Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jun 4, 2020 | Cover Story, June-July 2020
Our “can do!” island culture values resourcefulness and cooperation when faced with challenges. “We know a guy” and where to get things, and have honed skills tūtū taught us. We don’t expect anything in return for helping out. “If can, can; if no can, no can.” We put ourselves to the task. PBS Hawai‘i (KHET or KMEB call letters in your guide) is our TV station. Our donations built it and it serves us. But don’t take it for granted.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Cover Story
In his epic historical novel Hawai‘i, James A. Michener created fallible heroes and villains who have lived in our memories for over 60 years now. But when the missionaries are interpreted in the norms of their times, the tenets of their beliefs, we see their abiding faith to bring the gospel of peace to Henry Ōpūkaha‘ia’s people. The fruits of their labor persist, and in 2020, we celebrate 200 years of teaching God’s word and singing sacred hymns that inspire faith, hope and love.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Feb 4, 2020 | Cover Story, February - March 2020
Dying at home can be traumatic for loved ones. We long for a peaceful walk into a beautiful sunset. But most have never seen anyone die and that first indelible experience will stick with us. We may wish to die in our sleep, suffer an accident where we “never knew what happened” or drop dead while enjoying a favorite activity. But the odds are even — just as many people suffer and fight death to the last breath. Loved ones who witness such death throes simply don’t talk about it.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jan 30, 2020 | February - March 2020, Living Life
Seniors with family and friends on the mainland know what high shipping costs can do to a budget. Hawai‘i small business owners hurt even more. They pay to ship in supplies and inventory, and high shipping costs prevent them from competing with big box stores and online retailers.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Living Life
This satisfyingly sweet and moist cake makes up in 10 minutes and a small piece turns morning coffee or afternoon tea into a special occasion. At my home, the women sat down for tea before starting to cook the evening meal or when “the people” came to visit. Funny how a sweet treat triggers fond memories.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Dec 5, 2019 | Cover Story, Dec 2019 - Jan 2020
We know how food gets distributed at the market to people who can afford to buy it. For those who can’t, every day, a network of Hawai‘i nonprofits work together to collect food donations and deliver them to the hungry. They serve seniors on a fixed income, low-income families, disabled persons and homeless persons who may not be getting enough food to sustain health or the energy to work.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Sep 25, 2019 | Cover Story, October - November 2019
Anona and Joseph “Nappy” Napoleon love the sea. Their kuleana is to respect and care for the sea by practicing and perpetuating cultural traditions of their ancestors who lived on and near the ocean. We call them “watermen.” Kō ā moana may be men or women, surfers, fishermen, paddlers, sailors or divers.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Aug 1, 2019 | August - September 2019, Living Life
Hope and togetherness for persons affected by cancer is Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers’ specialty. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, cancer patients, survivors and supporters pull together, paddling their pink double-hull canoes across the ocean off Kīhei on Maui. Oct. 12 and 13 will be their 10th voyage and overnight on Lāna‘i with The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Paddle for Life — not a race, but a fun outing
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jul 30, 2019 | August - September 2019, Living Life
Tammy Osurman of West Maui has competed in 10 Nā Wāhine o Ke Kai canoe races — a grueling 42-mile paddle across the treacherous Kaiwi Channel from Moloka‘i to Waikīkī. This “Paddle Bunny” is in the canoe three days a week with the North Shore Renegades. Tammy has paddled in all 10 of the Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Paddle for Life: Voyage to Lāna‘i Events.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jul 30, 2019 | August - September 2019, Cover Story
Generations Magazine recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a resource article about women affected by this disease. Their stories, the education and research that Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation® provides, and new treatment trends available in Hawai‘i will encourage you to become part of the More Than Pink movement.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | May 24, 2019 | Cover Story, June - July 2019, Living Life
In July, City Mill Ltd. will celebrate 120 years of business in Honolulu. Their success is grounded in four generations of family wisdom. Our grandparents and parents loved shopping there, and today, we receive that same kindly respect and assistance every time we visit the store. Vice President Carol Ai May and President Steven Ai are the third generation of their family running City Mill. This brother and sister are also part of a group of family caregivers who assist their mother and stepmother, now in their nineties. Their family culture of helping others began in the 1890s.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 5, 2019 | April - May 2019, Cover Story
It’s Sunday afternoon! “Welcome to ‘Territorial Airwaves,’” echoes the AM940 Hawai‘i announcer, followed by a long steamy blast of a cruise ship’s horn. And then, like a playful ocean breeze, the cadence of Harry B. Soria’s happy voice bids us e komo mai and stay awhile. Gently, he calls us back to simpler days with the hapa-haole and not-so-haole music of old Hawai‘i — passed down in families and among Hawai‘i musicians for a hundred years.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jan 28, 2019 | Cover Story, February - March 2019
Since 2017, licensed Hawai‘i cannabis growers have been formulating and dispensing medical products to qualified state-registered patients. A majority of their clients who are benefiting from cannabis treatments are seniors. Maui Grown Therapies dispensary in Kahului has been open over a year. Leading their Science & Medical Advisory Board is Dr. Andrew Weil, director of the University of Arizona Center for Integrated Medicine, an advocate for alternative medicine and an early pioneer in the research of medical cannabis.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Living Life
Not all fine art is in museums or galleries. These two seniors found other ways to enjoy fine art up close. Both have a connection to the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational art event on Maui — coming up Feb. 16–24, 2019.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jul 29, 2018 | August - September 2018, Giving Care
I don’t know if anyone is really prepared for family caregiving — it all happens so suddenly,” says Terri Jorgensen of Maui. She became a family caregiver in 2016, when Maui Memorial Hospital discharged her 101-year-old Grandma.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jul 29, 2018 | August - September 2018, Living Life
Right here in Waikīkī there is more to learn about our famous nisei “Go For Broke” 442nd Infantry Regiment — at the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. It’s on the corner of Kalia and Saratoga Roads inside Fort DeRussy Military Reservation park.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | May 15, 2018 | Cover Story, June - July 2018, Living Life
Giving back to your high school or college allows you not only to rekindle warm memories of school days but also to help the school prepare today’s students for a successful future. Generations Magazine celebrates “school pride” with the stories of two retirees...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 9, 2018 | April - May 2018, Cover Story
A living and vibrant culture rests on two bedrock foundations: a living language, and land that reveres places connected to the history, beliefs and hopes of its people. One of the people at the nexus of language revival in Hawai‘i is Dr. Marvin Puakea Nogelmeier,...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Dec 2, 2017 | Cover Story, Dec 2017 - January 2018
Aging with dignity is a major public health issue for the state of Hawai‘i. People of all ages work with and advocate for the elderly by providing educational resources for families and brainstorming private and public health solutions for the growing needs of kūpuna....
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Nov 30, 2017 | Dec 2017 - January 2018, Senior News
A storm of aging is raging in America: Waves of retiring baby boomers on a tide of super seniors in need of ever-increasing care; a torrent of requests swamping eldercare agencies and charities; and financial gales battering seniors and their families as they try to...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Sep 25, 2017 | Cover Story, October - November 2017
The little blue and white house in Mō‘ili‘ili, where Project Dana started an interfaith volunteer caregivers program has never closed! This headquarters was once the home of the late Kuniyo Nakamoto, who was helped by Mō‘ili‘ili Hongwanji Mission and Project Dana....
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jul 28, 2017 | Aug-Sept 2017, Cover Story, Living Life
by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith Cover & feature photography by Brian Suda It is said, “love conquers all.” And the riveting story of Roy Sakuma’s life and his outreach to at-risk youth proves that the lasting power of love can heal hearts and change minds. We...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jun 4, 2017 | Cover Story, June-July 2017, Living Life
by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith cover & feature photography by Brian Suda The traditions and language of the original Japanese immigrants to Hawai‘i in the late 1800s survived because they taught their children to venerate and value the culture of the homeland. In...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 11, 2017 | April – May 2017, Cover Story
The National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii (NKFH) is aiming high with a new clinical community resource center. It broke ground in July and Sen. Daniel Kahikina Akaka wants all of us to support the last bit of fundraising. The new center in Kapolei will house many...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jan 27, 2017 | Cover Story, February - March 2017
Hawai‘i greets the rest of the world at Waikīkī. Each year, millions of tourists compare their Hawai‘i brochures to the first impressions they get from the world’s most famous beach community. Jeff Apaka grew up there, entertains there, works as community...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Dec 4, 2016 | Cover Story, December – January 2017
Family is a very important source of virtues and values. Our ancestors collected generational wisdom from their ancestors — surviving and thriving through famines, wars, migrations, dynasties and empires. Closely knit families can be a source of nurturing, support and...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Oct 1, 2016 | Cover Story, October - November 2016
Brothers in Arms by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Living Life
Uncle Roberto: Love Life and Live It! by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Cover Story
Aloha Remains at the ‘The Cal’ by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jun 1, 2016 | Editor's Note, June - July 2016
Message from the Editor by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jun 1, 2016 | Articles, Cover Story, June - July 2016
Aloha iā ‘oe: A Marlene Sai Legacy by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Cover & Feature Story Photography by Brian Suda from the June-July 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘iʻs Resource For Life
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Editor's Note
May is Older Americans Month and the theme for 2016 is “Blaze a Trail.” In so many ways, seniors in Hawai‘i are already doing just that — leading our nation in health, longevity and productivity. Four decades ago, Lanakila Multi Purpose Senior Center was an...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Living Life
Henrietta Mahuna learned Hawaiian quilting from another Hawaiian quilter. The handicraft has been passed down for two centuries — since the Hawaiians learned the echo style of quilting from New England missionaries. First, appliques are stitched to a plain field....
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, Editorial, February - March 2016
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias that affect us in our later years can be especially troubling. I believe we fear that dementia will squash our independence and make it impossible to multitask — an activity based heavily on recent memory. Maybe we fear that...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Editorial
The trouble with traveling to the mainland for surgery is getting home. Negotiating planes, cars and vans on crutches or a walker was a problem my husband Harry faced after his total knee surgery. For seniors, decreased strength and flexibility is a distinct...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Editorial
How do the state and counties work together for seniors? We asked all four county executives on aging who administer and deliver services to the elderly to tell us about their favorite senior programs. There are so many departments, programs and organizations for...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, Cover Story, June - July 2015
Baby Boomers who have built successful careers and investments for the future are now experiencing the physical, emotional and financial outcomes of caring for their aging parents, while they meet the expense of college or support for adult children who choose...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Cover Story
The face of the Hawaii Red Cross is its CEO, Coralie Chun Matayoshi. Like Red Cross founder, Clara Barton, Coralie can’t do everything by herself. She must inspire and lead thousands of volunteers to deliver humanitarian aid to all of us—whenever disaster...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Living Life
Beta Beta Gamma (BBG) is the only Greek sorority left at University of Hawai‘i. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, students from small rural high schools could find fellowship, mentors and community at big universities by joining a sorority or fraternity. Today, BBG still brings...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, Editor's Note, February - March 2015
2015 is taking off like a rocket, overcoming inertia, pushing upward! People are hopeful — visitor season in full swing, gas prices going down and our new Governor hard at work. The last of three New Year celebrations in Hawaii — Hawaiian Makahiki in November, Western...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, Cover Story, December - January 2015
Manoa Heritage Center in Manoa Valley is a non-profit organization founded by Sam and Mary Cooke to preserve and share with our community an ancient Hawaiian worshipping site that is located on their property. We were invited to visit the center and meet these...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, Cover Story, October - November 2014
Generations Magazine staff was invited to join a team of community volunteers on an evacuation outreach mission to Puna seniors living in the path of Kilauea’a latest lava flow. In past centuries streams of lava obliterated Puna farms and Kalapana Village, but most...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, Cover Story, October - November 2014
HCOA has a simple process for delivering services to the elderly: when seniors voice a problem, Alan and his staff listen. That’s it. Hawai‘i Island citizens start their own grassroots initiatives and mobilize resources to solve it. “Actually, we don’t create...
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, Living Life, October - November 2014
A few blocks mauka of Hilo Bay at 276 Haili Street is a white frame building with dark green trim and a surrounding veranda upstairs and down, in the style of nineteenth-century New England homes. A guided tour of the Lyman Mission House, listed on both the National...