Category: Living Life

Crunchi ‘Ahi Toast
This is a great appetizer because of its big, two-level crunch. First, the happy pop of the tobikko, and then the satisfying crunch of the crostini.

Ingredients:

‘Ahi spread

2 lbs. ‘ahi, ¼-inch or less, diced

1/2 cup tobikko fish eggs

1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. sesame oil

1 Tbsp. light soy sauce

1/4 tsp. wasabi paste or wasabi oil

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, fresh ground

Black pepper, to taste

Crostini

1 baguette, sliced into rounds 1/4” thick

Extra-virgin olive oil

Garlic salt

Directions (Serves 10):

In a bowl, combine all of the ‘ahi spread ingredients and keep well chilled until ready to serve.

To make the crostini (you can also purchase prepared crostini), brush each slice of bread with a little olive oil, and bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes or until crispy. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with garlic salt or an herbed salt blend. Top each crostini with a rounded teaspoon of the ‘ahi spread and serve.

Total time: 30 minutes

For a copy of this recipe and more information, please visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com.

As a “casual gourmet” cook for more than 12, years, Chef Michi founded ‘Cooking Fresh For You’ in 2007. Her recipes center on healthy yet easy to prepare flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact Michi at cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com or (808) 286-6484.
This is a great appetizer because of its big, two-level crunch. First, the happy pop of the tobikko, and then the satisfying crunch of the crostini. Ingredients: ‘Ahi spread 2 lbs. ‘ahi, ¼-inch or less, diced 1/2 cup tobikko fish eggs 1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. sesame oil 1 Tbsp. light soy…
Book Review: MOSAIC MOON

Unique caregivers book helps ease the burden of Alzheimer’s

Mosaic Moon: Caregiving Through Poetry is a unique resource for caregivers by noted poet and educator Frances H. Kakugawa. Mosaic Moon, which grew out of poetry workshops conducted by the author for the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, is both an extraordinary collection of poems and a how-to guide to help individuals and groups create their own poetry support groups.

Besides offering hands-on writing and organizational tools, the book includes inspirational poetry by the author and five graduates of her workshops, reflecting both the trials and small triumphs of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Mosaic Moon traces the lives of six Alzheimer’s patients, their struggles with the disease and their evolving relationships with their caregivers – the poets Kakugawa, Irene Asato, Lynne Halevi, Lani Kaaihue, Jody Mishan and Setsuko Yoshida.

This culturally diverse group of caregivers — women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s – spans the Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Buddhist faiths and a rainbow of ethnicities: Japanese and Hawaiian to Russian and Polish among them. In Mosaic Moon, they learn to express their hope, helplessness, humor and despair, as they strive to recapture the dignity and human spirit often lost amid the day-to-day rigors of caregiving.

Kakugawa, an award-winning author, has also written two children’s books that help keiki cope with aging elders – Wordsworth the Poet and Wordsworth Dances the Waltz. Both books feature a little Hawaiian mouse named Wordsworth who loves poetry and finds comfort in writing poems that express his confusion over the changes in his beloved grandparent and the fond memories he has of her more vibrant days.

All three books are available in bookstores, from Amazon.com or directly from the publisher at www.bookshawaii.net. Or call toll-free at 1-866-900-BOOK. $16.95, softcover.

A portion of the book’s proceeds supports research for Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

“I’m better prepared to care for my mother after reading your book, knowing what you went through truly helps. You’ve prepared me for caregiving.”

~ Kay Yonemori (Hilo, Hawai‘i)

“Years from now when Alzheimer’s is finally conquered, this book will stand as a testament to bravery and to love.”

~ Maxine Hong Kingston, author of The Woman Warrior (Berkeley, California)

Unique caregivers book helps ease the burden of Alzheimer’s Mosaic Moon: Caregiving Through Poetry is a unique resource for caregivers by noted poet and educator Frances H. Kakugawa. Mosaic Moon, which grew out of poetry workshops conducted by the author for the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter, is both an extraordinary collection of poems and a…
What’s Your Secret?

Fevelyn is a senior at Moanalua High School who is currently taking a Senior Project class where students learn about a topic of their choice – she chose the topic of longevity. She’s been interested in learning about the elderly and the things they do to stay healthy and to live longer. She has done a research paper for her topic and her product is a booklet containing questions about what makes people live longer.

Kathleen Kawaihao, 62
Q: What do you do to keep your mind active?
A: I volunteer to keep my mind active. I read the bible and inspirational books.

Veronica Edwards, 72
Q: What would you recommend others in order for them to live healthily?
A: Take care of yourself, your body, mind, and spirit. Because if you take care of those things, you’re taking care of everything you need.

Fevelyn is a senior at Moanalua High School who is currently taking a Senior Project class where students learn about a topic of their choice – she chose the topic of longevity. She’s been interested in learning about the elderly and the things they do to stay healthy and to live longer. She has done…
Nothing Beats a Good Friend

Research shows that the happiest people have deep friendships

The private school graduate is no happier than the high school dropout! Can you believe that? Private school graduates tend to make more money, but income doesn’t raise happiness levels. Third, your IQ has no affect on your level of happiness. The genius is no happier than the average Joe. So, what makes a person happy?

The researchers concluded that the No. 1 predictor of happiness is the quality of your friendships. The happiest people have the deepest friendships. That’s what the Bible has continually proclaimed. Friendship with God and friendship with one another is the key to happiness.

At our church we focus on enjoying friendships. Following any get together, our Senior Fellowship Group always leaves feeling uplifted, lighthearted and joyful. Mostly in their 70s or 80s and some even 90+ years young, this amazing group of seniors gets together every week for their Sunday school class. They come to learn, laugh and enjoy coffee and snacks together. They also meet in a small group of 20 twice a month. During the meetings, they share lives, caring hearts and delicious lunches. On a recent excursion about 35 people went by charter bus to visit the Arizona Memorial and then enjoyed a lunch at Zippy’s. It seems that they always enjoy eating together. As I’ve personally interacted with our Senior Fellowship Group, I wholeheartedly agree with the researchers that say friendship is the key to happiness.

So don’t neglect your friends, as they will bring you much joy. If you’d like to make more friends, check out community churches, as many have fellowship groups. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “God evidently does not intend us all to be rich, or powerful or great, but He does intend us all to be friends.” So take time to enjoy your friendships. They will bring you more joy than watching Korean shows on TV.

Honolulu Christian Church, 2207 O‘ahu Avenue, Honolulu
808-973-4345
English Sunday services: 7:45am & 10:45am
Sunday School (all ages): 9:30am
Japanese Sunday services: 8:00am & 9:20am

We have a wonderful Senior Fellowship group, come and visit with us!

Research shows that the happiest people have deep friendships The private school graduate is no happier than the high school dropout! Can you believe that? Private school graduates tend to make more money, but income doesn’t raise happiness levels. Third, your IQ has no affect on your level of happiness. The genius is no happier…
Genealogy is for Generations

Why is a hobby that revolves around dead people so popular?

Genealogy is derived from the Greek word genea, “generation” and “knowledge.” It is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history.

Oftentimes, family histories are passed down in the desire to preserve the past for future generations.

Hobbyist genealogists try to understand not just where and when people lived, but also their lifestyles, biographies and motivations. This often requires - or leads to – knowledge of antiquated laws, political boundaries, migration trends and socioeconomic or religious conditions.

Generations come and go. Who will know them? Who will keep track? Oftentimes, the sense of responsibility falls on the “senior generation,” as they hold most of the information, photos and papers. However, regardless of your age or generation, getting involved in your family genealogy and watching your tree grow with new an old faces can take you to unexpected places.

Genealogy and You

Who do you think you are? Your lineage? Do you want to know?

Apparently Americans do want to know who they are. Millions tune in each week to watch the T.V shows, Who Do You Think You Are? and Finding Your Roots. Shows that deal with investigating the genealogy of celebrities.

These shows, each in their own compelling way, take a different celebrity on a journey into his or her family history. Viewers are taken on an emotional, personal and often mysterious quest as these celebrities discover their ancestors - many of whom had to overcome huge obstacles while struggling for freedom and opportunity.

Why is a hobby that revolves around dead people so popular? Genealogy has become the fastest growing hobby in North America. It has even surpassed scrap booking and gardening in popularity. According to Kim Farah, spokesperson for the Family History Library (LDS), it is because genealogy touches on a fundamental need. “It’s universal; it crosses all faiths and cultures. The benefits of knowing our heritage, of the sacrifices others have made for us, give us a sense of responsibility and self-esteem.”

Genealogy has also taken a giant scientific step forward. DNA can now to be organized into haplogroups that give insight into the broader scopes of racial makeup and ancestral migration patterns.

Most people know little of their ancestry. So, who were they – our unknown ancestors? Will we find pirates, smugglers, criminals? Perhaps we’ll discover we are descendents of queens, kings and noblemen? We each have our own stories: the black sheep, the Civil War hero, the ancestors who fled to the United States, or the lost family fortune. Now is the time to get out your faded pictures, start asking your oldest relations about what they know, and discover your own family history.

Local Genealogical Society

Honolulu County Genealogical Society meets on the second Saturday of each month. You may find more information online at www.honolulu-countygenealogicalsociety.blogspot.com. Or at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~hihcgs.

Other resources are www.ancestry.com, www.rootsweb.ancestry.com, and .

Why is a hobby that revolves around dead people so popular? Genealogy is derived from the Greek word genea, “generation” and “knowledge.” It is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history. Oftentimes, family histories are passed down in the desire to preserve the past for future generations. Hobbyist genealogists try…
Got Game? Show it with this Recipe: Mini BBQ Chicken & Carmelized Onion Sandwiches
Perfect for game time. Set it up in your crock pot and you won’t even miss a pitch.

Ingredients

Pre-roasted chicken is best for this recipe — you can’t beat it for the convenience and flavor. This is an easy recipe to make using your crock pot, or you can slowly cook it on your stovetop. All it requires is gentle simmering. If you have some coleslaw handy, it goes great in the sandwiches!

2 large onions, sliced thick

1 Tbs. olive oil

4-5 cups roasted chicken, shredded

1 cup prepared BBQ sauce

Salt & ground black pepper, to taste

Dinner rolls

Directions (Serves 6 to 8)

In a large saucepan with the olive oil, cook the onions until they are fully browned and caramelized – they will have lost most of their moisture and turned a beautiful golden-brown color. Mix in the chicken, BBQ sauce and season. Then cover and cook on low heat for 40 minutes (or put into a crock pot on high and walk away!). Check back to stir occasionally, if the liquid seems to be evaporating too quickly, add a little water. When ready to serve, cut each dinner roll and scoop about a 1/4 cup of the mixture on each roll.

Chef Michi’s recipes center on healthy yet easy to prepare flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact Michi at cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com or (808) 286-6484.
Perfect for game time. Set it up in your crock pot and you won’t even miss a pitch. Ingredients Pre-roasted chicken is best for this recipe — you can’t beat it for the convenience and flavor. This is an easy recipe to make using your crock pot, or you can slowly cook it on your stovetop. All…
It’s Never Too Late . . . To Grow Young

Joan Packer did not start working out until age 77. She had been a smoker for 20 years and never exercised. When she first came in she couldn’t walk upstairs without holding on to the railing. Now at 90, she does the elliptical for 30 minutes without holding on to anything. Her goal was to lose weight and regain her health so she could stay independent.

Poor balance and lack of strength are big issues as we age. Resistance exercise is a must to preserve muscle mass and body function. It’s also important to get enough protein, fruits and vegetables.

Joan admits it was challenging at the beginning. “I could barely do a bicep curl with 2 lbs., now I use 15 lbs. Seeing Diane twice a week has changed my life. My strength and balance are much better and I have never been more flexible. My sciatica pain has also disappeared.”

When Joan went to visit her daughter in Seattle, they went for a hike up Mt. Rainier. To her surprise she went up the path and left her daughter trailing behind.

Joan’s last bone density exam showed she has the bones of someone in her thirties. She takes no medications, has no aches or pains, and still drives her car. Joan says she is in better shape now than 30 years ago. All from proper diet and exercise.

Joan is a role model for all my clients, including 87-year-old Victor who works hard to keep up with her. Whenever I introduce a new movement, the first thing everyone asks is: “Does Joan do this?” She sets the bar for all of us.

As a trainer, I’m constantly researching new movement patterns and approaches to connect the mind to the body. The more movements you learn, the more synapses you develop, and the sharper your mind stays.

Working with seniors has changed the way I think about aging. Joan is living proof that it is never too late to grow young again, in mind, body and spirit!

Diane Cadinha is a certified fitness trainer and lifestyle coach. She has been in the fitness industry for more than 25 years. She works out of two studios, in Mililani and Honolulu. Contact her at shapingup@hawaii.rr.com or call 221-3905.

Joan Packer did not start working out until age 77. She had been a smoker for 20 years and never exercised. When she first came in she couldn’t walk upstairs without holding on to the railing. Now at 90, she does the elliptical for 30 minutes without holding on to anything. Her goal was to…
Enjoying Peace of Mind in Your Senior Years!

My dad, James Kensei Higa, never had a headache in his life. When someone in our family had a headache he would ask, What does it feel like? Imagine living 84 years and never having a headache! My dad always slept soundly and seldom worried about anything. Dad went to heaven in 2005.

My mom, Sue Sumiko Higa, on the other hand, worried enough for both of them. She worried when her grandson got sick, she worried about having enough money, and she worried that I would do poorly when I preached my Sunday sermons. She was always relieved when I didn’t mess up. Did my mom have headaches and sleepless nights? She had quite a few of them. My mom also lived 84 years and went to heaven in 2009.

Is there a correlation between sleepless nights, worry and headaches? I’m not a doctor, but I believe there is. As a pastor my understanding about God is that He doesn’t want worry to be a part of your life. Instead, He wants you talk to him about your struggles. Worrying can be habit forming and that’s why some people become “worry warts.” Are you a “worry wart?” Talk to God about your problems, he loves you and he will help you not to worry as much.

At one time all three of my sons were in their twenties and living on the Mainland. Instead of worrying about them, I would pray, Lord, please watch over my sons, help them to make wise decisions and bless them. Then, instead of worrying, and having sleepless nights, I would fall fast asleep, just like my dad.

The next time worry tries to enter your mind turn to God and ask Him to help you. I believe that He will bring peace to your heart and mind. When you’re having a worry-filled and sleepless night, look to God. If that doesn’t work for you, then open the Bible and start reading. If you still can’t sleep, come to my church on Sunday … perhaps my sermon might put you sound asleep!

Honolulu Christian Church, 2207 O‘ahu Avenue, Honolulu | 808-973-4345
English Sunday services: 7:45am & 10:45am
Sunday School (all ages): 9:30am
Japanese Sunday services: 8:00am & 9:20am
We have a wonderful Senior Fellowship group, come and visit with us!

My dad, James Kensei Higa, never had a headache in his life. When someone in our family had a headache he would ask, What does it feel like? Imagine living 84 years and never having a headache! My dad always slept soundly and seldom worried about anything. Dad went to heaven in 2005. My mom,…
People’s Open Market
Founded in 1973, the People’s Open Market (POM) was formed to accomplish three goals:

Provide the opportunity to purchase fresh agricultural and aquacultural products and other food items at low cost.

Support the economic viability of diversified agriculture and aquaculture in Hawai‘i by providing market sites for local farmers, fishermen or their representatives to sell their surplus and off-grade produce.

Provide focal point areas for residents to socialize.

More than 1 million people shop at the 25 market sites each year. Each market operates once a week and lasts about one hour. Prices are usually 35% lower than retail stores. The POM staff closely regulates the markets. The staff conducts weekly price surveys at various stores to determine a recommended price for the POM vendors to follow. Vendors may sell below, but not over, the recommended prices. The staff also supervises the arrival and departure of the POM vendors to ensure safety for both vendor and consumer. Each vendor is monitored to ensure that they comply with all city, state and federal government rules and regulations, ordinances and laws affecting their participation in the POM.

TYPES OF PRODUCE

At the POM, you will find many kinds of ethnic fruits, vegetables and other food items that are not ordinarily available in grocery stores. Depending on the ethnic make-up of the neighborhood, you’ll find a variety of foods associated with the different ethnic groups. Fresh ocean and pond fish, as well as farmed shrimps and prawns, are available—many sold live. In addition, a variety of Hawai‘i-grown flowers, such as ginger, orchids and anthuriums are for sale.

HISTORY OF THE OPEN MARKETS

The beginning of the open markets is attributed to Mrs. Joyce Fasi. After hearing concerns of women in a discussion group regarding the high cost living in Honolulu and in particular the high cost of food, she relayed these thoughts to her husband, then Mayor Frank F. Fasi. Hence, the People’s Open Market was started to assist farmers with selling their “off-grade,” “ungraded” and surplus produce while lowering food costs for the citizens of Honolulu.

The first People’s Open Market (POM) was started at the Banyan Court Mall location in Kalihi in November, 1973. People in other communities began requesting their own POMs. Soon, a caravan of POM farmer/vendors was traveling to various sites to help the public purchase low-cost food items.

The city requires all vendors to be authorized to accept food stamps to help those who are on fixed incomes.

SHOPPING TIPS

The People’s Open Market (POM) vendors are bound by a set of rules and regulations, which ensure that the POM operates smoothly and fairly for vendors and as well as customers. It is the vendors’ responsibility to see that their customers follow the rules and regulations. They are subject to citations and disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program for failure to comply with the rules and regulations.

Please cooperate with the POM vendors. Here are some of the POM shopping tips:

Plan ahead! There will be times that the market will start or end a little earlier or later than officially scheduled (5–10 minutes) due to certain conditions such as traffic, road conditions, school, weather, etc.

Things to keep in mind:

Do NOT bag or ask vendor to reserve items before the start of the market (sound of an air Horn)!

Do NOT cut in lines that vendors have formed!

Do NOT shoplift!

Do NOT squeeze or mistreat fruits and vegetables (papayas, tomatoes, etc.)!

Do NOT bring animals (except seeing eye/working dogs)!

Do NOT litter!

Do NOT ride bicycles through the shopping area. Park on the sides of the POM.

Do NOT park illegally, double park or block driveways!

Park in marked stalls ONLY!

Bring your own shopping bags, packages and cartons!

Be careful when the POM vendors’ trucks and P vans are entering or leaving a POM site!

Be considerate of other shoppers!

Bring small bills and coins!

Market Scheduled Areas

Mondays: Honolulu City Area

Tuesday: Leeward-Central Area

Wednesday: Honolulu City Area

Thursdays: Windward Area

Fridays: Leeward Area

Saturdays: Kalihi-Hawaii Kai Area

Sundays: Leeward Area

People’s Open Market

M : Manoa Valley District Park
2721 Kaaipu Avenue, 6:45a.m. – 7:45a.m.

M : Makiki District Park
1527 Keeaumoku Street, 8:30a.m. – 9:30a.m.

M : Mother Waldron Park
525 Coral Street, 10:15a.m. – 11:00a.m.

M : City Hall Parking Lot Deck
Alapai and Beretania Streets, 11:45a.m. – 2:30p.m.

T : Waiau District Park
Komo Mai Drive, 6:30a.m. – 7:30a.m.

T : Waipahu District Park
94-230 Paiwa Street, 8:15a.m. – 9:15a.m.

T : Wahiawa District Park
N. Cane St. & California Ave., 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.

T : Mililani District Park
94-1150 Lanikuhana Avenue, 11:45a.m. – 12:30p.m.

W : Palolo Valley District Park
2007 Palolo Avenue, 6:30a.m. – 7:30a.m.

W : Old Stadium Park
2237 South King Street, 8:15a.m. – 9:15a.m.

W : Queen Kapiolani Park
Monsarrat and Paki Streets, 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m.

R : Waimanalo Beach Park
41-741 Kalanianaole Hwy., 7:15a.m. – 8:15a.m.

R : Kailua District Park
21 South Kainalu Drive, 9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m.

R : Kaneohe District Park
45-660 Keaahala Road, 10:45a.m. – 11:45a.m.

R : Halawa District Park
99-795 Iwaiwa Street, 7:00a.m. – 8:00a.m.

F : Ewa Beach Community Park
91-955 North Road, 9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m.

F : Pokai Bay Beach Park
85-037 Pokai Bay Road, 11:00a.m. – 11:45a.m.

S : Banyan Court Mall
800 North King Street, 6:15a.m. – 7:30a.m.

S : Kaumualii Street
700 Kalihi Street, 8:15a.m. – 9:30a.m.

S : Kalihi Valley District Park
1911 Kam IV Road, 10:00a.m. – 10:45a.m.

S : Salt Lake Municipal Lot
5337 Likini Street, 11:15a.m. – 12 Noon

S : Hawaii Kai Park-n-Ride
300 Keahole Street, 1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m.

Su : Kapolei Community Park
91-1049 Kamaaha Loop, 7:00a.m. – 8:30a.m.

Su : Royal Kunia Park-n-Ride
Kupuna Lp./Kupuohi St., 9:30a.m. – 11:00a.m.

Su : Waikele Community Park
94-870 Lumiaina Street, 11:30a.m. – 12:30p.m.
Founded in 1973, the People’s Open Market (POM) was formed to accomplish three goals: Provide the opportunity to purchase fresh agricultural and aquacultural products and other food items at low cost. Support the economic viability of diversified agriculture and aquaculture in Hawai‘i by providing market sites for local farmers, fishermen or their representatives to sell…
How Much Are You Worth?

In a society that glamorizes youth and beauty, it is easy for us to feel less valued as we age. As my hairline recedes, my wrinkles deepen, and my strength diminishes, am I still valuable? Are you still valuable? How much are you worth?

Let me answer that question using a real life example. Do you like this picture on the right? Would you love to see this picture hanging in your living room? Ninety-nine percent of the people who see it don’t like it. It was painted in 1905 by then 24-year-old Pablo Picasso. The picture didn’t sell until 1950. A wealthy New York publisher “Jock” Whitney bought it for $30,000 to add to his massive art collection.

Whitney died in 1982, followed by his wife’s death in 1998. At her estate’s liquidation, this painting sold at auction in May 2004 for $110 million dollars, which at that time was the highest priced painting ever sold in art history! Was it worth $110 million dollars? Think about it. What could you do with $110 million dollars? Was that 39” x 13” piece of canvas worth $110 million dollars? Absolutely! The way you determine worth is by what someone is willing to pay for it.

Now, back to the question how much are you worth? Here’s the root of much of our problems, because we often don’t know how to answer that question. Throughout our lives we’ve been told our worth lies within our performance in a job that we hold or the income we produce. Our value comes from our performance. So what happens when we stop performing? We often feel devalued.

The Bible teaches that we have all strayed away from God. So God sent His son Jesus to pay for our sins on the Cross. So how much did God pay to redeem you? He paid far more than $110 million dollars. He paid an immeasurable price. God paid for you with the life of His son.

So how much are you worth? God says that you are of infinite value. So don’t listen to what our society (or the mirror) says about you. The truth is you are a precious, priceless, masterpiece created by God. And you can take that to the bank!

In a society that glamorizes youth and beauty, it is easy for us to feel less valued as we age. As my hairline recedes, my wrinkles deepen, and my strength diminishes, am I still valuable? Are you still valuable? How much are you worth? Let me answer that question using a real life example. Do…
Tofu Poke’
I love my vegetarian friends and family (my daughter eats NO meat). This can get challenging at times, but there are some vegetarian dishes that are so good even the carnivorous type will take a bite or two. On friends and family gatherings, try serving poke’ that everyone can cheer about!

Ingredients

1 lb extra firm tofu, cut into ½” cubes

1 cup fresh ogo seaweed, rough chopped

¼ cup sweet white onion, diced

1” piece of fresh ginger, finely minced or grated

1 Hawaiian chili pepper, seeded and minced

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon shoyu

½ teaspoon salt (Kosher salt works best)

Fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine. Either serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Serves: 4 – 6 as an appetizer

Time: 15 minutes
I love my vegetarian friends and family (my daughter eats NO meat). This can get challenging at times, but there are some vegetarian dishes that are so good even the carnivorous type will take a bite or two. On friends and family gatherings, try serving poke’ that everyone can cheer about! Ingredients 1 lb extra…
AARP: Hawai`i’s Not Ready for Care Needs
In 2008, the state Legislature established the Long-Term Care Commission to assess Hawai‘i’s system of care for the elderly and recommend improvements. Nearly four years later, the Commission is ready to share its findings with lawmakers - and the report is not encouraging.

Describing the state’s long-term care system as “broken,” the Commission concludes that neither the state nor most of its residents are prepared to deal with the high cost and complexity of care. The report says that lack of public awareness and fragmented state oversight of programs and providers make for an increasingly dangerous combination as Hawai‘i ages.

“Hawai‘i’s people have not put aside sufficient savings to deal with the risks of aging, and that’s something that could come back to haunt all of us,” said Long-Term Care Commission Chair Stuart Ho, who also serves as State President of AARP Hawai‘i. “Most of our residents are both unaware of and unprepared for the looming financial costs associated with long-term care. The problem is compounded by state government’s fragmented management of the current system, which leaves families confused about the services available to them.”

The Commission finds that most residents - and state government itself - are unprepared to cope with the increased demand for long-term care services. As the need for services increases, many families are shocked to learn that Hawai‘i nursing home costs are among the highest in the country and are already at full capacity.

Meanwhile, Hawai‘i is home to one of the fastest aging populations in the United States. Between 2007 and 2030, the number of residents age 85 and older will increase by almost two thirds (from 29,000 to about 48,000). As our population ages, the Commission says that either government will need to spend substantially more for long-term care or other sources of funding will have to be found.

The Commission report, ready for delivery to the Legislature in January, includes eight recommendations for consideration. Three are listed below.

Launching a long-term care public awareness campaign

Establishing a mandatory public insurance program

Consolidating state departments responsible for long-term care into a single agency for greater efficiency and coordination

To read the report and the complete list of recommendations, visit the University of Hawai‘i Public Policy Center online at publicpolicycenter.hawaii.edu/ltcc.
In 2008, the state Legislature established the Long-Term Care Commission to assess Hawai‘i’s system of care for the elderly and recommend improvements. Nearly four years later, the Commission is ready to share its findings with lawmakers - and the report is not encouraging. Describing the state’s long-term care system as “broken,” the Commission concludes that neither the…