Category: Articles

  • A Hui Hou

    All good things must come to an end, or so they say. This is the last article by this author that will appear in this publication. I wish the Generations team and readers all the best in every way.

    I hope that over the past 15 years, you have gleaned from this column how important it is to have a clear, comprehensive estate plan—or, as I prefer to write it, “est8plan”. There are so many things that are beyond our control, and our est8plans can help us and our loved ones when inevitable bad things, such as death and disability, happen down the line.

    Please know and live the reality that through estate planning, you can create better, if not objectively good, outcomes for yourself and your loved ones as you transition through the stages of life. Your imagination and your collaboration with competent and creative advisors will give rise to an est8plan that will help you sleep at night. You will rest easy in the knowledge that you have done everything you can to put yourself and your loved ones in the best possible position to face the future. “May the road rise to meet you” as you embark on your own estate planning adventure, and remember: an intellectual solves problems… but a genius avoids them. Your est8plan can help you and your ‘ohana avoid the problems that must be solved when people fail to plan.

    Aloha pumehana, Scott Makuakane

    EST8PLANNING COUNSEL LLLC
    Scott Makuakane, Counselor at Law
    808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com
    Est8planning.com

    All good things must come to an end, or so they say. This is the last article by this author that will appear in this publication. I wish the Generations team and readers all the best in every way. I hope that over the past 15 years, you have gleaned from this column how important…

  • Finding a Trustworthy Financial Advisor

    Thinking about investing? You’re not alone. According to Gallup, 85% of Americans are actively seeking financial guidance—but BBB finds that too often, people lose money to bad advice and fraudulent “investment gurus” posing as experts.

    BBB’s 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report found that investment scams are the riskiest in North America, with the highest susceptibility rate and losses in the thousands!

    With this in mind, working with a trustworthy financial advisor isn’t just smart—it’s safer.

    According to Ramsey Solutions:

    • 44% of people with advisors have $100K-plus saved for retirement, vs. 9% of solo investors.
    • 68% of millionaires surveyed used financial advisors to build their wealth.

    Working with a trustworthy professional is a difference-maker. That’s where third-party trust indicators such as the Better Business Bureau come in. While BBB doesn’t give financial advice, it does help you find financial professionals you can trust.

    Read reviews, check complaint histories, identify accreditation, get multiple quotes and use BBB’s free Financial Wellness HQ tools: bbb.org/all/financial-wellness-hq.

    BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU GREAT WEST+PACIFIC (nonprofit)
    800-460-0910 | info@thebbb.org | thebbb.org
    Ad or company clarification: bbb.org
    Report a scam: bbb.org/scamtracker
    File a complaint: bbb.org/file-a-complaint

    Thinking about investing? You’re not alone. According to Gallup, 85% of Americans are actively seeking financial guidance—but BBB finds that too often, people lose money to bad advice and fraudulent “investment gurus” posing as experts. BBB’s 2024 Scam Tracker Risk Report found that investment scams are the riskiest in North America, with the highest susceptibility…

  • The Good & Bad News About Estate Tax

    The One Big Beautiful Bill, now a law, “permanently” increased the maximum lifetime exclusion amount that any US citizen or resident can use to shelter gifted assets or assets passing at death from the federal gift or estate tax. The new estate and gift tax exclusion beginning in 2026 is $15 million per US citizen and resident. The exclusion was originally slated to be reduced to $5 million plus inflation in 2026.

    “Permanent” is only permanent as long as the current administration is in control. However, the estate transfer tax system is a very unpopular tax. Consider three reasons why the federal estate tax exemption most likely will not be reduced:

    1) In the past 100 years, the exclusion has only increased. In the 1980’s, the estate tax was $600,000.

    2) Congress, who is in charge of increasing or decreasing the exclusion, for the most part, is made up of wealthy individuals. Would they pass a law that negatively impacts themselves?

    3) The estate transfer tax feels very distasteful to so many US citizens and residents. When Frank Luntz, a wordsmith, helped then-President Bush paint a negative perspective about the estate tax, he renamed the estate transfer tax “The Death Tax.” Immediately, US citizens and residents felt it was an unfair tax. As the saying goes, “How can we ask families to visit the taxman and the grave-digger on the same day?”

    YIM & YEMPUKU LAW FIRM
    2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
    808-524-0251 | yimandyempukulaw.com

    The One Big Beautiful Bill, now a law, “permanently” increased the maximum lifetime exclusion amount that any US citizen or resident can use to shelter gifted assets or assets passing at death from the federal gift or estate tax. The new estate and gift tax exclusion beginning in 2026 is $15 million per US citizen…

  • Managing Aging Parents’ Finances

    Making financial decisions takes time, attention and energy at any age. In the case of elderly adults, it may become increasingly difficult to manage finances, particularly if their health is declining or they’re experiencing a cognitive issue. If you’re providing support to aging parents—or plan to in the future—here are some tips on how to handle the situation and prepare for what’s to come.

    Don’t wait to start talking about money.

    It may be uncomfortable to ask your parents to discuss their finances with you, but it’s essential that you are familiar with their intentions for future care and the plans they have in place. When you broach the subject, emphasize that you are looking for only a high-level overview so that you can have more peace of mind about your parents being well cared for. This initial conversation can help set the groundwork for future discussions.

    Create a contact list.

    If your parents experience a sudden change in health that affects their ability to manage their affairs, it’s important to have a game plan. If you anticipate paying bills, making insurance claims and handling other financial tasks, ask your parents for a contact list for the professionals they work with and where their accounts are held. You may need to be an authorized user or power of attorney to be allowed access to certain accounts. Consult a lawyer to talk through what permissions may be necessary for you to step in if the need arises.

    Build a support network.

    Talk with siblings or other trusted family members about what your parent’s possible care plan could look like. While this conversation can be tough to initiate, it’s often easier to bring everyone together while your parents are still in good mental and physical health. Discuss who can realistically provide support: in what way and at what cost. Proactively deciding who can drive your parents to appointments, manage financial affairs, care for their home and handle other tasks can help avoid a strain down the road.

    Anticipate future lifestyle changes and challenges.

    Even if they aren’t yet needed, explore options and costs at various assisted living and memory care services. Check your parents’ insurance policies to see if and how services might be covered. You may want to explore whether their home or yours could be modified to provide additional space or comforts, such as wheelchair access. Knowing what choices exist and how your parents feel about each one can help you make future decisions with more confidence.

    Know your rights at work.

    The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) allows covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition. Consult your employer’s human resources department to learn about their policies for employees who are caring for a parent and how to initiate a claim. Many employers have access to resources and support groups to help you manage home and at work duties.

    Maintain momentum on your own financial goals.

    It’s prudent to look at your finances to see how much support you could provide your parents, if needed, without jeopardizing your retirement and future health care needs. Your financial advisor and lawyer can help you take the steps necessary to feel more confident.

    MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
    1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-952-1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
    ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee
    Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC®, CRPCTM, is a Private Wealth Advisor/
    Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, Hawaii.
    He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies
    and has been in practice for 41 years.
    1U.S. Department of Labor: The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
    (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/laws-and-regulations/laws/fmla)
    Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are
    not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and in-
    volve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
    Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its affiliates do not offer tax or legal advice. Consum-
    ers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation.
    Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.
    Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
    ©2025 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Making financial decisions takes time, attention and energy at any age. In the case of elderly adults, it may become increasingly difficult to manage finances, particularly if their health is declining or they’re experiencing a cognitive issue. If you’re providing support to aging parents—or plan to in the future—here are some tips on how to…

  • Helping to Protect Sea Turtles

    Under the cover of a moonlit sky, a familiar hawksbill sea turtle, Orion, hauls herself up the beach with slow, powerful strokes. Now in her fifth nesting season, she begins meticulously carving into the sand, preparing a nest chamber to hold the next generation of hatchlings. One day, they too will repeat this prehistoric cycle.

    For nearly three decades, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund (HWF) has been protecting nesting sea turtles, including the endangered hawksbill, helping to ensure the continuation of this cycle into an uncertain future. As a community-driven nonprofit organization, HWF is dedicated to the conservation of Hawai‘i’s coastal and marine species through research, education, marine debris removal and habitat restoration. On Maui, HWF leads several programs with a strong focus on safeguarding hatchlings and nesting sea turtles, including Dawn Patrol, Night Patrol and Nest Watch.

    Dawn Patrol staff and volunteers go out early looking for sea turtle tracks or an indication of a nest that has been laid. The Night Patrol looks for, guards and monitors nesting females. Nest Watch occurs day and night, watching over the nests to keep hatchlings safe from disturbance.

    However, the path to stronger sea turtle conservation on Maui has not been without its hardships. In 1993 and 1996, two hawksbill turtles searching for suitable nesting sites at Kealia Beach were tragically drawn off course by artificial lights from the nearby road. Both turtles, laden with eggs, were subsequently struck and killed by passing cars. Though heartbreaking and all too familiar, this incident marked a turning point for sea turtle conservation on Maui. In response, HWF and partnered agencies launched the Sea Turtle Recovery Project to address the many challenges sea turtles face through monitoring, researching, and the protection of nesting hawksbill and green turtles.

    Since then, with tireless support from our community, HWF has monitored 154 nests and protected 13,047 hatchlings as they made their way to the ocean. Each nesting season brings stories of resilience and survival, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of this work. Nonetheless, every step forward is only possible through the dedication of our community. Every volunteer, from students to kūpuna, plays a vital role in our efforts. Join us in helping ensure that turtles like Orion—and even her hatchlings, who may now be finding their way back—continue to return and nest on the beaches of Maui for generations. Learn more or get involved on Maui via wildhawaii.org/get-involved/volunteer.

    HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND (nonprofit)
    PO Box 790637, Paia, HI 96779
    719-332-0218 | alex@wildhawaii.org
    wildhawaii.org

    Under the cover of a moonlit sky, a familiar hawksbill sea turtle, Orion, hauls herself up the beach with slow, powerful strokes. Now in her fifth nesting season, she begins meticulously carving into the sand, preparing a nest chamber to hold the next generation of hatchlings. One day, they too will repeat this prehistoric cycle.…

  • Akamai Seniors: a Nonprofit for Seniors

    I’m honored to share the heart of Akamai Seniors, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s older adults. Our mission is simple: to help you find peace of mind and live healthy, productive lives, ensuring you get more out of life while spreading the aloha spirit in the communities we serve.

    We’re educators and a community outreach resource focusing on vital areas. Billions in benefits often go unclaimed because applications are complex. We step in to help. Our team provides crucial Medicare education, assisting with enrollment and ensuring you utilize the plan that best fits your needs. We also specialize in the Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program. Half of all seniors qualify for this program that significantly lowers prescription drug costs and covers premiums.

    Beyond finances, we champion your overall well-being. Our Senior Wellness Program offers education on everything from fall prevention, nutrition and Alzheimer’s disease to combating social isolation. We also empower you with financial education, covering wills and trusts, Social Security and protection against scams.

    Akamai Seniors is your resource for aging and healthy living. We love our seniors and are always striving to best serve your needs. We believe every kupuna deserves to thrive!

    AKAMAI SENIORS (nonprofit)
    1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 508, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-460-4940 | edward@akamaiseniors.org
    Akamaiseniors.org

    I’m honored to share the heart of Akamai Seniors, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving Hawai‘i’s older adults. Our mission is simple: to help you find peace of mind and live healthy, productive lives, ensuring you get more out of life while spreading the aloha spirit in the communities we serve. We’re educators and…

  • From Keiki to Kūpuna

    Since 2019, Aloha Diaper Bank has supported Hawai‘i’s families by providing diapers and baby essentials to those in need. While our primary mission is keeping keiki healthy, we also gratefully accept donations of adult diapers, which are shared with kūpuna at our Windward Mall location and distributed to neighbor islands where the need is great.

    Kūpuna are more than recipients—they are an essential part of our organization. Many volunteer their time to wrap and inventory diapers and assist families visiting our site. Their involvement keeps them active, provides meaningful engagement, and allows them to share wisdom and experiences.

    Many kūpuna also care for their mo‘opuna (grandchildren), and we are honored to support them in that role. From keiki to kūpuna, every diaper donation impacts generations.

    We also host kūpuna-centered activities that foster connection and joy. Weekly hanafuda card games and monthly ‘ukulele classes with Joe Ahuna bring people together, encourage social interaction and celebrate lifelong learning.

    Together, we thrive when every generation is cared for with aloha.

    ALOHA DIAPER BANK (nonprofit)
    46-056 Kamehameha Hwy., Ste. 111, Kaneohe, HI 96744
    808-762-0364 | alohadiaperbank.org

    Since 2019, Aloha Diaper Bank has supported Hawai‘i’s families by providing diapers and baby essentials to those in need. While our primary mission is keeping keiki healthy, we also gratefully accept donations of adult diapers, which are shared with kūpuna at our Windward Mall location and distributed to neighbor islands where the need is great.…

  • Prepare for the Journey: As Memory Fades

    If you or a loved one has started to have memory loss, you may ask, “What will happen in the future? What can I do now to prepare?”

    SHARE may be right for you!

    Support, Health, Activities, Resources, Education (SHARE) is an evidence-based program that can help you or your loved one’s care team plan for the future by helping the team better understand the disease process, opening up communication channels, and providing resources that acknowledge individual values and preferences.

    The care team will include an individual at early stage of dementia or memory loss who is able to participate in discussion about their values, preferences and goals for the future. The other member of the care team is a care partner—often a spouse/significant other, adult child, or good friend—someone who is committed to being present with the person at an early stage as they progress on their life journey.

    A certified coach meets with the two-person care team in five sessions. The coach is a trained neutral party who will encourage communication and shares tips, skills and resources. A planning guidebook provided to the care team will serve as a tool to record plans for their future together.

    SHARE—and prepare—for the journey.

    CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    1822 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96822
    808-527-4777 | info@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
    catholiccharitieshawaii.org

    If you or a loved one has started to have memory loss, you may ask, “What will happen in the future? What can I do now to prepare?” SHARE may be right for you! Support, Health, Activities, Resources, Education (SHARE) is an evidence-based program that can help you or your loved one’s care team plan…

  • What is Your Gut Trying to Tell You?

    Your gut is often the first to signal when something’s not quite right. While occasional bloating or indigestion may be harmless, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Gastroenterologists flag warning signs that call for further evaluation:

    • Unintentional weight loss
    • Loss of appetite
    • Changes in bowel movements—narrower, more or less frequent, a different color or consistency
    • Blood in the stool—whether bright red, maroon, or black and tarry
    • Chronic or recurrent abdominal pain, especially if it disrupts sleep
    • Low blood counts (measured by your healthcare provider) fatigue or unexplained weakness

    These red flags help your doctor determine when urgent testing is needed, because these symptoms may be early indicators of serious conditions like colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption disorders. And be aware that risk increases with age—especially after 50—or with a family history of GI cancers. But early detection saves lives. So if you have questions about your gut health, start by talking with your primary care provider, who may refer you to a specialist in gastroenterology. Trust your gut. Take action when it speaks.

    KUAKINI HEALTH SYSTEM
    347 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu, HI 96817
    kuakini.org

    Your gut is often the first to signal when something’s not quite right. While occasional bloating or indigestion may be harmless, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Gastroenterologists flag warning signs that call for further evaluation: These red flags help your doctor determine when urgent testing is needed, because these symptoms may be early indicators…

  • 10 Early Signs of Dementia

    Everybody forgets something now and then. As the brain ages, it’s normal to occasionally blank on a name, make a mistake with numbers or misplace your keys or phone. But with typical aging, we can usually recall it later and retrace our steps.

    However, dementia presents differently and it affects more than just memory. These brain changes cause ongoing problems with everyday tasks and represent a noticeable shift from how someone normally functions. It’s important to know the difference between normal lapses and more serious signs that could indicate dementia. Why pay attention to these early signs in yourself or those you love? Because when you know sooner, you can live better.

    By talking to your healthcare provider early, you can learn whether memory changes are due to dementia or another treatable condition. An early diagnosis makes all the difference. While there is no cure for dementia, finding out sooner gives you access to FDA-approved treatments and lifestyle strategies that can slow mental decline and improve quality of life.

    WARNING SIGNS TO WATCH FOR

    Here are 10 early signs that you or someone you love may be experiencing dementia:

    ❶ Memory loss that disrupts daily life. This includes asking the same questions repeatedly and depending on memory aids or family members for things previously handled independently.
    ❷ Challenges in planning or solving problems. This may involve trouble developing and following a plan or working with numbers.
    ❸ Difficulty completing familiar tasks. Examples include trouble driving to familiar locations or remembering the rules of favorite games.
    ❹ Confusion with time or place. This includes losing track of dates, seasons or forgetting where they are or how they got there.
    ❺ Difficulty with visual perception and spatial relationships. Beyond cataract-related vision changes, this may involve problems with balance, reading, judging distance and determining color and contrast.
    ❻ New problems with speaking or writing. Examples include trouble following conversations, stopping or getting lost mid-conversation, or repeating oneself. There may also be difficulty remembering words or using wrong words.
    ❼ Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps. While normal occasionally, it’s concerning if this happens frequently and they can’t retrace their steps.
    ❽ Poor judgment and decision-making. This may involve increased poor judgment with money or personal grooming.
    ❾ Withdrawal from work or social activities. As they notice thinking changes or difficulty holding a conversation, they may withdraw from work, hobbies and socializing.
    ❿ Changes in mood and personality. Becoming confused, depressed, fearful or anxious, or getting easily upset in situations out of their comfort zone are other early warning signs.

    If you notice some of these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. Take steps today to protect your brain health. Know sooner and live better.

    HAWAI‘I DEMENTIA INITIATIVE
    Executive Office on Aging, Hawai‘i State Dept. of Health
    250 South Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813-2831
    DOH.Dementia@doh.hawaii.gov | hawaiidementia.org
    For local resources: 808-643-ADRC (808-643-2372)
    Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

    Everybody forgets something now and then. As the brain ages, it’s normal to occasionally blank on a name, make a mistake with numbers or misplace your keys or phone. But with typical aging, we can usually recall it later and retrace our steps. However, dementia presents differently and it affects more than just memory. These…

  • Kūpuna: Don’t Let Cavities Go Untreated!

    It’s easy to think that cavities are something only kids need to worry about. But the truth is, kūpuna can still get cavities, even if they’ve had healthy teeth their whole lives. In fact, aging can bring new dental challenges that make cavities more likely, such as dry mouth from medications or gum recession.

    If left untreated, cavities can lead to pain, infections, difficulty eating and even tooth loss. These issues can affect overall health, nutrition and daily comfort. Oral health is closely tied to overall well-being, especially in our later years.

    The good news? Cavities are preventable with a few simple daily habits. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque. Floss once a day to clean between the teeth where a brush can’t reach. And don’t forget to see your dentist regularly! Routine check-ups can help catch small problems before they become big ones.

    Taking care of your smile is an important part of staying healthy and living well. No matter your age, it’s never too late to give your teeth the care they deserve.

    HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE
    Kahala Howser Pimentel, Wellness & Events Manager
    808-529-9391
    Kahala.Pimentel@HawaiiDentalService.com
    HawaiiDentalService.com

    It’s easy to think that cavities are something only kids need to worry about. But the truth is, kūpuna can still get cavities, even if they’ve had healthy teeth their whole lives. In fact, aging can bring new dental challenges that make cavities more likely, such as dry mouth from medications or gum recession. If…

  • Music Therapy for Continuing Wellness

    Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Hawai‘i’s first and only nonprofit music therapy organization, was established in 2002 by board-certified music therapist Keiko Kajiwara to serve diverse local communities that value music as a cultural resource for healing and empowerment. Its mission is to improve well-being and quality of life through music therapy, especially in underserved communities. Services include music therapy for people with disabilities, medical/mental health challenges and those in at-risk circumstances, in collaboration with hospitals, rehabilitation and long-term care centers, senior programs, shelters, schools and other community sites. Public education and advocacy services include research, training and charitable events.

    Music therapy participants engage in singing, movement and improvisation on a variety of instruments. The purpose of this therapy is creative self-expression and community-building, so no prior musical experience is required. Participants’ diverse musical preferences and cultural traditions are embraced in group music-making, honoring the wealth of knowledge and life experience of Sounding Joy’s older adult participants.

    The federal government has recommended music therapy as a mandatory service for senior programs, as it supports active engagement, rehabilitation and palliative care. It is also accessible for those with limited verbal communication.

    Because music stimulates and integrates the functioning of different areas of the brain, it can address a variety of therapeutic goals—motor functioning, memory, communication, emotional expression and socialization. Research demonstrates beneficial music therapy outcomes for a wide range of conditions, including autism, dementia, developmental disabilities, movement disorders, chronic pain and trauma. The program has partnered with the Hawai‘i Parkinson Association and others to offer music therapy to Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers.

    While Sounding Joy works with clients of all ages, the state’s fast-growing population of seniors constitutes the largest age group. But there are less than 12 board-certified music therapists practicing in Hawai‘i. To help make music therapy available to those in need, support Sounding Joy’s Holiday Giving campaign using the donation link below.

    SOUNDING JOY MUSIC THERAPY, INC. (nonprofit)
    Serving people of Hawai‘i since 2002
    1314 South King St., Ste. #963, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-593-2620 | nguerrero@soundingjoymt.org | soundingjoymt.org
    Donate: tinyurl.com/Donate-SoundingJoyMusic

    Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Hawai‘i’s first and only nonprofit music therapy organization, was established in 2002 by board-certified music therapist Keiko Kajiwara to serve diverse local communities that value music as a cultural resource for healing and empowerment. Its mission is to improve well-being and quality of life through music therapy, especially in underserved communities.…