HomeMy WebLinkAboutKupuna News A Magazine For And About Hawai`i's Seniors (April - June 2018)Elderly Activities Division's
Kupuna News
A Magazine for and about Hawai`i's Seniors
Vol. 20 No. 2 April-June 2018
3rd Annual Hawai‘i Senior Ukulele Festival
Hilo Civic Auditorium, April 12
Hawai‘i State Senior Karaoke Revue
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, April 26
RSVP: Blood Drives
Kailua LDS Church, May 9
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, May 22
Senior Line Dance & Workshop
Workshop, Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale, May 15
Senior Line Dance, O‘ahu, June 6-7
Big Island Senior Golf Tournament
Waikoloa Kings Course, May 18
Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Maka‘eo Park, Kona, June 28-29
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, Jodie Torres, West Hawai‘i (808) 323-4320
Mahalo Billie Keawekane-Beere
With over 25 years of serving the Kupuna population, Billie Keawekane-Beere retires
from Coordinated Services for the Elderly. Billie started with the County on
December 16, 2014 and felt there was more to give. She didn’t know in what capacity
she could continue, but knew she needed to keep moving. Working with seniors motivated
me, she replied. As times are changing, she reflected, “Don’t forget why you are here, to
help our Kupuna.” We will miss you, but know you are never far…A Hui Hou!
Group Photo Front L-R: Jun Ishimine, Cherine Pai, Billie Keawekane-Beere.
Back L-R: Cynthia “Leihua” Malani, Carrie Ikawa, Roblynn “Missy” Yomes,
Wendy Souza, Christine Namahoe-Loo, Ruth Prasad.
Kupuna of Miloli‘i
CSE Kona is expanding services to include the district of Miloli’i. On February 16, 2018
Kona CSPA Junie-Ann Kamoku and West Hawai‘i Program Director Jodie Torres
provided a Senior Identification Card session in Miloli‘i and meet and greet following
a six week Chronic Disease Self-Management class offered by the Hawai‘i County Office
of Aging for the community. The Senior Identification Card session went very well
for the first time. By offering this service our CSE staff were able to find out the
needs of the Kupuna in the community and to introduce the services we provide.
We look forward to expanding our services to South Kona and the Kupuna of Miloli‘i.
For more information please contact Junie-Ann Kamoku at our Yano Hall office
(808) 323-3190 or Kona office (808) 323-4320.
Group Photo Junie-Ann Kamoku, CSPA Kona providing senior information and assistance to
Kupuna at Miloli‘i Beach Park.
Kupuna News 2 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
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
Tropic Care Returns
June 18 thru June 28
Kea‘au High School
Free Services
Medical Health Screenings
School Sports Physicals
Dental Services
Eye Exams
Hearings Screenings
Nutritional Services
Veteran Services
Prescription Eye Glasses
Please come prepared with:
Water
Snacks
Current Glasses
Current Medications
First Come, First Served - Be prepared for a long wait.
Food trucks may be on site for food
purchase throughout the event.
For more information please contact the
Public Health Nurse (808) 974-6035
2018 Senior Advisory Council Meeting was held on February 2,
at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kona. Senior Club Presidents,
Nutrition Representatives and RSVP Advisory Council Members
were hosted by EAD staff who provided information for their upcoming
senior program events and to discuss district problems and concerns.
The next EAD I&A District Team Meetings will be held on July 17,
East Hawai‘i, ADRC Hilo and July 18, West Hawai‘i, WHCC Kona.
Kupuna News 3 April-June 2018
SENIOR IDENTIFICATION CARD SCHEDULE SENIOR IDENTIFICATION CARD SCHEDULE SENIOR IDENTIFICATION CARD SCHEDULE SENIOR IDENTIFICATION CARD SCHEDULE
APRIL
02, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
03, Tues. Kona K-Mart, Kailua-Kona 9:00 – 12:00 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.
09, Mon. HOVE St. Jude’s Church 9:00 – 11:00 a.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.
18, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
25, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center - Building B 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
MAY
01, Tues. Kona Walmart, Kailua-Kona 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
04, Fri. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00 – 3:00 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. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
14, Mon. Ka‘ū Pāhala HI Housing Center 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
14, Mon. Ka‘ū Nā‘ālehu Community Center 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.
14, Mon. Kohala Kohala CSE “Old Bank of Hawai‘i Building” 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
15, Tues. Kona Yano Hall Canceled 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.
18, Fri. Hilo CSE Pāpa‘aloa Office 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
23, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
30, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center - Building B 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
JUNE
04, Mon. Hilo Kamana Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
05, Tues. Kona K-Mart, Kailua-Kona 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
05, Tues. Puna Pāhoa Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
06, Wed. Puna Kea‘au Community Center 1:00 – 3:00 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.
13, Wed. Honoka‘a Hale Hau‘oli Senior Center 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
18, Mon. HOVE St. Jude’s Church 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
27, Wed. Kona West Hawai‘i Civic Center - Building B 9:00 – 12:00 p.m.
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
MAHALO AARP!
For providing their valuable islandwide free tax aide services to Hawai‘i’s Kupuna.
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 Vacant, Puna/Ka‘ū 966-5801 Kelly Hudik, West Hawai‘i 323-4340
ELDERLY RECREATION SERVICES
HELLO 2018! We are looking forward to another awesome year with all of you wonderful seniors and
we promise that it will be filled with lots of exciting events and activities. Thank you for your continued
support of our program and we are honored to be of service to our community.
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 http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/pr-elderly/
2018 ERS Teachers & Volunteers
“Wild, Wild West” Recognition Luncheon
Over 275 seniors came to recognize over 125 of our dedicated, hardworking teachers and volunteers
for our program. The day was filled with great entertainment, lots of door prizes and
delicious western food. On behalf of all of us at ERS we would like to say THANK YOU
to all that supports our program. YEEEHAW!!!
Kupuna News 5 April-June 2018
Senior Activities
Pāpa‘ikou Seniors enjoying their Christmas Party at Don’s Grill
King Paul Kurpita, Queen Sumiko Kawasaki - At the Valentine’s "Hop"-Kohala Sr. Ctr. (Pictured Below)
The Waikoloa Senior Club ready to head out on a whale watching adventure.
Waimea Senior Club hosted the 2nd Annual Cherry Bake-Off Contest during this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival.
Governor Ige was in attendance to check out the delicious sweets!
Pōmaika‘i Seniors excursion to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm.
Hakalau Seniors enjoying their Christmas present of a microwave and television for their club.
The Yano Hall Seniors enjoyed their end of the year party by hitting the gaming tables and having a casino Christmas!
Ground Golf Turkey Trot and Bingo Event:
Annual ground golf and bingo event for the Puna and Ka‘ū Districts was held at the Nā‘ālehu Community Center on
November 17. For ground golf were; 1st place John Froysland of Srs of Paradise, 2nd tied Keoki Uyehara from Kea‘au
and Francis Lincoln from Pāhoa, Hole-in-One was Annie Kaaukai from Pāhoa.
Kupuna News 6 Information & Assistance (808) 961-8777
On November 17, 2017 from 10am-1pm at Pana‘ewa Gym,
a district event called “Bring Your Talent” was held there. Pana‘ewa, Pepe‘ekeō, Pa‘auilo,
Honoka‘a, and Pōmaika‘i senior clubs performed for the event. They had lunch from Hiro’s
and really enjoyed it. It was a great event.
ERS would like to wish Margaret Yafuso a HAPPY RETIREMENT! Margaret’s last day with ERS
was December 31, 2017 and we will miss her lots! Thank you for all of your years of service and hard work!
BINGO!!!! Kamana’s Bingo for Fun Class on Wednesdays at Aunty Sally’s.
Handbuilding Ceramics Student at Kamana enjoying her finished pieces.
Kristina Lilleeng’s sewing class made beautiful sensory blankets for patients at
Life Care Center.
Kupuna News 7 April-June 2018
Home & Home Senior Bowling Tournament
65 Senior bowlers from around the Island came together to have a
friendly bowling tournament at KBXtreme’s Bowling Alley in Kailua-Kona.
The players enjoyed a “cookie strike” table and awesome prizes.
Tee Up for the Big Island Senior Golf!
The Big Island Senior Golf Tournament is back! The tournament
co-sponsored by the Big Island Candies Foundation, Waikoloa Kings
Course, and the County of Hawai‘i, Department of Parks & Recreation,
Elderly Activities Division-Special Programs, will be held Friday,
May 18 at the Waikoloa Kings Course. This event is open to all Big Island
residents aged 55 or older.
Residents can enter the tournament as a foursome or individually. The
tournament fee is $95 per person which includes greens fees, cart, lunch,
and gratuities. Slots are available to the first 140 entrants on a first come
first serve basis. Tournament format is 18 holes; low net with an
established handicap index as of March 2018, the maximum handicap index
is 30 for men and 36 for women. All USGA and special course rules will apply.
Golfers will be divided into 4 flights; men and women aged 55-64, and men and
women aged 65+.
Tournament entry forms will be available beginning March 14th
at the West Hawai‘i Elderly Recreation office (West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Bldg. B),
Hilo Kamanā Senior Center and at the Nā‘ālehu or Waimea Coordinated Services
for the Elderly office. Tournament fees must accompany completed registration fees
to be confirmed. The deadline for submission of entry forms and payments is
April 20, 2018. Completed forms and payments will only be accepted at the
West & East Hawai‘i Elderly Recreation offices.
For more information call Kelly Hudik at the ERS office in Kona at 323-4340
or Iris in Hilo at 961-8710.
Congratulations to those fit men and women that participated in this year’s Senior Strut!
We had a beautiful day for a 1 mile or 3.1 mile run/walk. After the “strut” the runners
were entered into a drawing for coffee donated by Kunitake Farms. Prizes donated by
Big Island Candies were awarded to the top 3 male and female finishers in the both the
5k and 1-mile distances.
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
Nā‘ālehu, Pāhala, Hāmākua, Puna, North Hilo, Rural South Hilo &
Ke Ola Pono No Nā Kūpuna
2018 Recognition Event January 26, 2018 Nani Mau Gardens
Ho’oulu Ka Mana Ke Kūpuna
HONORING 30 YEARS OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE!
Mieko Soken
30 years volunteering at YWCA.
Tomoe “Violet” Oketani
30 years volunteering at various stations.
The Soken family travelled far and wide to celebrate their mother’s
milestone. Her 6 children came from the Outer Islands, Kona and the
Mainland to join in the celebration. Also in attendance are Michelle
Fleming & Lissa van Kralingen from the YWCA. Along with
Roann Okamura-EAD Director and Roxcie Waltjen-P & R Director
Roann Okamura-EAD DIR, Maria Yano & Roxcie Waltjen-P & R Dir
Kupuna News 9 April-June 2018
20 years
Back: Roann Okamura-EAD Dir, Bernice Tanioka, Irene Angot & Roxcie Waltjen-P & R Dir.
Front: Myra Aina-Paul, Barbara Manuwa, Loretta Barro, Sachi Ishihara, Jacqueline Rapoza, Sumiko Ito & Teruko Ikeuchi
15 years
Roann Okamura-EAD Dir, Penny Madamba, Elsie DeMattos, Sally Dela Cruz & Roxcie Waltjen-P & R Dir
MAHALO to the Kupuna’s for providing the wonderful entertainment!
5 years
Charlene Faria, Miriam Conley, Lovey Toki, Rosalina Rosario & Clara Carvalho
Honoring the Volunteers
Rep Tulsi Gabbard
Mayor Harry Kim
Ian Takashiba for Sen Schatz
Dr. Kimo Alameda HCOA
Roxcie Waltjen Director of Parks & Rec
Roann Okamura Director of Elderly Act Div
Lurlyne “Kaui” Paleka-Kama, Prog Dir-RSVP
Kupuna News 10 Information and Assistance (808) 961-8777
MAHALO for the great music...
DARLENE AHUNA
RSVP In Action
AKAMAI LIVING FAIR—WEST HAWAI`I
11/3/2017
Kupuna News 11 April-June 2018
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
—COMMUNITY FIRST: Help devise Advance Health Care
Directives by serving as a presenter, providing follow-up, or
assisting with clerical tasks. Good learning opportunity.
—PUNA COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER: Need volunteers to
assist with clerical tasks and reception in busy community health clinic.
—KU‘IKAHI MEDIATION CENTER: Volunteer opportunities
include light clerical work (shredding, data entry, etc.) once or twice a month;
note taking in District Court weekly on Mondays or Wednesday mornings; or
becoming a professionally trained volunteer mediator via attendance at Basic
Mediation Training and subsequent apprenticeship program. Contact Julie
Mitchell at 935-7844 x 5 or julie@hawaiimediation.org
Contact East Hawai‘i CSPA @ 961-8730 for this and other opportunities
—HOPE SERVICES-KONA FRIENDLY PLACE: Assist staff with supportive
services; work with homeless population.
—KOHALA VILLAGE HUB: The HUB supports regional efforts to strengthen
Kohala’s social, economic and environmental fabric through programs, services,
lodging and community facilities. Various volunteer opportunities available.
—DAUGHTERS OF HAWAI‘I HULIHE‘E PALACE: Help is
needed as a Docent/Welcome Desk, with Collections (artifact
preservation, data entry, exhibits), Sales and Retail (gift shop),
and office help (data entry, typing, printing, etc.)
Contact West Hawai‘i CSPA @ 323-4333 for this and other opportunities
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
The Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program provides
two services for Seniors 60 years and older.
Congregate Dining: Nutrition sites are located around the island.
It is a half a day well elderly program that provides lunch, nutrition
and consumer education, socialization, and other fun activities.
2. Meals on Wheels: Homebound due to illness or disability.
Contact the Hawai‘i County Nutrition Program at 961-8726
Happy 101 BIRTHDAY and Aloha Keanalu
Celebrate Mrs.Fujiyo Kuroyama celebrated her 101,
Birthday on January 30, 2018.
She attends the Hilo Nutrition Program and enjoys playing bingo,
socializing, and eating lunch.
Pictured to the right is Fujiyo, she attended a Health Fair on her
birthday and met Keanalu.
Aloha
Keanalu Chartrand our CSW III at
Pāpa‘aloa Nutrition will miss everyone.
He will work for Recreation as the new Program
Director II in Honoka‘a.
Keanalu loved working with the
seniors and was honored to meet
Fujiyo who turned a 101 on his last day of work.
Kupuna News 13 April-June 2018
Nutrition Sites Around The Island
Pāpa‘aloa Nutrition enjoys lunch and crafts on a beautiful
sunny day at Onekahakaha Beach Park
Alu Like seniors entertained Hōlualoa Nutrition at their site. Mahalo!
Kulaimano Nutrition learns how to design and print shirts.
Kung Hee Fat Choy! Year of the Dog!
Naalehu Nutrition and Pahala Nutrition below, made craft dogs in celebration of the Year of the Dog.
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
Hawai‘i County Economic Opportunity Council, Food Service Program
STEP Enrollees, William Roach and Nancy Randall are part of HCEOC Food Service
Program which offers on the job training for seniors interested in culinary arts.
The Senior Training & Employment Program (STEP) assists eligible, unemployed,
low-income job seekers age 55 years or older in getting temporary but current work
experience and training.
STEP helps Seniors receive training to aid them in return to the workforce. Participants work an
average of 19 hours per week and are paid at the current minimum wage.
County of Hawai‘i Parks & Recreation, EAD—Nutrition Program
STEP Enrollee, Veronica Skelly is training as a Nutrition Aide for the County of Hawai‘i—Nutrition
Program at Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au House in Hilo.
Pictured above, STEP Program Director, Mark Kunzer, STEP Enrollee, Thomas Dela Cruz, STEP Enrollee,
Veronica Skelly, Nutrition Program Participants Mary Figueroa and Lucille Manuia
County of Hawai‘i
Parks & Recreation, Elderly Activities Division
Senior Training & Employment Program
1055 Kino‘ole Street, Suite 107, Hilo, HI 96720
Telephone: (808) 961-8750, Fax: (808) 961-8752
E-mail: senioremployment@hawaiicounty.gov
Kupuna News 15 April-June 2018
Roann Okamura
EAD Operations Director
Coran Kitaoka
EAD Operations Assistant Director
Kelly Hudik
Program Director II ERS West Hawai‘i
Randell Kokubun
Program Director II ERS Hilo
Vacant
Program Director II ERS Puna/Ka‘ū
Vacant
Recreation Technician II ERS Hilo
Jean Andrade
Recreation Aide, ERS
Michael Au
CSPA II, HCNP
Lorrie Akina-Ferguson
CSPA, CSE Hāmākua
Jeffrey Gaeth
CSPA, CSE Pāhoa
Junie-Ann Kamoku
CSPA, CSE Kona
Karen Kotaki
CSPA, CSE Kea‘au
Cynthia “Leihua” Malani
CSPA, CSE Hilo
Arlene Ohara
CSPA, CSE Waimea
Terry Saito
CSPA, CSE Ka‘ū
Vacant
CSPA, CSE Kohala
Kathleen Azevedo
CSPA, RSVP E. Hawai‘i
Joy Foster
CSPA, RSVP W. Hawai‘i
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
APRIL
1: EASTER SUNDAY
2: ERS: Spring Classes Begin April 2 to June 8
Hilo (808) 961-8710
Kea‘au (808) 966-5801
Kona (808) 323-4340
12: ERS: 3rd Annual Hawai‘i Senior Ukulele Festival
Hilo Civic Auditorium
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Iris Higa, (808) 961-8710
26: 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
4: Outstanding Older Americans Awards Luncheon
Waikoloa Village
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Office of Aging, (808) 961-8600
9: RSVP: Blood Drive
Kailua LDS Church, Kona
7:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Joy Foster, (808) 323-4333
15: ERS: Line Dance Workshop
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
ERS, (808) 961-8710
18: 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
22: RSVP: Blood Drive
Aunty Sally’s Lu‘au Hale
7:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m.
Kathleen Azevedo, (808) 961-8730
28: MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
JUNE
6-7: ERS: Senior Line Dance
Paladium (Ala Wai Golf Course), O‘ahu
ERS, (808) 961-8710
11: KING KAMEHAMEHA I DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVED
18: ERS: Summer Class Registration Begins
Summer Classes begin on July 9 to September 14
Hilo (808) 961-8710
Kea‘au (808) 966-5801
Kona (808) 323-4340
28-29: ERS: 44th Annual Hawai‘i Kupuna Softball Tournament
Maka‘eo Park, Kona
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.