05, Wed. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
10, Mon. HOVE St. Jude’s Church 9:00–11:00 a.m.
10, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Bldg.” 10:00–12:00 p.m.
11, Tues. Waimea L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00–11:00 a.m.
11, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
19, Wed. Hilo CSE Pāpa‘aloa Office 11:00–1:00 p.m.
26, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center – Building B 10:00–1:00 p.m.
MAY
01, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
02, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
02, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
03, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
05, Fri. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
08, Mon. Ka‘ū Pāhala HI Housing Center 9:00–10:00 a.m.
08, Mon. Ka‘ū Nā‘ālehu Community Center 11:00–12:00 p.m.
08, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Bldg.” 10:00–12:00 p.m.
09, Tues. Waimea L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00–11:00 a.m.
16, Tues. Kona Yano Hall 10:00–1:00 p.m.
24, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center – Building B 10:00–1:00 p.m.
JUNE
05, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Bldg.” 10:00–12:00 p.m.
05, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
06, Tues. Kona K-Mart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
06, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
07, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
07, Wed. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00–3:00 p.m.
13, Tues. Waimea L. Yoshimatsu Senior Center 9:00–11:00 a.m.
13, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 10:00–1:00 p.m.
19, Mon. HOVE St. Jude’s Church 9:00–11:00 a.m.
21, Wed. Hilo CSE Pāpa‘aloa Office 11:00–1:00 p.m.
28, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center – Building B 10:00–1:00 p.m.
Home Safety Fair
The Home Safety Fair featured excellent information
by the Fire Department and Police Department.
Jesse Ebersole, Fire Medical Specialist presented
on Fall Prevention; Royd Henderson, Fire Inspector
presented on the Home Inspection and Smoke
Alarm Program; Matt Lewis and Corina McLellan,
Community Police Officers presented on Home
Safety (Safeguarding your neighborhood, home
and self from crime.)
Seniors had the opportunity to sign up for free home
inspections & installations of smoke alarms, grab bars,
and shower chairs. Also, lucky seniors won door prizes
like fire extinguishers, motion night lights and flashlights.
This event was sponsored by EAD, Councilmember Val Poindexter,
Fire and Police Department.
For Senior Citizen Information & Assistance Call
East Hawai‘i
Hilo (808) 961-8777
Kea‘au (808) 966-5800
Pāhoa (808) 965-2705
Nā‘ālehu (808) 939-2504
Pāhala (808) 928-3100
West Hawai‘i
Kona (808) 323-4320
Kohala (808) 889-6502
Waimea (808) 887-3008
Honoka‘a (808) 775-7503
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
On behalf of our ERS department I would like to give a big
THANK YOU to all of our teachers and volunteers in our
program. Without your continued support we would not be
able to provide the services that we offer. We are forever
grateful for all that you do!
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
2016 ERS Teachers & Volunteers Recognition Luncheon
This year’s annual Christmas luncheon was a CandyLand
theme and was filled with bright fun colors throughout Aunty
Sallly’s. 275 seniors enjoyed the festive luncheon that included
entertainment by Arlene Yonamine, Tanya Paltin’s Tai Chi Classes,
and Mary Ann Katayama’s Rhythm and Life Class.
It was a fun filled day honoring and recognizing our dedicated
teachers and volunteers in our program.
Kupuna News 5 April-June 2017
Senior Club Activity
Pōmaika‘i Senior Lillian Fujimoto celebrating her birthday.
Ka‘ū Seniors at the Four Seasons Cultural Day.
Waimea Seniors at the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival (Pictured above and below).
Kea‘au Seniors visiting mouse village at Waimea’s Isaac Art Center.
Pāhala Seniors at Four Season Hualalai’s Cultural Day.
Seniors at Yano Hall enjoyed a mini Casino Day and gift exchange to get into the holiday spirit (Pictured above and below).
Oceanview Seniors at the anchialine pool at the Four Seasons Cultural Day.
Nā‘ālehu Seniors at the Four Season Cultural Department.
Pana‘ewa Seniors displaying their candy sleds.
Pepe‘ekeō Seniors enjoying a beautiful luncheon at Nani Mau.
Kupuna News 6 Information & Assistance 961-8777
Senior Class Fun
Pāhoa Line Dancing Class with guest instructor from Kauai, Jeffrey Callejo and 3 of his students.
Queen Kapiolani’s peacock dress was shown at the Kea‘au Center before going to Iolani
Palace. Commissioned by Iolani Palace was Iris Viacrusis with assistance by Aunty Doreen Henderson
and her students to do the feather work on the gown.
Dana Lawler’s Line Dancing Class at Hale Halewai in Kailua-Kona (Pictured right)
Celebrating Kamana’s Physical Fitness instructor Millie Kataoka’s 93rd Birthday!
ERS Events
Disco Fever
Seniors danced the night away on Valentine’s to
“Oldies but Goodies”. Seniors came dressed up
in disco attire and were able to participate in a
dance off and best dressed contest. It was a fun night
filled with lots of dancing and great entertainment.
Annual Turkey Trot held at the Nā‘ālehu Community Center.
1st place (rt) Ramon Arreguin-Pāhala,
2nd place: (lft) Ed Foster – Seniors of Paradise;
Perseverance Award – (middle) Gloria Turkovsky-Pāhoa.
This year’s Senior Strut started at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center and took its
participants along the new walking path bordering Ane Keohokalole Highway.
42 participants of all abilities chose between 1 mile and 5k (3.1 mile) distances
to walk or run. Congratulations to our 1-mile winners; Jon Kunitake and Denise Boatright
and our 5k winners; Leonard Torricer and Shirley VanDyke. Thank you to our generous
sponsors Big Island Candies and Big Island Running Company.
Kupuna News 7 April-June 2017
Hāmākua Plantation Days Christmas
The Senior and Nutrition Clubs in the Hāmākua district enjoyed
“our plantation camp”
luncheon sponsored by Valerie Poindexter. It was a great event
with lots of entertainment, door prizes and a delicious lunch.
Casino Day
This year’s annual event was held at
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale. Over
150 Seniors from around the island
came to “win big.” Everyone enjoyed
the fun filled day playing card games,
BINGO, wheel of fortune, craps & roulette.
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
Naalehu, Pahala, Hamakua, Puna, North Hilo,
Rural South Hilo & Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna
January 27, 2017 Ho`omana Ke Kupuna Nani Mau Gardens
Empowering Seniors
2017 Recognition Luncheon
5 YEAR AWARDEES: Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), Adoracion Cabuyadao, John Perry, Mary Evangelista,
Ellen Kaluna, Mary Peralta, Rosita Tungpalan, Margaret Yafuso, Beverly Shiflett, Shirley Namauu,
Charmaine Kamaka (P & R Dir) & Kaui Paleka-Kama (RSVP Prog Dir & MC)
10 YEAR AWARDEES: Back row—Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), Nyala Neill, for Mary King, Douglas Yap,
Charmaine Kamaka (P & R Dir) & Kaui Paleka-Kama (RSVP Prog Dir & MC)
Front row—June Brady, William Choy Hee, Encarnation Datuin, Ruby Malani, Clement Malani,
Mary Jane Matsumoto, Roberta Gacutan & Juanita Allen
Our apologies to those inadvertently not listed on the program:
1 year: Pedro Velasco, Gilbert Yamada *
2 years: Chalintorn Burian, Fred Burian *
6 years: Richard Tangaro *
10 years: Mary Namahoe *
17 years: Leonie Poy
Kupuna News 9 April-June 2017
15 YEAR AWARDEES: Virginia Yagong, Pacita Licoan, Erlinda Rances, Cecelia Torres-Kaiewe, Linda Molina
20 YEAR AWARDEES: Roann Okamura ( EAD Dir), Janet Saito, Franklyn Usman, Martina Usman, Philomena Rabago,
Filomena Miyamoto & Adelaide Velasco
25 YEAR AWARDEES: Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), (for) Sally Yamaguchi, Hanako Yugawa &
Charmaine Kamaka (P & R Dir)
HONORING THE VOLUNTEERS
Michael Zola (Sen Schatz), Rose Bautista-Bader (Mayor’s Office),
Clayton Honma (HCOA), Charmaine Kamaka ( P & R Dir)
Roann Okamura (EAD Dir), Valerie Poindexter (Council Chair),
Sue Lee Loy (Council District 3), Dawn Manago (Council District 6)
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
MAHALO! Archie Kama & Friends for providing the pre-entertainment!
Mistress of Ceremonies and RSVP Program Director Lurlyne “Kaui” Paleka-Kama
Entertainment provided by FRANK DE LIMA
RSVP ADVISORY COUNCIL
T-SHIRT & BAG FUNDRAISER
Shirley Kauhaihao & Sylvia Bredesen
Kealoha Sugiyama & June Domondon
Kupuna News 11 April-June 2017
RSVP In Action
DRESS A GIRL AROUND THE WORLD
In 2016 West Hawai‘i Dress a Girl sent out 7,052 dresses and shorts.
It Takes
all types!
GIVING = LIVING
West Hawai`i Blood Drive Collected:
11/7/2016--84 pints
11/9/2016--87 pints
Kona Historical Society:
RSVP volunteer Stuart Murray made handles for
the tofu grinder out of Ohia wood and got it “grinding” again.
UH Hilo—Intensive English Program
RSVP Volunteers: Jeanette Fukuda, Kay Fukuda,
Violet Ferreira & Lorraine Asakura interacted with
students from Japan to practice their English.
CASINO DAY AT YANO HALL:
RSVP volunteers
Max Higgins—Roulette Wheel,
Diane Corcoran—Black Jack &
Michael Mendoza—Craps table.
HILO PUBLIC LIBRARY—COUNT WEEK October 25th–29th
Joanne Yokote, Sal Hagiwara, Patricia Dunn, Diana Miyaji, Marilyn Shigetani, Charles & Hats Kamimura
UH HILO ATHLETICS
PAC-WEST CONFERENCE CROSS
COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP
RSVP Volunteers greeted the athletes with
flower leis. Donna Turner, Cecilia Torres-Kaiewe,
Juanita Konanui, Maureen Thibadeau, Winona Tanaka & Myra-Aina Paul.
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
Happy 100th Birthday Mrs. Fujiyo Kuroyama!!!
Mrs. Fujiyo Kuroyama was a participant at our
Hilo Nutrition site. She turned 100 years old on
January 30, 2017. We were honored to be a part
of her wonderful celebration joined by her son
Gary and granddaughter Joni who flew all the
way from San Francisco for her special day.
Her healthy lifestyle is fueled with lots of love from
her family, her religion and also all the wonderful
people around her.
Kupuna News 13 April-June 2017
Nutirtion Sites goes Holoholu
Kohala Nutrition
Visits Waipio Valley
Spending a sunny day outdoors
with a beautiful scenery and most
of all great company.
Nā‘ālehu Nutrition
Jingle ‘s all the way downtown
to see the County’s creative Christmas
trees and the wonderful decorations.
Beep, beep..A new ride for Hilo's Nutrition Site
Aunty Sally’s Nutrition Program has a new van for
transportation and was blessed by Kamuela Chun.
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
County of Hawai‘i
Department of Finance
East Hawai‘i
Motor Vehicle Registration
MVR Supervisor Mona Serrao with STEP Enrollees;
Derek Morishita, Pam Page and Rudy Pacris
STEP Participant, Pam Page and
STEP Program Director, Mark Kunzer
County of Hawai‘i
Office of Aging,
East Hawai‘i
Welcome on board!
New STEP Enrollee,
Ms. Patricia Yamamoto
The Senior Training & Employment Program (STEP) assists eligible,
unemployed, low-income job seekers age 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 temporary, paid, part-time work
experience in community service.
County of Hawai‘i
Parks & Recreation, Elderly Activities Division
Senior Training and Employment Program
1055 Kino‘ole Street Suite 107
Hilo, HI 96720-3872
Telephone: (808) 961-8750
Fax: (808) 961-8752
E-mail: senioremployment@co.hawaii.hi.us
Kupuna News 15 April-June 2017
Photos of
Roann Okamura
EAD Operations
Director
Coran Kitaoka
EAD Operations
Assistant Director
Kelly Hudik
Program Director II
ERS W. Hawai‘i
Randell Kokubun
Program Director II
ERS N./S. Hilo
Margaret Yafuso
Program Director II
ERS Puna/Ka‘ū
Lori Lei Shirakawa
Recreation Technician II
ERS Hilo
Jean Andrade
Recreation Aide, ERS
Michael Au
CSPA II, HCNP
Lorie Akina-Ferguson
CSPA, CSE Hāmākua
Jeffrey Gaeth
CSPA, CSE Pāhoa
Junie-Ann Kamoku
CSPA, CSE Kona
Karen Kotaki
CSPA, CSE Kea‘au
Leihua Malani
CSPA, CSE Hilo
Arlene Ohara
CSPA, CSE Waimea
Jodie Torres
CSPA, CSE Kohala
Kathleen Azevedo
CSPA, RSVP E. Hawai‘i
Joy Foster
CSPA, RSVP W. Hawai‘i
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
APRIL
3 ERS: Spring Classes Begin
April 3 to June 9
14 GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY
16 EASTER SUNDAY
21 CSE: West Hawai‘i Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
West Hawai‘i Civic Center
Fran Takamiyashiro, (808) 323-4320
27 ERS: Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710
MAY
1 ERS: May Day Celebration
Hale Halawai, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340
4-5 ERS: Hawai‘i State Bowling Tournament
KBXtreme Kailua-Kona
Lori Lei Shirakawa, (808) 961-8710
5 Outstanding Older Americans Awards Luncheon
Waikoloa Village, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Office of Aging, (808) 961-8600
10 RSVP: Blood Drive
Kailua LDS Church, Kona, 10:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Joy Foster, (808) 323-4333
19 ERS: Big Island Senior Golf Tournament
Waikoloa Kings Course
Check in 7:00 a.m.
Shotgun Start 7:30 a.m.
Kelly Hudik, (808) 323-4340
24 CSE: Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon
(East & West Hawai‘i)
Nani Mau Gardens, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Christine Namahoe-Loo, (808) 961-8777
25 RSVP: Blood Drive
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, 8:00 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Kathleen Azevedo, (808) 961-8730
29 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
JUNE
RSVP: Senior Produce Distribution
Dates: TBA, Various Sites
Kathleen Azevedo, Hilo (808) 961-8730
Joy Foster, Kona (808) 323-4333
7-8 ERS: Senior Line Dance
Maui
Margaret Yafuso, (808) 966-5801
12 KING KAMEHAMEHA I DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVED
14 CSE: East Hawai‘i Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
Location TBA, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Christine Namahoe-Loo, (808) 961-8777
19 ERS: Summer Class Registration Begins
Summer Classes begin on July 10
Hilo (808) 961-8710
Kea‘au (808) 966-5801
Kona (808) 323-4340
29-30 ERS: 43nd Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Walter Victor Complex, Hilo
Randell Kokubun, (808) 961-8710
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.