Losing someone we love is never easy. Then, families are often asked to quickly make important decisions that may have never been talked about before, adding stress during a time that should be focused on healing and being together.
Planning ahead and making arrangements in advance gives a loved one’s ‘ohana clear guidance and peace of mind at a crucial time. Planning ahead is an act of aloha, offering comfort, reducing uncertainty and giving families time to focus on honoring a life and supporting one another.
First taking time to reflect about one’s life, values, milestones and relationships helps shape how that life will be remembered, creating a meaningful foundation for what comes next.
Planning a ceremony is another important step. Whether it’s a traditional service or a more personal celebration of life, today’s gatherings can reflect culture, personality and the stories that matter most.
Choosing a place for remembrance is also important. Having a space to visit can bring comfort and connection throughout the grieving process.
Taking the first step to explore preplanning options today can help families find what feels right, bringing a sense of alignment and peace of mind for them going into the future.
Losing someone we love is never easy. Then, families are often asked to quickly make important decisions that may have never been talked about before, adding stress during a time that should be focused on healing and being together. Planning ahead and making arrangements in advance gives a loved one’s ‘ohana clear guidance and peace…
When the state librarian of Hawai‘i shuttered the state’s Bookmobile Program in 2003 due to budget cuts, a vital chapter of local history seemed to close. However, the residents of Waikōloa Village refused to let the story end.
In 2010, when beginning to organize Friends of the Library–Waikōloa Region, one of our first steps in advocating for a library was to meet with the state librarian. He suggested that we could take possession of a bookmobile that was in storage at the Kona library. We took him up on that offer right away! It now has a permanent home in Waikōloa Village behind the tennis courts, with Wi-Fi, electricity and a pergola for activities.
Today, this community asset is a seven-day-a-week hub. Run entirely by volunteers who meticulously curate the donated collection and assist in picking out books, the bookmobile offers books, DVDs and audiobooks for all ages. Operating on a refreshingly simple no-checkout policy, it has become a favorite destination for families, vacationers and seniors alike.
The bookmobile is more than just a place to grab a poolside novel; it is a center for creativity. From painting spring wind chimes to designing Valentine’s bookmarks and back-to-school pencil pouches, these activities bring the generations together. Each visit concludes with the best gift of all — a new book to take home. In Waikōloa, we aren’t just sharing stories, we are building them.
The enthusiasm for this community asset is overwhelming. Families, vacationers, high schoolers, seniors and residents of all ages enjoy stepping up into the van, walking the aisle and looking for new reading materials — books, audio books and DVDs. Enjoy your visit to the Waikōloa Village bookmobile, open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.
When the state librarian of Hawai‘i shuttered the state’s Bookmobile Program in 2003 due to budget cuts, a vital chapter of local history seemed to close. However, the residents of Waikōloa Village refused to let the story end. In 2010, when beginning to organize Friends of the Library–Waikōloa Region, one of our first steps in…
In the foreground of the crystal blue waters of Spencer Beach Park at Ōhai‘ula Beach in Kawaihae on Hawai‘i are jagged lava stones neatly stacked on top of each other, their corners coming together like a jigsaw puzzle. It is Pu‘ukoholā Heiau — one of the last ancient Native Hawaiian heiau (temple) built, marking the end of the traditional kapu system.
King Kamehameha I was to fulfill a prophecy and secure his unification of the Hawaiian Islands —“Ho‘oku‘ikahi,” to “unify as one.” A prophet told Kamehameha that to conquer and unite all the islands, he must first build a large heiau at Pu’ukoholā and dedicate it to war god Kūkā‘ilimoku. Nearly 10,000 pairs of careful hands passed along lava rocks across 25 miles in a human chain. The mortarless stone temple took a year to complete. Finally, Kamehameha carried out the last step of this spiritual journey — the sacrifice to Kū of his adversary and first cousin, Keoua.
Kamehameha reunited the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1810. During his reign, he stored his ammunition at Mailekini Heiau, below Pu’ukoholā, to protect Kawaihae Harbor. The submerged remains of another heiau, Hale o Kapuni, dedicated to shark akua (deities), are believed to lie just offshore.
King Kamehameha’s Pelekane (royal courtyard) is situated along the coast directly below Pu’ukoholā Heiau and Mailekini Heiau at the Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. Upon European contact, this is where ali‘i met with foreign dignitaries and the first group of New England Protestants made their new home. The residence of shipwrecked American sailor John Young, who served as Kamehameha’s advisor, is also located here. Recognizing the historical and cultural significance, Congress designated all of these buildings as National Historic Sites in 1972.
On Aug. 15 and 16, the 54th Ho‘oku‘ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival (nps.gov/puhe/festival.htm) celebrating Hawai‘i’s history and culture will be held at the Pelekane. The festival traditionally begins with a ho‘okupu (gift-giving ceremony). Activities include ulana lauhala (lauhala weaving), kuiki (quilting), lei making, kapa-making, hulu ali‘i (chiefly feather work) and traditional Hawaiian games. There will also be informational booths, workshops, food, canoe rides and live music. Admission is free.
If you are unable to attend the festival, know that Pu’ukoholā will always be there for you and future generations to witness Hawai‘i’s history.
In the foreground of the crystal blue waters of Spencer Beach Park at Ōhai‘ula Beach in Kawaihae on Hawai‘i are jagged lava stones neatly stacked on top of each other, their corners coming together like a jigsaw puzzle. It is Pu‘ukoholā Heiau — one of the last ancient Native Hawaiian heiau (temple) built, marking the…
Approximately 32,000 Hawai‘i residents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as of 2020 and 20% of Hawai‘i’s residents serve as their caregivers. Most caregivers are like my ‘ohana and myself, family members who mālama our kūpuna out of a sense of duty and love. Anyone who has taken up this momentous task knows it is far from smooth sailing. Loss of independence and control over their physiological functions can cause our loved ones to become frustrated, angry and/or depressed. In turn, we, too, can become overwhelmed to see the people we looked up to our entire lives slowly become shadows of themselves.
The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) recommends that caregivers encourage persons with dementia to talk openly about their lives. Not only will they be challenged to recall memories, but the process of remembering may help reinstall a sense of self. That type of cognitive stimulation has been shown to be beneficial for people diagnosed with AD and other forms of dementia.
According to a recent New York Times article, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming AD patient care by providing tools that are meant to improve safety and offer personalized support. For example, researchers are testing AI chatbots as “digital companions.” A chatbot is a software program that analyzes complex data to process and simulate human speech. Chatbots integrated into the patient’s daily routine can remind the patient to take their daily medications. A chatbot can ask a patient to recall their favorite memory, start a conversation about their favorite hobby and play a favorite song to make your loved one more comfortable. Chatbots can also prompt a patient to remember a list of words that they will be asked to recall later. In addition, chatbots can produce puzzles and other brain-stimulating activities, which have all been shown to improve the mood of people diagnosed with AD.
While AI brings significant benefits in early detection and caregiver support, it also presents challenges regarding data privacy, potential for bias and the necessity of human oversight, because it is also possible for AI companions to encourage disruptive or destructive behaviors. In addition, research is limited to subjects who are in the early stages of AD, so its applicability once the condition progresses is unknown.
Researchers are also concerned that caretakers will become over-reliant on the technology. They may rely too heavily upon AI and neglect to provide their loved ones with human contact. Additionally, more research needs to be conducted to integrate AI into the spectrum of side-effects that may occur in AD, such as hallucinations.
AI is considered a valuable tool for AD patient care when used as a complement to rather than a replacement for human care. Check with a medical professional before making any decisions.
Approximately 32,000 Hawai‘i residents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as of 2020 and 20% of Hawai‘i’s residents serve as their caregivers. Most caregivers are like my ‘ohana and myself, family members who mālama our kūpuna out of a sense of duty and love. Anyone who has taken up this momentous task knows it…
Wow! This ended up being really fun! We found this very easy Tahitian dessert recipe and Cynthia and I (Wilson) thought we’d try our hand(s) at it. Hence, the GM cooking challenge: “On your mark, get set… bake ’em!” Wilson: I found this recipe lends itself to a lot of personal preference — from preparation to taste, proportion and texture. Cynthia: It was easy and quite delicious. It reminds me a lot of chi chi dango (mochi) (generations808.com/may-june-2025, pg. 21).
Ingredients
8–12 bananas (any type, very ripe) 1 tbsp. vanilla extract 1 cup tapioca flour/starch 1 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup coconut shreds (sugared or plain) 1 can coconut milk
Directions
Peel the bananas completely, including the strings/veins. Place them in a large bowl to be mashed. Depending on personal preference, the degree of mashing is up to you. It can be pureed or mashed just enough for it to be a bit chunky. Preheat the oven to 375° F. Mix in the vanilla extract. One tablespoon is a good starting point, but an extra dash won’t hurt. Mix in the brown sugar and coconut shreds.
Next, mix in the tapioca flour/starch (gluten-free, made from the cassava root) until it’s the consistency of pancake batter. Corn starch is another option. Prep an 8-by-8-inch pan by greasing the bottom and sides with butter. Pour the mixture in the pan, place it in the oven and bake it for 1 hour. The finished cake will be about 3/4-inch thick.
When done, remove from oven.
While it is still warm, the cake may be cut into 2-inch squares; smaller if you desire. For smaller, 1/2-inch bite-sized pieces, use kitchen scissors.
Serve the cake slices/pieces in a saucer or shallow bowl. Pour the coconut milk right from the can over the pieces. Quantity is to your liking. Sprinkle some coconut shreds and brown sugar on top — BAM! All pau, all ono!
Do you have a favorite recipe and story to share? For consideration, include a photo and mail them to Generations Recipe, PO Box 4213, Honolulu, HI 96812, or email them to Cynthia@generations808.com.
Wow! This ended up being really fun! We found this very easy Tahitian dessert recipe and Cynthia and I (Wilson) thought we’d try our hand(s) at it. Hence, the GM cooking challenge: “On your mark, get set… bake ’em!” Wilson: I found this recipe lends itself to a lot of personal preference — from preparation…
Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the 10th article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Tahitians, their arrival to the Hawaiian islands, their traditions and celebrations such as Heiva i Hawai‘i and Tahiti Fête.
Tahitian Arrival in Hawai‘i
Some records state that around 500 AD, Polynesian people from Tahiti and Hiva (Marquesas Islands) sailing in double-hulled canoes navigated to and settled Hawai‘i. Several hundred years later, the second wave of Tahitian immigrants arrived in the 9th or 10th century, hailing from Kahiki (Tahiti in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, according to oral tradition) and worked with the Hawaiian Kingdom to form the new ali‘i class. European explorers also noted similarities in language between Hawai‘i and Tahiti, with some Tahitians even arriving to the islands aboard foreign vessels as translators and sailors. Today, people of Tahitian heritage make up about .2% of Hawai‘i’s population.
Cultures & Traditions
Tahitian people proudly share their heritage with the world, communicating the trust their ancestors had in future generations to carry on their oral and physical traditions. Similar to Hawai’i, Tahitian clothing was traditionally made from tapa cloth, with women wearing pareo made of the material. Today’s pareo have changed in dressing style and pattern, but the meaning and cultural pride remain. Music and dance are a foundational part of Tahitian life, characterized by tamure (a fast hip-shaking dance) as well as riveting beats on pahu (wooden drums traditionally covered with sharkskin) and toere (a long drum with a split). Tatau (tattoo) is another way for Tahitians to express cultural identity and pride.
Foods such as poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with vegetables and coconut milk) and abundances of fish and vanilla emphasize Tahiti’s natural splendor.
Celebrations
Tahitian celebrations tend to focus on dance. Heiva i Hawai‘i (heivaihawaii.myshopify.com) is an annual Tahitian dance competition featuring ‘aparima (a Tahitian dance focusing on hand movements), ‘ahuroa (another dance rooted in ‘aparima) and drum dances. This year, Heiva i Hawai‘i was held in Kailua-Kona of Hawai‘i Island this past February.
This year’s Tahiti Fête Hawai‘i (tahitifete.com), regarded as the largest Tahitian dance competition in the US, will be held July 3 through 5 at the Neil S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu for the very first time. From August 1 to 2, Heiva i Kaua’i (heivaikauai.com) will take place at Kapa‘a State Park on Kaua‘i.
The next article in this series will feature the influences of German culture in Hawai‘i.
Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the 10th article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Tahitians, their arrival to the Hawaiian islands, their…
Every two years, many kūpuna will do something important and elected officials should pay attention to the issues we care about.
We vote.
And that means voters 50 and older have a power to make a difference. Older voters turn out in record numbers during elections. In the 2024 election, voters 50 and older made up 52% of the electorate nationally. In Hawai‘i, the percentage is even higher — nearly 60% of votes cast were from people 50 and older.
You can help us make sure that candidates know which issues you care about. Candidates will likely be knocking on your door or holding forums. Let them know what you think.
We’ve heard from kūpuna across the state about the importance of Social Security, Medicare support for caregivers, affordable housing for kūpuna and their children and grandchildren, high prescription drug prices and fighting fraud and we’re sharing your concerns with the candidates we talk to.
The reason we have power during elections is that we vote and you should make sure that you vote and that your vote is counted.
In Hawai‘i, we have an all-mail-in election. If you’ve moved since 2024, make sure your new address is updated with your county elections office so you’ll get the correct ballot mailed to you. If you’re registered to vote at your current address, you should get a colored postcard in the mail to confirm your registration. If you didn’t receive a postcard, call your county elections office.
When you turn in your ballot, you also want to make sure that you didn’t forget to sign it so that it will be counted.
Sign up for the state’s Ballottrax service to get text messages confirming receipt of your ballot at Hawaii.ballottrax.net.
For more information on voting, registering to vote and how you can vote in person, go to the state Office of Elections website at elections.hawaii.gov or call 808-453-8683.
Every two years, many kūpuna will do something important and elected officials should pay attention to the issues we care about. We vote. And that means voters 50 and older have a power to make a difference. Older voters turn out in record numbers during elections. In the 2024 election, voters 50 and older made…
Every Thursday morning, Pearlridge Center in O‘ahu hums with the sounds of ABBA and Elvis. On the second‑floor stage near the former Sears and Jeans Warehouse, kūpuna and caregivers gather from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., finding their rhythm — some standing, some seated, all moving together. At the center, Dale Delos Reyes leads his Zumba Gold class with a smile and a simple instruction: Just keep moving and have fun.
Unlike traditional Zumba, Zumba Gold is designed specifically for kūpuna and those who may need extra support, offering a safe, enjoyable way to stay active. The choreography is slower and modified, with a focus on balance, range of motion, coordination and joint safety. Dale, a licensed Zumba Gold instructor, keeps routines intentionally simple — no more than three moves at a time. He offers chair-based options for participants with mobility concerns, vertigo or recent surgeries. His classes are free and open to everyone — walkers, wheelchairs and first-timers alike — creating a space where everyone can move confidently and enjoy the music.
Join Dale and his Zumba Gold group every Thursday morning at 10:30.
For Dale, the dance floor began not as fitness, but as healing. A few years ago, he lost his wife, Yolanda, and found himself searching for a way forward. One day, just steps from his home, he noticed a class pulsing with music and energy. He joined, stood close to the speakers and let the rhythm carry him. “I just let everything go,” he recalls. What started as a personal refuge soon became a mission to share movement as joy, connection and wellness. His classes grew from a way to cope with grief into a lifelong commitment to community service through movement.
Regular movement is at the heart of Zumba Gold’s impact. For many kūpuna, the class helps ease morning stiffness, improves balance and keep joints moving without strain. The steady rhythms support coordination and gentle cardio, but the real changes show up in everyday moments — standing a little steadier, walking with more confidence and feeling less alone. Dale notices it each session as shoulders drop, breathing settles and cautious movements begin to ease. He says he can see it by the end of class, when most leave with brighter faces and increased energy.
What began as a way to heal has become a practice of showing up—creating a space where people can move at their own pace. “If you only know one move, do that one move,” he tells newcomers. “Just feel the music.” Today, Dale brings that same spirit of care to kūpuna across O‘ahu, offering free classes at Island Family Christian Church from 9:30 to 10:30am on the first three Fridays of each month. He also leads private sessions at senior housing sites, including The Plaza Waikīkī and its sister locations across the island, with schedules varying by facility.
Every Thursday morning, Pearlridge Center in O‘ahu hums with the sounds of ABBA and Elvis. On the second‑floor stage near the former Sears and Jeans Warehouse, kūpuna and caregivers gather from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., finding their rhythm — some standing, some seated, all moving together. At the center, Dale Delos Reyes leads his Zumba…
Our islands form the only US state to celebrate their monarchical history. To honor his grandfather, King Kamehameha V inaugurated King Kamehameha I Day on June 11, 1872. The legacy of the sovereign nicknamed “Kamehameha the Great” is that of a powerful warrior and beloved ruler who successfully united the Hawaiian archipelago in 1810, ending a decades-long pattern of inter-island conflict. This year’s festivities on June 11 will mark the 109th King Kamehameha Day. This year’s theme, E kū, e ho‘ololi, means stand upright and change unpleasant conditions.
Festivities usually include a procession by the Hawaiian Royal Societies, an organization commissioned by Kamehameha V, whose purpose is protecting, preserving and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture. Floral parades feature floats and pā‘ū riders on horseback. Pā‘ū riders wear long, flowing skirts (pā‘ū ) representing the different islands with specific colors and flowers. Ho‘olaule‘a, a festival that celebrates Hawai‘i’s culture, include local food, Hawaiian music and more.
Traditionally, each year, a statue of Kamehameha I is adorned during the lei-draping ceremony that attracts large crowds of locals and tourist alike. Each island’s Hawai‘i Civic Society prepares nearly 100 20- to 30-foot plumeria lei for the ceremony.
Thomas Gould had been commissioned to sculpt the first statue of Kamehameha I. In 1883, upon completion of the 8.5-foot statue, it was sent via ship from Europe to the judiciary building in Honolulu. Although thought to be lost after the boat was shipwrecked near the Falkland Islands, it was recovered later that year. With a replacement statue already unveiled in Honolulu, this statue was relocated to the district of Kohala on the Big Island, where Kamehameha I was born.
The 18-foot King Kamehameha replacement statue stands in front of Ali‘iōlani Hale in Waikīkī, the main stage for the festivities on O‘ahu. As with all statues of His Majesty, the spear clutched in Kamehameha’s right hand symbolizes his ability to protect his people. His left hand is outstretched as a sign of welcome and peace.
In 1997, a 14-foot statue of Kamehameha I was erected in Hilo. Commissioned by the Princeville Corporation on Kaua‘i and built by Italian sculptor R. Sandrin in 1963, it was originally intended to be erected on island; however, residents pushed back on these plans as Kaua‘i and neighboring Ni‘ihau were the only islands not conquered by force by Kamehameha I during his campaign to unify the islands.
The County of Maui traditionally hosted Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā‘ū Parade on Front Street and a ho‘olaule‘a at Banyan Tree Park in Lahaina. The one-time capital of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i is still recovering from the devastating 2023 Lahaina wildfires and celebrations have since been relocated to Kahului in Central Maui. The June 20 parade will start at Baldwin High School and end at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center and will be followed by a ho‘olaule‘a.
Our islands form the only US state to celebrate their monarchical history. To honor his grandfather, King Kamehameha V inaugurated King Kamehameha I Day on June 11, 1872. The legacy of the sovereign nicknamed “Kamehameha the Great” is that of a powerful warrior and beloved ruler who successfully united the Hawaiianarchipelago in 1810, ending a…
When my time comes, everything is here,” he said. Long before his death, my father-in-law sat us down and opened his safe, carefully walking us through the important documents inside. Legal papers were signed. The funeral was prepaid. He had done what responsible people do. He had prepared us.
He had done everything right so we would avoid probate. When he passed, I felt calm, believing the hardest part would be missing him.
Annette Kam’s in-laws enjoy an engaged and loving time with their second great-grandchild, focusing on family, affection and fun.
I never realized how unprepared I was until I was living it — grieving, exhausted and navigating details I never imagined would fall to me, blindsided by mundane things no one thinks of. The first sign: a missing checkbook needed to pay bills, followed by a key ring heavy with unlabeled keys. We became landlords overnight without knowing tenants’ names or rent amounts. Then there were crucial phone numbers we didn’t have, passwords we didn’t know and even a request for their marriage certificate.
Six months later, finding care for my mother-in-law brought another surge of decisions layered over grief. Then came their home and 60 years of memories, paperwork and possessions to sort.
Grief did not arrive gently. It competed with deadlines, phone calls and responsibilities. I would solve one problem only to face another. For two years, I lived more than a hundred “I wish I had known” moments that weighed me down from sunup to sundown. Cancel a phone too soon and verification codes disappear. A landline in one name only can stall everything.
My in-laws were not careless. How could they prepare us for what they didn’t know? I gained knowledge only because I was forced to. When my mother-in-law passed two years later, I finally understood what needed to be done, which made it easier to handle.
How many families believe they are prepared — until they are standing where I stood?
Have the important, much-needed conversations now. Label the keys. Share the passwords. Clarify the small things down to the detail.
This important preparation is much more than paperwork. It is how we care for the people we love after we are gone.
For more information about WAIT—Don’t Die Yet!, email buckwun@aol.com, call 808-454-7871 or visit annettekam.com.
When my time comes, everything is here,” he said. Long before his death, my father-in-law sat us down and opened his safe, carefully walking us through the important documents inside. Legal papers were signed. The funeral was prepaid. He had done what responsible people do. He had prepared us. He had done everything right so…
Since the beginning of World War II, over 400,000 service members have lost their lives in combat. To honor those who paid the ultimate price to save and protect our nation and values, Memorial Day in Hawai‘i is marked by deeply moving, unique traditions blending cultural, spiritual, patriotic elements and military reverence. Hawai‘i’s Memorial Day is distinctive compared to the rest of the country, with lantern floating ceremonies that draw thousands to honor the departed. And in addition to traditional Memorial Day parades, Hawai‘i honors fallen service members by placing thousands of handmade flower lei on their graves.
O‘AHU: The Shinnyo Floating Lantern Festival at Ala Moana Beach (lanternfloatinghawaii.com) reflects our state’s multicultural demographic by blending Buddhist practice and Native Hawaiian tradition. Participants can pay tribute to a loved one who has passed or spread a message of peace and hope by releasing their own lantern at sunset. The ceremony begins at 6:30pm on Memorial Day.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, also known as “Pūowaina,” was established at the end of World War II to honor veterans who have fought in the Pacific Wars. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will host a special ceremony at 8:30am on Memorial Day (honolulu.gov/dpr/mayors-memorial-day). The ceremony will include the 70-year tradition of adorning each gravestone with a freshly sewn lei. The City and County of Honolulu is asking for donations of tī leaves, plumeria/crown flowers and volunteers to make the 38,000 lei needed for the ceremony.
The Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāne‘ohe (lake.com/events/hawaii-governors-memorial-day-ceremony) also holds an annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor over 15,000 fallen service members. The event typically includes the decoration of graves with lei, which is supported by community donations and volunteers to ensure every grave is honored.
The American Gold-Star Families Memorial Day Parade recognizes the sacrifices of families whose loved ones have died. The parade will begin at Fort DeRussy in Waikīkī (memorialdayparade.com/the-parade).
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial (pearlharbor.org) will also honor our nation’s veterans. Tours are offered on the USS Utah (BB1) and USS Oklahoma (BB37) and a live dive will take place at the USS Arizona followed by a commemorative ceremony.
MAUI COUNTY: A traditional, community-led lei placement event is expected to take place at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao, typically starting in the morning around 9am on the Saturday prior, May 23, 2026. Kaunoa Senior Center volunteers make lei to be placed on graves. Check mauicounty.gov/254/Kaunoa-Senior-Services in May.
HAWAI‘I: The 22nd Annual Celebration of Life lantern floating event (tinyurl.com/BigIsland-May24LanternFloating) will be held at Reed’s Bay in Hilo, Hawai‘i. The free community event also features Bon dancing to honor loved ones with remembrance and reflection. These events foster a deep sense of community, reflection and gratitude throughout the islands.
Since the beginning of World War II, over 400,000 service members have lost their lives in combat. To honor those who paid the ultimate price to save and protect our nation and values, Memorial Day in Hawai‘i is marked by deeply moving, unique traditions blending cultural, spiritual, patriotic elements and military reverence. Hawai‘i’s Memorial Day…
David Murata, a resident of Kula, Maui, has been a persistent presence on local tennis courts for over three-quarters of a century — well into his 90s. Recently, David has decided to hang up his racket at age 95, an incredible accomplishment and milestone.
To say that the sport increases longevity is an understatement. Tennis is known to extend life expectancy by nearly 10 years… what some call the “bonus years.”
“David has repeatedly said that tennis is what keeps him alive,” say fellow players Tom Liu and Pearl Rockett. But after 77 years of enjoying the sport, David stopped playing when he felt that his balance was declining. “It was a natural transition due to my age and capabilities,” David candidly says.
David Murata and long-time tennis partner Monty Tester are two of Maui’s class acts. David’s advice for those just starting tennis is “to practice as much as you can and play with different and better people — if they are willing to play with you.”
David started playing tennis around 1948 at Konawaena High School, when a family friend’s father introduced him to the game. Throughout his tennis career, David remained competitive and injury-free, playing on many USTA league teams on Maui. “But my strength decreased as I got older and I had to be careful not to fall on the court,” he says. “I also relied on my partners more since I could not move as well.” So he served as team captain when he was unable to compete at the higher levels.
David not only brought his skills and smiles to the court; the “garden guru” regularly blessed his fellow players with a bounty of beautiful fruits and vegetables that he painstakingly tended on his Kula farm. He has been described as a generous, kind and compassionate gentlemen — both on and off the court.
What kept him coming back decade after decade was that he “liked the game and the people that I played with.” He says he will miss being active and spending time with his tennis friends — Monty Tester, Tom Liu, Pearl Rockett, Don Booth — and many others he has played with over the years.
“He was the captain of several of the teams I played on,” says Monty. “He was a very good, fair captain, keeping us organized on our trips to Kona and O‘ahu for USTA sectionals.”
“David’s small frame masked his towering competitiveness, his prowess, his smartness, his total concentration, and his unsolicited cheering after he made a point,” says Pearl.
She says he lives life and played tennis utilizing the Asian culture belief of shōganai: “it is what it is — the situation cannot be altered, worrying about it is pointless and moving forward is the best option.” “He moved on when life showed its nasty ways, he held his head up high and believed in the power of God,” says Pearl. “He never dwelled on the little things.”
There’s a new kid in town: David Murata has joined a gateball group that plays on Tuesday and Friday mornings in Kula: (L–R, front row) his daughter, Jody Singsank; Doris Ventura; Marsha Williams; (back row) Norma Haicsi (in back of David); Faith and Jim DeBuhr. PC: Arthur Ventura
“Even in his 90s, David was always fun to play with,” says Don. “He remembered the score better than us 60- and 70-year-olds. He was competitive and loved to report the set scores to his family when his team won. But win or lose, David was always a model of good sportsmanship. He is a wonderful example of a generous and kind man whom we could all learn from.”
Besides the good times with his friends, his most cherished memories include “winning games that I didn’t think we could win.” He says he doesn’t remember much about his opponents… but one can bet they remember him. This polite player with a good-natured giggle wielded a wicked, left-handed slice serve so extreme that John McEnroe would have been jealous. And like McEnroe, this unassuming senior was indeed a fierce competitor.
“I remember seeing his joy as he whacked that tennis ball and got a winner off of me,” says Pearl. “His serious face broke out into a huge grin — more like a smirk — and then he would shamelessly shake his fist at me showing me that he ‘got me!’ It was a wonderful time of togetherness and sharing the tennis courts with David. He is my idol. I will miss playing with him.”
Only time could stop this dynamo. The keys to David’s longevity in sports is to stay healthy and active, but to also be realistic about his limitations as he got older and avoid wasting energy on uncontrollable events. “I am okay not playing anymore due to my limitations,” says David. “Although aging takes away some things you just can’t do anymore, keep active doing the things that you can do.”
He has now shifted his attention to another thinking person’s sport — gateball — several times a week (generations808.com/gateball-revived). Best of luck to his opponents… They will need it!
David Murata, a resident of Kula, Maui, has been a persistent presence on local tennis courts for over three-quarters of a century — well into his 90s. Recently, David has decided to hang up his racket at age 95, an incredible accomplishment and milestone. To say that the sport increases longevity is an understatement. Tennis…
