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…
Growing up, ceviche was always served at gatherings or parties during hot summer days. It’s also perfect for a potluck contribution. Everyone loves it! The first time I made this recipe on my own, I was in my second year of college, missing home and my mom’s ceviche. It was spring break, perfect weather, and I wanted something energizing before going to the beach. I bought the ingredients, called my mom for assistance and made it. It came out perfect! My roommates and I devoured it with chips. What I really like about ceviche? It’s really easy to make. It’s refreshing and it can be for pūpū or the main dish. This recipe is the basic ingredients that are distinctively “ceviche.” Every Hispanic culture has its own signature version. Make it your own!
Ingredients 1 3-lb. bag fresh shrimp/seafood 2 cucumbers (or more) 1 red onion or 2 large shallots (for a sweeter taste) 1 bunch cilantro (chopped) 8 limes (approx.) 4 tomatoes (regular or Roma) salt (to taste) Prep time: 1 hr. (approx.) Serves: 6–8 small bowls
Directions Shrimp/seafood preparation: Tear the heads off and shell the shrimp. Devein the shrimp by slicing the back open and scrapping out the vein-like digestive track. Cut the shrimp/seafood into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Marinate: Squeeze all of the limes and pour the juice into the bowl of shrimp/seafood pieces — enough to just cover them. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes until the shrimp/seafood is opaque and firm. Vegetable preparation: While the shrimp/seafood/lime mixture is marinating, chop the vegetables. Bringing it all together: When the shrimp/seafood is ready, mix with the chopped vegetables. Add salt to taste. Add more ingredients to taste. And to personalize it further, add avocado, sweet peppers and mango (as shown above) to your taste.
Serve with corn tortas (corn cakes) or chips. ¡Provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
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.
Growing up, ceviche was always served at gatherings or parties during hot summer days. It’s also perfect for a potluck contribution. Everyone loves it! The first time I made this recipe on my own, I was in my second year of college, missing home and my mom’s ceviche. It was spring break, perfect weather, and…
Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating the tapestry of diverse cultures that make up our islands. In this ninth article of our ongoing series, we focus on Hispanic heritage, how a few of the different cultures arrived in the Hawaiian islands, their traditions and celebrations such as the Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival and Cinco de Mayo.
Hispanic Arrival in Hawai‘i
The first person of Hispanic heritage to arrive in Hawai‘i was Spanish adventurer Francisco de Paula Marín near the end of the 18th century. With a vast array of skills at his disposal (interpreting, negotiating and advising the king), he quickly adapted to life in Hawai‘i. He is also credited with introducing and planting many of the crops Hawai‘i is now known for: pineapple, coffee, mango and more. A few years later, cows were given to King Kamehameha III as a gift, but the king had to request backup from Mexican vaqueros (cowboys), who worked with local paniolo and taught them to handle the cattle. Thus began a steadily increasing flow of Hispanic people to the Hawaiian Islands. At the peak of the sugarcane industry, in the wake of two hurricanes in Puerto Rico in 1899, the first group of 54 Puerto Rican men came to work in the sugarcane fields. Only 14 years later, Hispanic immigrants numbered over 9,000. Today, people of Hispanic heritage make up about 10% of Hawai‘i’s population.
Culture and Holiday Traditions
Hispanic cultures include Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central/South American, Dominican and other Latin American/Spanish countries, but the first two are most prevalent in the islands. As a result of Spanish colonization, both cultures speak Spanish and predominantly practice Catholicism, so Christmas is a significant holiday. Noche de San Juan (St. John’s Night) is a major Puerto Rican celebration held annually on June 23 to honor Saint John the Baptist, the island’s patron saint. There are two well-known and widely practiced cultural celebrations for those of Mexican descent. Cinco de Mayo (May 5), commemorating the 1862 Battle of Puebla, is celebrated with vibrant parades, mariachi music, baile folklórico (folkloric dance) and authentic Mexican cuisine. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead on Nov. 1 and 2), honors deceased loved ones. And, of course, every celebration includes food: pasteles/pastele stew, tacos, horchata, gandule rice and more.
The biggest cultural festival is the Hispanic Heritage Festival hosted by Hispanic Events Hawaii, held on Oct. 10 on O‘ahu. The Puerto Rican Heritage Society has also hosted the Puerto Rican Festival for the past two years in July on O‘ahu, featuring live music, dancing, pasteles, arroz con gandules and more.
For more information, see the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s website (hcchawaii. org) and the Puerto Rican Heritage Society’s Facebook page (facebook.com/Boricuas.Hawaii/) as well as Generations Magazine’s Facebook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and website calendar (generations808.com/calendar) for community events and opportunities.
The next article in this series will feature the influences of Tahitian 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 the tapestry of diverse cultures that make up our islands. In this ninth article of our ongoing series, we focus on Hispanic heritage, how a few of the different cultures arrived in the…
If your family members and friends have declined your offer to pass your treasured heirlooms to them, you are not alone. Jon Vendiola, the owner of a decluttering and moving service for kūpuna called “Lets Move, LLC,” has found this to be common among his customers. He cites differences in taste between generations and the lack of available space for storage in the smaller homes that are being purchased in a difficult housing market. Members of Gen X and Gen Z gravitate toward aspects of minimalism, and are more likely to value the memories, stories and the time spent together over the clutter.
But rather than lug these items to the landfill or drop them in a donation box, he recommends that you first explore other options. Take items that may have monetary value, such as tea sets, furniture, antiques, vintage items and designer clothing to a consignment store to be appraised. But do some research online or give the consignment store a call first. Consignment stores are selective. The merchandise they accept must be in “pristine condition,” says Jon. If they choose to accept an item, you retain ownership until it is sold. When the item is sold, the store will keep its commission and you take home the rest.
If all else fails, take your items to your local thrift shop, Goodwill, Salvation Army, homeless shelter or a domestic violence shelter. Or find a nonprofit thrift store that sells donated items to fund a charitable mission. Precious treasures that your family may reject could be highly prized by a perfect stranger—a win-win for everyone.
If your family members and friends have declined your offer to pass your treasured heirlooms to them, you are not alone. Jon Vendiola, the owner of a decluttering and moving service for kūpuna called “Lets Move, LLC,” has found this to be common among his customers. He cites differences in taste between generations and the…
Many of us have heard the paradox “all alone in a crowded room.” For many of our island seniors, it is a reality. Social isolation and loneliness are major enemies of the senior population. They are the common challenges of life after work.
Imagine the situation: You have worked for over 50 years, many as supervisors in charge of others. And after all that time, you look forward to retiring. You see yourself as being free to do as you wish, when you wish and with whom you wish. But on that first day of retirement, you no longer have a place where you feel you belong. There are no “good morning” greetings—no afternoon lunch gossip.
This is a reality for many retirees. Of course, many are prepared. They had their travel group set up. They were all set to garden, babysit or meet their friends for kanikapila at a local McDonald’s. But not all are prepared. Many seniors retire without having long-term plans in place. After the first month, they stop looking forward. They wake up, watch TV, eat alone and fall asleep. This becomes their new pattern. So, what do you do to prevent this? Start again.
Having worked for Parks and Recreation Senior Section for over 30 years, I met the people who gave in to “the disease of being retired.” Others I met formed new beginnings. They joined clubs, set up a schedule of activities and rediscovered life. They found new reasons to wake up every day. Whether it was a senior club or just a group they met at the mall, life started to form anew.
Remember back when you started your career? Do it again and this time you are your own boss. Rekindle a former passion, challenge yourself with a new project, order yourself to join a club or start a club of your own. Create activities you have always wanted to do—travel, garden or work out at your local recreation center.
Look at opportunities to help others. I just started retirement and began a new career doing just that! My hobbies now dictate my deadlines. I feel renewed; I am just waiting for people to start telling me I look younger!
Many of us have heard the paradox “all alone in a crowded room.” For many of our island seniors, it is a reality. Social isolation and loneliness are major enemies of the senior population. They are the common challenges of life after work. Imagine the situation: You have worked for over 50 years, many as…
The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i (BBH) is the state’s only center for blood collection and distribution, supplying all 18 civilian hospitals. Because shipments from the continental US take time, local donations are essential to meet daily patient needs. BBH often relies on 150 to 200 donors each day to support surgeries, cancer treatments and childbirth. When emergencies spike, demand can exceed 300 units. On days with low supply, reserves can fall below a single day’s worth, forcing hospitals to make difficult choices about who receives life-saving treatment immediately and who must wait.
Traci Takehara, senior recruiter for donor services at BBH and a multiple-time donor herself, oversees Lifesaver Clubs and coordinates drives throughout the islands. “Every donation has the power to save a life right here in our community,” Takehara says. “It’s life, hope and time for families who need it most.”
Because blood cannot be manufactured, Hawai‘i’s hospitals depend entirely on volunteer donors to maintain a stable supply. Each unit has a limited shelf life, and demand fluctuates with surgeries and emergencies, making regular donations essential. All blood types are needed—including the most common—O-positive and A-positive—while O-negative remains especially valuable due to its universal compatibility.
Many kūpuna rely on a consistent blood supply, especially those managing chronic conditions or preparing for procedures like dialysis, heart treatments or joint replacements. Yet fewer than 2% of Hawai‘i residents donate regularly, leaving hospitals with little buffer when demand is high. One pint can support up to three patients, so supplies can run low quickly.
Different types of donations address specific medical needs. Whole blood, the most common, is used for a wide range of treatments. Platelets help cancer and trauma patients. Plasma supports burn-care and clotting disorders. Rare types like Jk3-negative, more common among Polynesian populations, are in high demand because they are harder to match.
Most adults in Hawai‘i can donate if they are generally healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet screening requirements. Many kūpuna remain eligible, depending on medications and medical history.
BBH operates fixed locations on O‘ahu and regularly holds mobile drives to make donations accessible across the islands. Staff guide donors through every step, from check-in to recovery, and follow consistent safety protocols to protect both donors and patients. By maintaining a reliable supply, the Blood Bank supports care that keeps families together and ensures treatment remains close to home.
Takehara emphasizes, “A steady blood supply ensures hospitals can care for all patients without making impossible choices.”
For more information or to schedule a donation, visit bbh.org.
The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i (BBH) is the state’s only center for blood collection and distribution, supplying all 18 civilian hospitals. Because shipments from the continental US take time, local donations are essential to meet daily patient needs. BBH often relies on 150 to 200 donors each day to support surgeries, cancer treatments and childbirth.…
This soup has become a new tradition for the Kim family—the dumpling soup my kids ask for every time we want a quick, comforting and easy dinner. And it is simple enough that at age 10, my daughter, Sophia, could make it on her own. Mandu (dumplings) are usually made during holidays like the Korean New Year or Chuseok, an autumn harvest festival. Families make them together and eat them together. There’s something special about a meal that is stress-free and still brings everyone to the table. On chilly days, manduguk is our go-to and a perfect recipe for kids who are learning their way around the kitchen.
Ingredients
1 pack Store-bought beef bone broth 8–10 Store-bought dumplings (any brand) 1 egg Chopped green onions, to taste Minced garlic, to taste A little sesame oil
Directions
1) Pour 1 pack of store-bought beef bone broth into a pot and add the same amount of water. Bring to a boil. 2) While the broth is heating, mince the garlic and finely chop the green onions. 3) Crack the egg into a bowl and beat it lightly. 4) When the broth comes to a boil, add about 8–10 dumplings. Cook until the dumplings float to the surface. 5) Once the dumplings float, add the minced garlic and stir. 6) Slowly pour in the beaten egg in a circular motion. When the egg starts to set, gently stir with a spoon. 7) Add the green onions and a little sesame oil, then stir. 8) Season with salt and pepper if needed.
If you add sliced rice cakes (tteok) along with the dumplings, it becomes tteok-mandu-guk (rice cake and dumpling soup).
Prep & cook time: 45 minutes Serves: 2
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.
This soup has become a new tradition for the Kim family—the dumpling soup my kids ask for every time we want a quick, comforting and easy dinner. And it is simple enough that at age 10, my daughter, Sophia, could make it on her own. Mandu (dumplings) are usually made during holidays like the Korean…
