In this ongoing column, Kaiser Permanente doctors answer commonly asked questions.
Living well with diabetes is not about being perfect. It’s about doing the little things consistently and in partnership with a trusted healthcare professional.
I have diabetes. Do I need to give up rice and the local foods I’ve eaten my whole life?
Managing diabetes is usually less about avoiding one particular food and more about understanding portions, carbohydrates and how you put meals together.
Think of carbohydrates as “tricklers” or “gushers.” Foods that release glucose into the bloodstream more gradually are the tricklers. They have more fiber or are carbohydrates eaten with protein and healthy fats that tend to be digested more slowly. Gusher foods send glucose into the bloodstream more quickly—especially highly refined carbohydrates, and sugary foods and drinks.
Both white and brown rice contain carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar. Brown rice has more fiber, so it acts more like a trickler. But that doesn’t mean white rice is automatically off the table. Portion size matters and so does what you eat with it. Fatty meats and highly processed foods—especially those high in saturated fat—can also worsen insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to respond to insulin and manage blood sugar. A smaller serving of rice paired with fish, chicken or tofu and plenty of vegetables can produce a steadier rise in blood sugar than a large bowl of rice eaten on its own.
Poi, ‘ulu and sweet potato also contain carbohydrates, so portions still matter, but they can be part of a balanced eating plan. For many people, the most sustainable approach isn’t giving up local food. It’s learning how to turn more meals from gushers into tricklers.
If I’m eating better and exercising, what else should I be doing to manage my diabetes?
Food and physical activity are essential, but they’re only part of good diabetes care. Diabetes can affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and feet—sometimes before you notice any symptoms. Regular monitoring helps your care team identify concerns early and adjust your treatment before complications become more serious.
Start by knowing your A1C through a simple blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the past three months. Testing helps you and your care team understand whether your treatment plan is working. It’s also important to:
Take your medications as prescribed and refill them before they run out. If you have side effects, concerns about cost or difficulty remembering doses, talk with your care team rather than stopping a medicine on your own.
Keep up with labs and screenings. Blood and urine tests can identify early signs of kidney problems. Regular screenings can detect problems early, allowing treatment to begin sooner and help protect your health.
Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers. Managing them is an important part of protecting your heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Your individual goals and screening schedulemay vary, so ask your care team what else you should be doing to protect your health.
Ka‘ahukane Leite-Ah Yo, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician. He practices at the Kaiser Permanente Mapunapuna Medical Office and is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Leite-Ah Yo completed his internal medicine residency at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and additional fellowship training at Oregon Health & Science University.
In this ongoing column, Kaiser Permanente doctors answer commonly asked questions. Living well with diabetes is not about being perfect. It’s about doing the little things consistently and in partnership with a trusted healthcare professional. I have diabetes. Do I need to give up rice and the local foods I’ve eaten my whole life? Managing…
In February 2026, Dr. Theresa Y. Wee, founder and president of the nonprofit organization Walk with a Doc–O‘ahu, celebrated the 10th anniversary of her initiative.
The group gathers every Saturday from 8 to 9am at Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park in Waipi‘o, near the tennis courts. The event is free, open to all ages and fitness levels, and encourages healthy lifestyle practices.
The international organization Walk with a Doc began 21 years ago in Columbus, Ohio, founded by cardiologist David Sabgir. Today, there are 725 groups worldwide, spanning 45 countries and 48 states. Inspired by this program while living in Ohio, Wee established Walk with a Doc–O‘ahu in 2016.
The weekly sessions start with a health tip from Dr. Wee, followed by a warmup, a 45-minute walk, a recap of the health tip and a cooldown with healthy refreshments. Beyond promoting exercise and healthy lifestyles, Walk with a Doc–O‘ahu emphasizes social connections and the importance of spending time outdoors.
“We gather with a common goal: to get healthier and to support one another in our quest to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives,” says Dr. Wee.
“The impact of this program over the years has been remarkable and satisfying to witness,” she added. “Many participants tell me that this was the exact nudge they needed to start their journey toward better health.”
Dr. Wee continues to dedicate her life to helping others by sharing her expertise as a healthcare professional and mother of four through regular television appearances, radio segments and in-person presentations.
She resides in Koa Ridge with her husband, Martin Arinaga, and serves as the medical director at her clinic, Wee Pediatrics Inc., located at Wee Wellness Center. In her spare time, Dr. Wee enjoys traveling and spending time with her five grandchildren. Her hobbies include water aerobics, cooking and reading.
In February 2026, Dr. Theresa Y. Wee, founder and president of the nonprofit organization Walk with a Doc–O‘ahu, celebrated the 10th anniversary of her initiative. The group gathers every Saturday from 8 to 9am at Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park in Waipi‘o, near the tennis courts. The event is free, open to all…
Retirement is an invitation to explore, connect, learn and enjoy life in new ways. With more time comes the opportunity to discover activities that bring joy, purpose and connection. Parks and recreation can play an important role in this next chapter. A morning walk, fitness class, round of golf, community event, card game or simply relaxing outdoors can support physical and emotional well-being.
Open spaces, new adventures: Our parks, recreation centers, walking paths, gardens and community spaces offer opportunities to stay active at every level. Lifelong recreation is all about finding activities you enjoy and making movement part of your routine.
Friendly faces, stronger connections: Recreation is also about people. Joining a class or activity can introduce you to new friends and meaningful social connections.
Keep learning, keep growing: Retirement is a great time to try something new. Learn a craft, play a new game, take a class, volunteer or share a skill you’ve developed over a lifetime. Recreation provides opportunities to participate and contribute.
So, what are you ready for? Your next adventure can include open spaces, friendly faces, lifelong recreation and much more!
Retirement is an invitation to explore, connect, learn and enjoy life in new ways. With more time comes the opportunity to discover activities that bring joy, purpose and connection. Parks and recreation can play an important role in this next chapter. A morning walk, fitness class, round of golf, community event, card game or simply…
When I retired from my 50-year teaching career and began looking for volunteer opportunities, I found the City and County of Honolulu’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for seniors 55 and over. Through RSVP, I became a GED tutor at the Susannah Wesley Center in Kalihi. As a Kalihi boy who speaks pidgin, I have social currency with the young people I tutor there and sharing academic skills is my way of giving back to the community where I grew up. I volunteer as a tutor because education changes lives. Although no longer in a classroom, I still have the knowledge, experience and passion to help students succeed. Every student has unique strengths and challenges. As a volunteer GED tutor, I give students the individual attention that a classroom may lack.
Volunteering makes a positive difference for me, as well. Seeing a student gain confidence, improve academically and attain success is very rewarding. In addition, tutoring keeps me intellectually motivated and physically active, and provides purpose and opportunities for engagement with students and other volunteers.
I hope to inspire students to value education, work hard and believe in themselves. Patient guidance and encouragement can make a tangible impact. Tutoring through RSVP enables me to continue what is important to me: helping others learn, grow and reach their potential.
When I retired from my 50-year teaching career and began looking for volunteer opportunities, I found the City and County of Honolulu’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for seniors 55 and over. Through RSVP, I became a GED tutor at the Susannah Wesley Center in Kalihi. As a Kalihi boy who speaks pidgin, I…
My family enjoys this recipe during our Jewish holidays. It has also been a favorite of many for enjoying anytime. Jewish law prohibits cooking on the Sabbath, so this recipe became a perfect make-ahead dish, because it retains moisture and can be reheated for the festive Friday night and Saturday afternoon meals… or anytime.
Prepare the noodles: Cook the noodles in salted water with a little oil according to package directions. When they are done, drain the noodles well and stir in 1/2 stick of butter. Set it aside.
Prepare the custard: With an electric mixer set at medium speed, combine the cream cheese and sugar, scraping the sides of the bowl. Change to low speed, add one stick of butter (melted), sour cream, vanilla extract and eggs. Mix until blended. Set it aside. *(Do not use low-fat or nonfat cream cheese or sour cream.)
Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, hand crush the Frosted Flakes. Mix in 1/2 stick of butter, melted. Set it aside.
Mix and bake:Preheat the oven at 350 degrees.
Grease a 9-by-12-inch pan. Mix the cooked noodles with the custard mix. Pour the noodle-custard mixture in the pan. Spread corn flakes topping evenly over the noodle-custard mixture.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes—until the mixture is set and the top surface is lightly browned. (If using Pyrex, lower the cooking temperature to 325 degrees.)
Remove from the oven.
Let it cool and then refrigerate it overnight or freeze it.
Serve: Slice when cold and heat in the oven covered with a loose foil tent on the top. Prep & cooking time: 1.5 hrs
Serves: 12 squares
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.
My family enjoys this recipe during our Jewish holidays. It has also been a favorite of many for enjoying anytime. Jewish law prohibits cooking on the Sabbath, so this recipe became a perfect make-ahead dish, because it retains moisture and can be reheated for the festive Friday night and Saturday afternoon meals… or anytime. Ingredients1…
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 12th and final article in this series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Jewish immigrants, their arrival to the Hawaiian islands, their traditions and celebrations such as Hanukkah (Chanukah).
Jewish Arrival in Hawai‘i
Though there are no official records of the very first Jewish person to Hawai‘i, the earliest record of Jewish people coming to the islands dates back to 1798, when a British whaling ship log revealed that King Kamehameha I brought a “Jew cook” on the boat with him.
In the century to follow, Jewish merchants would immigrate to Hawai‘i, hailing primarily from San Francisco, England and Germany. These merchants traded their goods and supported sugar and coffee plantations.
The Jewish population in Hawai‘i would continue to grow, and from the first recorded presence, Jewish travelers cultivated relationships with Hawaiian royalty. For example, traveler Elias Abraham Rosenberg presented King Kalākaua with the gift of a Torah scroll in 1886.
Though various community organizations were started, most did not last more than a few years, until Temple Emanu-El in Honolulu was established in 1960, offering the Jewish community a religious center and gathering place. Today, Jewish people are estimated to make up around .6% of Hawai‘i’s total population.
Culture and Traditions
Jewish culture and traditions casually manifest in weekly Shabbat (Sabbath), celebrated by families on Friday nights, complete with braided challah bread. Many Jewish congregations support Hawai‘i’s Jewish community throughout the islands. A major one is Temple Emanu-El in Honolulu, with local Chabad houses offering Shabbat meals and other services on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island. Jewish culture and tradition culminates in Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration that follows the Hebrew calendar and generally takes place in December. During Hanukkah, or Festival of Lights, a menorah is lit every night, children spin dreidels and beloved foods such as latkes (small, fried potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jam-filled doughnuts) are eaten.
Celebrations
This year, Hanukkah takes place Dec. 4 to 12. Chabad of Hawai‘i will host an annual celebration in Waikīkī with public menorah lightings and parades. Chabad of Maui and the Kaua‘i Jewish Center host celebrations on their respective islands, and other local Chabad centers and community groups host celebrations throughout the islands.
Generations Magazine hopes you enjoyed this two-year-long duology about some of Hawai‘i’s cultures—the threads that make up the vibrant human tapestry of our island communities.
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 12th and final article in this series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Jewish immigrants, their arrival to the Hawaiian…
Recently, my wife and I received sad news from one of our best friends. Her husband had passed away. While processing our own shock and sadness, we asked ourselves what we could do to help and comfort her. When we asked her if she would like us to come right away, she declined. Then she asked just my wife to spend a few days with her around the time of his celebration of life.
I didn’t feel hurt that she did not ask me to come with my wife. I thought about her request and the needs of an increasing number of people in our age group after the loss of a spouse. I recalled Sting’s words, “The bed’s too big without you.” The loss of a life partner affects every part of life. So it made sense that our friend wanted only my wife to come. Being with another couple might amplify her new solitary state—the fact that she is no longer part of a couple. So having one person there might better help her deal with her initial stages of grief.
To console our friend, my wife and I agreed that it would be best to keep our expressions of sympathy brief. “I’m so sorry for your loss.” There is no explaining the death of a spouse. Our words, perspectives and predictions of the future in an attempt to comfort, can inadvertently serve as painful triggers. Our well-intentioned attempts to comfort may actually make things worse, bringing crisis, not comfort. We decided it may be better to express our sympathies with long, warm hugs and brief, heartfelt words.
Also in the category of unintended consequences, doing something as simple as making a traditional casserole for a solitary grieving person may only accentuate their new state of solitude. Instead, if you share a love for a special dish, make it and bring it over to their house and join them for dinner. Or, a change of scenery via an outing to lunch or dinner may be another option.
A practical way to help out may be an offer to be their chauffeur or “executive assistant” for a day or two, as needed. There are multitudes of necessary tasks that can be overwhelming in those first days and weeks. Sorting through bank accounts and insurance policies, along with many other details, can prove to be daunting. With so much to do, just ask how you can be useful.
But simple, quiet companionship may provide something far more comforting than a casserole or a car ride. Your presence alone may gently spark shared memories and fun times, giving your friend the opportunity to reminisce, laugh, cry and open up on their own terms, in their own time. Your friend may derive the most comfort in the quiet of you just being there.
Recently, my wife and I received sad news from one of our best friends. Her husband had passed away. While processing our own shock and sadness, we asked ourselves what we could do to help and comfort her. When we asked her if she would like us to come right away, she declined. Then she…
The 100th Infantry Battalion was a segregated fighting unit composed almost entirely of second-generation American soldiers of Japanese ancestry (Nisei). Hawai‘i’s One Puka Puka (100th) boys overcame many obstacles and, with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), became the most decorated unit in US military history. But after over 80 years, the legacy of these Nisei soldiers seems to be fading.
In response, Hawai‘i State Department of Education (DOE) Superintendent Keith Hayashi and educators, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i State DOE and the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans’ board, will introduce students to the history, values and enduring impact of the battalion through embedded lessons that will educate students about their sacrifices.
(L–R, front) Hawai‘i Technology Academy (HTA)Teacher Shiloh Francis, DOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi and (back) HTA students Maria and Alishay are learning about the enduring impact of the 100th Infantry Battalion through letters written to Lt. Col. Farrant Turner, the first commanding officer of the battalion.
Beginning in 2026, the lessons will be piloted at James Campbell, Kalani, Maui and Mililani High Schools for 9th and 10th graders. The intent of the pilot is to refine and then share the lesson plan with all public high schools in the state. The coursework will be incorporated into existing US and modern Hawai‘i history curricula instead of being presented in a standalone class to give more students the opportunity to learn how the values of courage, service and community continue to shape Hawai‘i.
“It’s important for our keiki to know where they are going, important to know who came before them and the sacrifices that were made so that they can enjoy the freedoms and democracy that we have today,” Superintendent Hayashi says.
In the classes, students will identify a problem facing Hawai‘i, study the values that guided the soldiers of the 100th and create community service projects of their own so they can leave their own lasting mark—a legacy handed down to students from 100th and 442nd kūpuna.
The 100th Infantry Battalion was a segregated fighting unit composed almost entirely of second-generation American soldiers of Japanese ancestry (Nisei). Hawai‘i’s One Puka Puka (100th) boys overcame many obstacles and, with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), became the most decorated unit in US military history. But after over 80 years, the legacy of these…
The tango is a very deep human experience with a very long history. In the late 19th century, immigrants in Argentina listened to its haunting music and created a unique, intimate dance, eventually called the “tango.” Born from a unique blend of African, European and indigenous cultures in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, modern tango is the result of an unbroken chain rooted in prehistoric times.
Tango is a social dance. The essence of the tango is finding connection with your partner, while communicating through movement. A good dance leader listens to his partner. If the leader is communicating effectively, he will adjust his movements for the pleasure of his partner.
“Tango is more than dancing and spiritually deeper than the dance itself,” says Josefina Stellato, tango maestro at Still & Moving Center at 1024 Queen St. in Honolulu. From early childhood, Josefina had a desire to be a tango dancer. She was born in Tandil, Argentina, where she learned the dance as a child. She moved to Buenos Aires at age 17 to study tango with renowned teachers. She attended a variety of tango schools for about 22 years and danced in musical stage productions.
Josefina began teaching tango in Honolulu two years ago at the invitation of one of the top instructors in Honolulu. She has also taught in California, New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. She says she would enjoy instructing students in Hawai‘i schools and in Japan.
“Tango is a beautiful dance,” she says. “It is a deep art. By embracing your partner, you communicate with even a first-time partner, not with words, but with your movements. Tango is a conversation conducted through movement — communication of mutual feelings and trust, and stylized movement to show you care for another person.”
“When you dance tango, you meet people and friendships blossom,” she says. “Tango is also beneficial for elders. It teaches you balance — one of the many benefits of dancing tango. In tango, your partner is embracing you. It is rare you would fall. If you can stand, you can dance the tango.”
Also, tango is broad in scope. It is ageless. Josefina’s thoughts about tango are deep and profound. She says, “In my private time, I think of the important things of tango. For example, if the communication from the leader to his partner is done well, the partner will relax, trust the leader’s movements and the commitment to the dance deepens. The heart, mind and soul are in the present. The joy of tango is to attain peace of mind, calmness of your emotions and serenity through the dance movements of tango.”
“While dancing, I am in another mental state,” she says. The art of mindful movement, a moving meditation, a grounded exercise in awareness, presence, connection and creative expression… Yes, tango can be surprisingly Zen-like. At its best, it demands the same qualities as meditation: presence, awareness, acceptance and letting go. Time disappears — the outside world falls away…
The tango is a very deep human experience with a very long history. In the late 19th century, immigrants in Argentina listened to its haunting music and created a unique, intimate dance, eventually called the “tango.” Born from a unique blend of African, European and indigenous cultures in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, modern…
For many of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna, navigating life after retirement is a journey of kūlia, striving forward to find comfort and support as daily needs change. Whether it’s considering a move, seeking more kōkua at home or planning ahead, the search for the right living arrangement can feel confusing. Choices differ in the type of support offered, how daily life is structured and what level of independence they allow.
According to the State of Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), about 22.6% of Hawai‘i’s residents are age 65 or older, compared with roughly 19% nationally. DBEDT’s most recent projections estimate that by 2030, kūpuna will make up about 24% of the state’s population, continuing a trend that is outpacing the rest of the country. With Hawai‘i’s kūpuna population growing faster than the national average, retirement living across the islands is shifting in real time. This demographic change means more ‘ohana are reaching these decisions sooner and with greater complexity as they look for options that align with their needs, values and the way they want to live in the years ahead.
■ Kōkua at Home: Aging in Place
For many kūpuna, remaining at home with added kōkua is one of the most familiar and preferred options. Costs in Hawai‘i vary widely depending on the level of help needed. Part-time assistance — around seven hours per week — may cost under $1,000 a month. Homemaker services and home health aides in Honolulu typically range from $50 to $100 per hour, depending on certification level, location and the services provided.
For kūpuna who qualify financially, Hawai‘i’s Med-QUEST program can cover home health services, homemaker support and personal care. As of 2026, the income limit is $1,530 per month for individuals, with a one-time $2,000 asset limit. Med-QUEST uses a share-of-cost model, meaning some applicants whose income exceeds the limit may still qualify by spending down on care expenses. Many ‘ohana combine Med-QUEST coverage with private-pay support.
Beyond financial support, intentional home modifications can help kūpuna age in place safely and comfortably. Simple changes like improved lighting, removing tripping hazards and decluttering make a significant difference in daily safety. For those who need additional support, grab bars and rails in bathrooms and hallways provide stability, while chair lifts and stair lifts allow kūpuna to navigate their homes with greater independence.
According to the 2024 Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i Workforce Report, Hawai‘i has a 30% vacancy rate for home health aides, a gap that makes early planning for caregiver support even more important for kūpuna and their ‘ohana.
■ Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities are designed for active, self-sufficient kūpuna who want to be part of a community but don’t require daily assistance. Residents live in their own apartments or homes within a setting that typically offers group dining, social activities, fitness programs, transportation services and emergency response systems. Unlike assisted living, there’s no staff support for personal care or medications — kūpuna manage their own daily routines.
According to Hawai‘i senior living providers, independent living in Hawai‘i costs range from around $3,500 to $10,000 or more per month, depending on unit size and location.
Medicaid and Medicare do not cover the cost of living in independent living communities, so most residents pay out of pocket, often using retirement savings, home sale proceeds or reverse mortgages. Hawai‘i also has income-based senior housing communities designed for active kūpuna on fixed incomes.
Standard independent living communities typically do not require entrance fees, though some may request a deposit. While visiting independent living communities, asking what activities and services are included, and being clear about your budget can help your ‘ohana find an option that fits their needs.
■ Assisted Living & Residential Care: Support with Daily Living
Assisted living facilities and residential care homes provide support for kūpuna who can no longer manage daily activities independently at home. Both settings offer meals, medication management, help with bathing and dressing, housekeeping and 24/7 staff availability. The main difference is size: Assisted living facilities are larger communities with more amenities and social activities, while residential care homes (ARCHs) are smaller, home-like settings that typically house four to eight residents. In Hawai‘i, assisted living averages $9,340 to $11,311 per month, though actual costs range from $5,900 to $12,200 depending on unit size (studios to shared units) and location. Residential care home pricing varies based on the level of care provided.
Before moving in, understand what’s included and what isn’t. Most facilities require a refundable deposit before admission; entrance fees vary. Some communities, particularly continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), require substantial non-refundable entrance fees upfront. Some facilities also review income and assets before admitting residents. Many ‘ohana pay out of pocket, use long-term care insurance or combine resources to cover costs. Speak with a financial advisor and ask questions about included services and additional charges.
■ Dementia Care: When Specialized Support is Needed
Memory care facilities provide specialized support for kūpuna with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Unlike standard assisted living, memory care involves a secure environment, staff trained in dementia care and 24-hour supervision. These settings are designed for kūpuna who can no longer safely live independently or in regular assisted living — those who may wander, become confused about safety or need constant monitoring. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 35,000 kūpuna in Hawai‘i are currently living with dementia.
In Honolulu, monthly costs range from $9,000 to $12,000 or more; costs may differ on other islands. This includes room, board, meals, activities tailored to dementia and 24/7 care.
Understanding What Works for Your Family
What works for one kūpuna may not work for another — and what feels right today may shift as needs change. ‘Ohana approach these decisions in different ways, shaped by values and finances.
Many ‘ohana begin by exploring what matters most to their kūpuna — independence, community, proximity to family or the familiarity of home. Others look first at costs, available benefits or the types of care each setting provides. Facility visits, financial planning tools and conversations with providers can help ‘ohana understand their options. Local resources, including Hawai‘i’s Area Agencies on Aging, provide information about programs, benefits and support services available statewide.
As Hawai‘i’s kūpuna population continues to grow, understanding the range of housing and care options becomes increasingly important. Clear information — about costs, services, eligibility and the realities of each setting — allows ‘ohana to make decisions that reflect their needs, values and aloha for the years ahead.
For many of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna, navigating life after retirement is a journey of kūlia, striving forward to find comfort and support as daily needs change. Whether it’s considering a move, seeking more kōkua at home or planning ahead, the search for the right living arrangement can feel confusing. Choices differ in the type of support…
Starting Oct. 1, cryptocurrency kiosk/ATMs that accept deposits will no longer be allowed in Hawai‘i as a new consumer protection law takes effect.
Hawai‘i is now the 35th state to enact a law to protect consumers from losing money in scams involving cryptocurrency kiosk/ATMs and is the first state to ban kiosks that accept deposits. By November, there may be more than 35 states with new laws. Four other states have completely banned these machines. Other states have imposed transaction limits, mandated refunds for fraud, increased warning signs, required printed receipts and passed other consumer safeguards.
“The use of cryptocurrency kiosks in scams was increasing exponentially in Hawai‘i and across the nation,” says Keali‘i Lopez, AARP Hawai‘i state director. “Last year, the FBI said Hawai’i consumers reported losing $3.85 million through fraud involving cryptocurrency kioks. That’s nearly four times the amount reported lost in 2024. That’s why AARP fought hard to pass Act 224. We’re grateful to our advocacy volunteers and others who shared fraud stories, testified, called and sent letters and emails to help pass the law. We’re also thankful to lawmakers who acted decisively to protect consumers.”
The FBI said kūpuna were especially vulnerable to cryptocurrency kiosk/ATM fraud and accounted for the majority of the losses. The machines look like bank ATMs and could be found in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other locations.
“Fraudsters use cryptocurrency kiosks like a getaway car in a bank robbery,” Keali‘i continues. “They convince consumers through romance scams, by posing as an IRS agent or other official, or through a technology scam, to take money out of their banks and deposit it in the cryptocurrency kiosk. And once the money is put into a scammer’s cryptocurrency wallet, it is gone.”
Starting Oct. 1, cryptocurrency kiosk/ATMs that accept deposits will no longer be allowed in Hawai‘i as a new consumer protection law takes effect. Hawai‘i is now the 35th state to enact a law to protect consumers from losing money in scams involving cryptocurrency kiosk/ATMs and is the first state to ban kiosks that accept deposits.…
For families across Hawai‘i facing the uncertainty of memory concerns, help is on the way — and it carries a name rooted in our local values. The HĀNAI Memory Network, an acronym for Hawai‘i’s Assistance for the Navigation of Alzheimer’s Intervention, was signed into law in 2026 as Act 245, capping off this past session’s advocacy efforts by the Alzheimer’s Association and its community partners.
Gov. Josh Green (center, front row) signed House Bill 1853 (Act 245) into law on July 14, 2026, establishing the HA¯NAI Memory Network Program. In attendance were (L–R, front row) Calvin Hara, Dr. Gina Fujikami, Jerry Perone, Kamal Masaki, LJ Duenas, (second row) Hayden Cobb, Chris Lutz, Barbara Black (back row) Peter Black and Coby Chock.
Hānai speaks to a cultural tradition of caring for others as ‘ohana, extending support beyond blood ties — and that spirit shapes the program itself. Rather than leaving families to piece together care on their own, HĀNAI weaves clinical and nonclinical services into one coordinated system. Call it a “no wrong door” approach: Wherever someone enters, they’re met with guidance toward diagnosis, treatment and ongoing support that honors both dignity and culture.
Two core pillars will carry the work forward:
Dementia Care Specialists will offer cognitive screening, assessment and referrals directly in their communities.
Memory Clinics, established in partnership with a health system in each county, will provide clinical diagnosis, care planning and access to emerging treatments — including therapies that clear amyloid plaque and slow disease progression.
With the law now in place, the Executive Office on Aging is collecting public input and preparing to release a Request for Proposal this fall. If momentum holds, families should see HĀNAI up and running by mid-to-late 2027, giving Hawai‘i families a trusted place to turn for care.
If you have any questions about the HĀNAI Memory Network, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association – Hawai‘i.
For families across Hawai‘i facing the uncertainty of memory concerns, help is on the way — and it carries a name rooted in our local values. The HĀNAI Memory Network, an acronym for Hawai‘i’s Assistance for the Navigation of Alzheimer’s Intervention, was signed into law in 2026 as Act 245, capping off this past session’s…
