When my time comes, everything is here,” he said. Long before his death, my father-in-law sat us down and opened his safe, carefully walking us through the important documents inside. Legal papers were signed. The funeral was prepaid. He had done what responsible people do. He had prepared us.
He had done everything right so we would avoid probate. When he passed, I felt calm, believing the hardest part would be missing him.
Annette Kam’s in-laws enjoy an engaged and loving time with their second great-grandchild, focusing on family, affection and fun.
I never realized how unprepared I was until I was living it — grieving, exhausted and navigating details I never imagined would fall to me, blindsided by mundane things no one thinks of. The first sign: a missing checkbook needed to pay bills, followed by a key ring heavy with unlabeled keys. We became landlords overnight without knowing tenants’ names or rent amounts. Then there were crucial phone numbers we didn’t have, passwords we didn’t know and even a request for their marriage certificate.
Six months later, finding care for my mother-in-law brought another surge of decisions layered over grief. Then came their home and 60 years of memories, paperwork and possessions to sort.
Grief did not arrive gently. It competed with deadlines, phone calls and responsibilities. I would solve one problem only to face another. For two years, I lived more than a hundred “I wish I had known” moments that weighed me down from sunup to sundown. Cancel a phone too soon and verification codes disappear. A landline in one name only can stall everything.
My in-laws were not careless. How could they prepare us for what they didn’t know? I gained knowledge only because I was forced to. When my mother-in-law passed two years later, I finally understood what needed to be done, which made it easier to handle.
How many families believe they are prepared — until they are standing where I stood?
Have the important, much-needed conversations now. Label the keys. Share the passwords. Clarify the small things down to the detail.
This important preparation is much more than paperwork. It is how we care for the people we love after we are gone.
For more information about WAIT—Don’t Die Yet!, email buckwun@aol.com, call 808-454-7871 or visit annettekam.com.
When my time comes, everything is here,” he said. Long before his death, my father-in-law sat us down and opened his safe, carefully walking us through the important documents inside. Legal papers were signed. The funeral was prepaid. He had done what responsible people do. He had prepared us. He had done everything right so…
Since the beginning of World War II, over 400,000 service members have lost their lives in combat. To honor those who paid the ultimate price to save and protect our nation and values, Memorial Day in Hawai‘i is marked by deeply moving, unique traditions blending cultural, spiritual, patriotic elements and military reverence. Hawai‘i’s Memorial Day is distinctive compared to the rest of the country, with lantern floating ceremonies that draw thousands to honor the departed. And in addition to traditional Memorial Day parades, Hawai‘i honors fallen service members by placing thousands of handmade flower lei on their graves.
O‘AHU: The Shinnyo Floating Lantern Festival at Ala Moana Beach (lanternfloatinghawaii.com) reflects our state’s multicultural demographic by blending Buddhist practice and Native Hawaiian tradition. Participants can pay tribute to a loved one who has passed or spread a message of peace and hope by releasing their own lantern at sunset. The ceremony begins at 6:30pm on Memorial Day.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, also known as “Pūowaina,” was established at the end of World War II to honor veterans who have fought in the Pacific Wars. Mayor Rick Blangiardi will host a special ceremony at 8:30am on Memorial Day (honolulu.gov/dpr/mayors-memorial-day). The ceremony will include the 70-year tradition of adorning each gravestone with a freshly sewn lei. The City and County of Honolulu is asking for donations of tī leaves, plumeria/crown flowers and volunteers to make the 38,000 lei needed for the ceremony.
The Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāne‘ohe (lake.com/events/hawaii-governors-memorial-day-ceremony) also holds an annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor over 15,000 fallen service members. The event typically includes the decoration of graves with lei, which is supported by community donations and volunteers to ensure every grave is honored.
The American Gold-Star Families Memorial Day Parade recognizes the sacrifices of families whose loved ones have died. The parade will begin at Fort DeRussy in Waikīkī (memorialdayparade.com/the-parade).
The Pearl Harbor National Memorial (pearlharbor.org) will also honor our nation’s veterans. Tours are offered on the USS Utah (BB1) and USS Oklahoma (BB37) and a live dive will take place at the USS Arizona followed by a commemorative ceremony.
MAUI COUNTY: A traditional, community-led lei placement event is expected to take place at the Maui Veterans Cemetery in Makawao, typically starting in the morning around 9am on the Saturday prior, May 23, 2026. Kaunoa Senior Center volunteers make lei to be placed on graves. Check mauicounty.gov/254/Kaunoa-Senior-Services in May.
HAWAI‘I: The 22nd Annual Celebration of Life lantern floating event (tinyurl.com/BigIsland-May24LanternFloating) will be held at Reed’s Bay in Hilo, Hawai‘i. The free community event also features Bon dancing to honor loved ones with remembrance and reflection. These events foster a deep sense of community, reflection and gratitude throughout the islands.
Since the beginning of World War II, over 400,000 service members have lost their lives in combat. To honor those who paid the ultimate price to save and protect our nation and values, Memorial Day in Hawai‘i is marked by deeply moving, unique traditions blending cultural, spiritual, patriotic elements and military reverence. Hawai‘i’s Memorial Day…
David Murata, a resident of Kula, Maui, has been a persistent presence on local tennis courts for over three-quarters of a century — well into his 90s. Recently, David has decided to hang up his racket at age 95, an incredible accomplishment and milestone.
To say that the sport increases longevity is an understatement. Tennis is known to extend life expectancy by nearly 10 years… what some call the “bonus years.”
“David has repeatedly said that tennis is what keeps him alive,” say fellow players Tom Liu and Pearl Rockett. But after 77 years of enjoying the sport, David stopped playing when he felt that his balance was declining. “It was a natural transition due to my age and capabilities,” David candidly says.
David Murata and long-time tennis partner Monty Tester are two of Maui’s class acts. David’s advice for those just starting tennis is “to practice as much as you can and play with different and better people — if they are willing to play with you.”
David started playing tennis around 1948 at Konawaena High School, when a family friend’s father introduced him to the game. Throughout his tennis career, David remained competitive and injury-free, playing on many USTA league teams on Maui. “But my strength decreased as I got older and I had to be careful not to fall on the court,” he says. “I also relied on my partners more since I could not move as well.” So he served as team captain when he was unable to compete at the higher levels.
David not only brought his skills and smiles to the court; the “garden guru” regularly blessed his fellow players with a bounty of beautiful fruits and vegetables that he painstakingly tended on his Kula farm. He has been described as a generous, kind and compassionate gentlemen — both on and off the court.
What kept him coming back decade after decade was that he “liked the game and the people that I played with.” He says he will miss being active and spending time with his tennis friends — Monty Tester, Tom Liu, Pearl Rockett, Don Booth — and many others he has played with over the years.
“He was the captain of several of the teams I played on,” says Monty. “He was a very good, fair captain, keeping us organized on our trips to Kona and O‘ahu for USTA sectionals.”
“David’s small frame masked his towering competitiveness, his prowess, his smartness, his total concentration, and his unsolicited cheering after he made a point,” says Pearl.
She says he lives life and played tennis utilizing the Asian culture belief of shōganai: “it is what it is — the situation cannot be altered, worrying about it is pointless and moving forward is the best option.” “He moved on when life showed its nasty ways, he held his head up high and believed in the power of God,” says Pearl. “He never dwelled on the little things.”
There’s a new kid in town: David Murata has joined a gateball group that plays on Tuesday and Friday mornings in Kula: (L–R, front row) his daughter, Jody Singsank; Doris Ventura; Marsha Williams; (back row) Norma Haicsi (in back of David); Faith and Jim DeBuhr. PC: Arthur Ventura
“Even in his 90s, David was always fun to play with,” says Don. “He remembered the score better than us 60- and 70-year-olds. He was competitive and loved to report the set scores to his family when his team won. But win or lose, David was always a model of good sportsmanship. He is a wonderful example of a generous and kind man whom we could all learn from.”
Besides the good times with his friends, his most cherished memories include “winning games that I didn’t think we could win.” He says he doesn’t remember much about his opponents… but one can bet they remember him. This polite player with a good-natured giggle wielded a wicked, left-handed slice serve so extreme that John McEnroe would have been jealous. And like McEnroe, this unassuming senior was indeed a fierce competitor.
“I remember seeing his joy as he whacked that tennis ball and got a winner off of me,” says Pearl. “His serious face broke out into a huge grin — more like a smirk — and then he would shamelessly shake his fist at me showing me that he ‘got me!’ It was a wonderful time of togetherness and sharing the tennis courts with David. He is my idol. I will miss playing with him.”
Only time could stop this dynamo. The keys to David’s longevity in sports is to stay healthy and active, but to also be realistic about his limitations as he got older and avoid wasting energy on uncontrollable events. “I am okay not playing anymore due to my limitations,” says David. “Although aging takes away some things you just can’t do anymore, keep active doing the things that you can do.”
He has now shifted his attention to another thinking person’s sport — gateball — several times a week (generations808.com/gateball-revived). Best of luck to his opponents… They will need it!
David Murata, a resident of Kula, Maui, has been a persistent presence on local tennis courts for over three-quarters of a century — well into his 90s. Recently, David has decided to hang up his racket at age 95, an incredible accomplishment and milestone. To say that the sport increases longevity is an understatement. Tennis…
Growing up, ceviche was always served at gatherings or parties during hot summer days. It’s also perfect for a potluck contribution. Everyone loves it! The first time I made this recipe on my own, I was in my second year of college, missing home and my mom’s ceviche. It was spring break, perfect weather, and I wanted something energizing before going to the beach. I bought the ingredients, called my mom for assistance and made it. It came out perfect! My roommates and I devoured it with chips. What I really like about ceviche? It’s really easy to make. It’s refreshing and it can be for pūpū or the main dish. This recipe is the basic ingredients that are distinctively “ceviche.” Every Hispanic culture has its own signature version. Make it your own!
Ingredients 1 3-lb. bag fresh shrimp/seafood 2 cucumbers (or more) 1 red onion or 2 large shallots (for a sweeter taste) 1 bunch cilantro (chopped) 8 limes (approx.) 4 tomatoes (regular or Roma) salt (to taste) Prep time: 1 hr. (approx.) Serves: 6–8 small bowls
Directions Shrimp/seafood preparation: Tear the heads off and shell the shrimp. Devein the shrimp by slicing the back open and scrapping out the vein-like digestive track. Cut the shrimp/seafood into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Marinate: Squeeze all of the limes and pour the juice into the bowl of shrimp/seafood pieces — enough to just cover them. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes until the shrimp/seafood is opaque and firm. Vegetable preparation: While the shrimp/seafood/lime mixture is marinating, chop the vegetables. Bringing it all together: When the shrimp/seafood is ready, mix with the chopped vegetables. Add salt to taste. Add more ingredients to taste. And to personalize it further, add avocado, sweet peppers and mango (as shown above) to your taste.
Serve with corn tortas (corn cakes) or chips. ¡Provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)
Do you have a favorite recipe and story to share? For consideration, include a photo and mail them to Generations Recipe, PO Box 4213, Honolulu, HI 96812, or email them to Cynthia@generations808.com.
Growing up, ceviche was always served at gatherings or parties during hot summer days. It’s also perfect for a potluck contribution. Everyone loves it! The first time I made this recipe on my own, I was in my second year of college, missing home and my mom’s ceviche. It was spring break, perfect weather, and…
Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating the tapestry of diverse cultures that make up our islands. In this ninth article of our ongoing series, we focus on Hispanic heritage, how a few of the different cultures arrived in the Hawaiian islands, their traditions and celebrations such as the Hawaii Hispanic Heritage Festival and Cinco de Mayo.
Hispanic Arrival in Hawai‘i
The first person of Hispanic heritage to arrive in Hawai‘i was Spanish adventurer Francisco de Paula Marín near the end of the 18th century. With a vast array of skills at his disposal (interpreting, negotiating and advising the king), he quickly adapted to life in Hawai‘i. He is also credited with introducing and planting many of the crops Hawai‘i is now known for: pineapple, coffee, mango and more. A few years later, cows were given to King Kamehameha III as a gift, but the king had to request backup from Mexican vaqueros (cowboys), who worked with local paniolo and taught them to handle the cattle. Thus began a steadily increasing flow of Hispanic people to the Hawaiian Islands. At the peak of the sugarcane industry, in the wake of two hurricanes in Puerto Rico in 1899, the first group of 54 Puerto Rican men came to work in the sugarcane fields. Only 14 years later, Hispanic immigrants numbered over 9,000. Today, people of Hispanic heritage make up about 10% of Hawai‘i’s population.
Culture and Holiday Traditions
Hispanic cultures include Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central/South American, Dominican and other Latin American/Spanish countries, but the first two are most prevalent in the islands. As a result of Spanish colonization, both cultures speak Spanish and predominantly practice Catholicism, so Christmas is a significant holiday. Noche de San Juan (St. John’s Night) is a major Puerto Rican celebration held annually on June 23 to honor Saint John the Baptist, the island’s patron saint. There are two well-known and widely practiced cultural celebrations for those of Mexican descent. Cinco de Mayo (May 5), commemorating the 1862 Battle of Puebla, is celebrated with vibrant parades, mariachi music, baile folklórico (folkloric dance) and authentic Mexican cuisine. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead on Nov. 1 and 2), honors deceased loved ones. And, of course, every celebration includes food: pasteles/pastele stew, tacos, horchata, gandule rice and more.
The biggest cultural festival is the Hispanic Heritage Festival hosted by Hispanic Events Hawaii, held on Oct. 10 on O‘ahu. The Puerto Rican Heritage Society has also hosted the Puerto Rican Festival for the past two years in July on O‘ahu, featuring live music, dancing, pasteles, arroz con gandules and more.
For more information, see the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s website (hcchawaii. org) and the Puerto Rican Heritage Society’s Facebook page (facebook.com/Boricuas.Hawaii/) as well as Generations Magazine’s Facebook page (facebook.com/genmag808) and website calendar (generations808.com/calendar) for community events and opportunities.
The next article in this series will feature the influences of Tahitian culture in Hawai‘i.
Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating the tapestry of diverse cultures that make up our islands. In this ninth article of our ongoing series, we focus on Hispanic heritage, how a few of the different cultures arrived in the…
On Memorial Day 2026, on the 250th birthday of America, please reflect and honor all military men and women who died for our freedom and for our country. As we honor America’s history and hope for its future, we are reminded that a strong country needs to correct errors and continue to improve “to form a more perfect union” as envisioned in our Constitution.
On Jan. 26, 2026, I was fortunate to see continuous improvement for the USA in action when the US Army Pacific (USARPAC), in partnership with the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UH), honored seven World War II UH Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets during a posthumous commissioning ceremony at Ke‘ehi Lagoon Memorial State Park. This action by the US Army corrected an error of the past and is highly commendable “for a more perfect union.”
With the hysteria of war, Americans of Japanese ancestry (AJA) were unjustly discriminated against, accused of sabotage and endured mass incarcerations, which crushed their self-esteem. AJA ROTC cadets attending UH were forced out of the program and deemed “enemy aliens” solely because they looked like the Japanese enemy. Later, when they were allowed to join the US Army, many did. Seven were killed serving their country in the AJA 100th/442nd unit and never had a chance to re-enter the ROTC program to become officers. The former cadets: Staff Sgt. Grover Nagaji, Sgt. Howard Urabe, Sgt. Robert Murata, Sgt. Jenhatsu Chinen, Sgt. Daniel Betsui, Pfc. Hiroichi Tomita and Pvt. Akio Nishikawa. They were posthumously commissioned to second lieutenant officer status.
The 100th and 442nd were fierce soldiers and loyal Americans and would overcome America’s initial betrayal to become one of the most decorated in US military history. In 1948, President Truman issued Executive Order 9981 that desegregated the military—one of the first acts of civil rights in America—due to members of the segregated unit proving their loyalty.
We owe so much to these AJA trailblazers who, despite being betrayed by their country, still put their lives on the line for “a more perfect union.”
We are proud of America for acknowledging and correcting prior decisions. Happy 250th and God bless America!
On Memorial Day 2026, on the 250th birthday of America, please reflect and honor all military men and women who died for our freedom and for our country. As we honor America’s history and hope for its future, we are reminded that a strong country needs to correct errors and continue to improve “to form…
Experience may help develop intuition and that intuition just might prove to be more effective when diagnosing a patient’s illness than cold technology. Human insight in this AI-infested world may detect the essence and spirit of a patient that technology alone is incapable of understanding. Dr. Myron E. Shirasu, in his early 90s, has treated four generations of patients relying on more than 50 years of medical experience that has led to profound insights into each of his patients. The human touch of this old-school physician, characterized by active listening, kindness and respect, combines thorough, hands-on physical exams with empathetic, unhurried and personalized care, fostering deep trust. His art-of-medicine approach utilizes the power of touch to diagnose, comfort and connect, rather than relying solely on data and test results.
Dr. Shirasu is a country boy who “pulled himself up by his bootstraps” to become a successful Honolulu physician. He was born in Shimane, Japan, and came to Hawai‘i at the age of 3. His father was a Buddhist priest assigned to Hilo Hongwanji. But like many Buddhist priests during WWII, he was incarcerated in a concentration camp, ending up in Tule Lake, California. Dr. Shirasu’s mother and his siblings were also held there. When they returned to Hawai‘i, his father was assigned as the head priest of Olaa Hongwanji (now Puna Hongwanji) in Hawai‘i.
Myron attended Olaa Elementary and Intermediate Schools in Kea‘au, then Hilo High School. After graduation, he attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Originally, he intended to become to become a dentist and enrolled at the University of Oregon. To make ends meet, he worked part-time as a hospital orderly in Eugene, where a physician urged him to go to med school. Consequently, Dr. Shirasu had to decide between dental school and medical school. He was accepted at both schools, but the medical school responded first, making his decision for him. He studied at the medical school in Portland for five years.
While there, he faced cruel racial discrimination. Looking back, he believes he made the correct decision.
He returned to Honolulu, and completed his internship and residency at Queen’s Hospital. He joined Central Medical Clinic in Honolulu in 1967, where he continues to practice at age 89.
Many of my older patients prefer my oldschool treatment. They like it when I take time to explain things in a way they can understand. They don’t want to be rushed in and out.”
Dr. Shirasu makes the hospital rounds—without charge. Currently, hospital rounds are done by specialists referred to as hospitalists. He says, “My patients look forward to and appreciate my visits. I believe they rest and sleep better after my visits. The old-time bedside manner ensures a quicker recovery. But most of the younger doctors don’t make hospital rounds nowadays.”
“In the past, medical school concentrated on science courses,” he says. “Now, pre-med education has broadened to produce well-rounded professionals, preparing doctors who will treat patients as a whole human being. The physician must be knowledgeable of the social aspects of the patient as well as the physical makeup.”
“I have been asked to join other clinics, but Central Medical Clinic has been very accommodating, very professional in their treatment of patients and most importantly, the doctors there have wonderful bedside manners,” he says. “I suppose you can teach new doctors bedside manners, but I think they are inborn—from the heart.” His inherent, heartfelt approach continues to help patients feel valued, reduces their anxiety and improves overall treatment outcomes.
Dr. Shirasu says, “At my age, I don’t have to treat patients anymore. Treating patients is not a job. I enjoy it. I have no regrets becoming a doctor. All my patients are like family to me. Being a doctor is the best profession there is because you are always helping people.”
Experience may help develop intuition and that intuition just might prove to be more effective when diagnosing a patient’s illness than cold technology. Human insight in this AI-infested world may detect the essence and spirit of a patient that technology alone is incapable of understanding. Dr. Myron E. Shirasu, in his early 90s, has treated…
Wellness for kūpuna is often misunderstood. It is not just about staying physically strong or checking the right boxes at a doctor’s visit. True well-being includes physical health, mental health and something just as important: social connection. One of the greatest risks to health as we age is isolation. One of the greatest protectors at any age is belonging. At the YMCA, we see this every day. Many kūpuna first come to the Y to stay active. What keeps them coming back is connection. The Y offers classes on land and in the pool designed specifically for seniors, including strength, balance, water exercise and evidence-based programs like Enhance Fitness that help manage arthritis and support mobility. But the real magic happens beyond the workout.
Wellness at the Y looks like pickleball games/lessons, hula classes, garden clubs, nutrition workshops and digital classes. It includes celebrating birthdays and holidays, honoring veterans, recognizing achievements and sharing meals. Intergenerational activities include youth and senior hula classes. The impact is real. In our Kūpuna Food & Fun program, 100% of participants say they have met new people, made new friends and feel a sense of belonging. Well-being grows in places where you feel welcomed, valued and at home.
Wellness for kūpuna is often misunderstood. It is not just about staying physically strong or checking the right boxes at a doctor’s visit. True well-being includes physical health, mental health and something just as important: social connection. One of the greatest risks to health as we age is isolation. One of the greatest protectors at…
“They helped me see bigger opportunities,” says Chasthan Hernandez, a 2025 graduate of a Maui vocational technology awareness program that helps qualifying high school students gain high-demand skills in the facilities maintenance and engineering trades.
The Tradewinds VoTech awareness initiative offers learning in a practical setting, where students can gain real-world skills that are in high demand on Maui.
For high school seniors who are not college-bound, the nonprofit Maui Facilities and Engineering Leadership Council (MFELC), comprised of members of the island’s major firms and businesses, offers another pathway to success. In this cross-generational education program, working and retired senior volunteers pass their knowledge about the trades to the next generation, helping to build careers through mentorship with qualifying high school seniors through communication, collaboration and education. A very impactful part of this program is the life experience and wisdom imparted by the instructors.
The State of Hawai‘i Alternative Learning Programs, Services and Supports (ALPPS) program and the Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex Area developed a hands-on learning experience tailored to graduating seniors who qualify and enroll in the program. The Tradewinds VoTech awareness initiative is a win-win for students and the community by giving students meaningful pathways to immediate, stable careers while closing the skilled worker gap and helping to ensure Maui’s continued growth and prosperity. The program offers avenues to paid training in construction, tools, blueprints and engineering skills, especially for wildfire survivors, graduates and returning residents to rebuild the island’s infrastructure and economy.
Chasthan Hernandez
Students will gain real-world, practical insights into Maui’s skilled trades, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, HVAC and more. Each module builds upon the last, offering students a deeper understanding of how these vital trades are interconnected and essential to Maui’s success. “Our goal is to provide graduating students with an awareness of how, with just a high school degree, they can access immediate opportunities for careers offering salaries that rival and in some cases exceed those of college graduates right here on Maui,” says MFELC Executive Director Rich Sato. “We’re here to open doors to career possibilities that many students may not have known existed.”
Plans are also in the works to launch an online platform to engage more retirees. “We will match retired, skilled trades professionals with opportunities to put their skills to use—at their convenience—to help our member facilities augment their dwindling full-time—and in many cases overworked—teams,” says Rich. They are currently beta-trialing the platform and look to launch it in the first quarter of 2026.
If your teen is not headed for college, help him or her find an alternate pathway to success on Maui. Businesses and retired seniors who are looking to re-engage and can offer their mentorship are also welcome to contact MFELC using the contact information below.
“They helped me see bigger opportunities,” says Chasthan Hernandez, a 2025 graduate of a Maui vocational technology awareness program that helps qualifying high school students gain high-demand skills in the facilities maintenance and engineering trades. For high school seniors who are not college-bound, the nonprofit Maui Facilities and Engineering Leadership Council (MFELC), comprised of members…
Making long-term care decisions for aging parents can be emotional, stressful and complicated. The biggest challenge is navigating differences without damaging family relationships.
Different views are normal: Each sibling brings a unique perspective. One may prioritize safety, another independence and another cost/logistics. Different priorities don’t mean someone is wrong—they reflect different experiences and concerns.
There’s no perfect answer: When it comes to long-term care, there is rarely a single “right” solution. In-home care, assisted living, memory care and nursing facilities all involve trade-offs, so focus on what reasonably meets your parent’s safety, dignity and quality-of-life needs.
Help exists: Geriatric care managers, eldercare attorneys, social workers, patient advocates and support groups can help guide difficult decisions. Kupuna Pono also offers family conferencing and mediation to help resolve kupuna care disagreements.
Keep relationships first: Aim for 80% agreement on the plan, then commit 100% to supporting it. Protecting family relationships matters more than being right. Disagreements happen, but remember that help is available and families can move forward together with the right support and perspective.
Making long-term care decisions for aging parents can be emotional, stressful and complicated. The biggest challenge is navigating differences without damaging family relationships. Different views are normal: Each sibling brings a unique perspective. One may prioritize safety, another independence and another cost/logistics. Different priorities don’t mean someone is wrong—they reflect different experiences and concerns.…
An inherited individual retirement account (IRA) is a potential financial windfall that may create new opportunities for achieving your financial goals. If you are a beneficiary or expect to be one in the future, know that recent legal changes regarding inherited IRAs can result in costly implications if not followed properly. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has clarified rules included in the 2019 SECURE Act that are important for IRA beneficiaries to understand. Determine if these new rules are applicable to your situation:
Different beneficiaries have different rules. Spouse beneficiaries will ultimately have much more flexibility with how they utilize an inherited IRA. Spouses can spread withdrawals from the account over their lifetime or roll the funds into their own IRA. For most other beneficiaries, such as children or grandchildren, the rules are more rigid. Non-spouse beneficiaries inheriting an IRA between 2020 and 2024 were required to withdraw all assets from the account within 10 years of the original account owner’s death.
New, more stringent rules in 2025. Those who inherited an IRA beginning in 2025 face more restrictions. In most cases, non-spouse beneficiaries must take annual IRA distributions from the inherited account. The annual distribution requirement applies if the account was inherited from an IRA owner who already reached the required minimum distribution (RMD) age before death, which, under current law, is age 73.
Annual distributions are determined using the IRS life expectancy calculation tables. The distribution must, at a minimum, equal this calculated distribution amount. The beneficiary can take larger distributions, but annual minimum withdrawal requirements must be met for the first nine years. In year 10, the balance of the IRA must be distributed. Failure to withdraw at least the minimum amount can result in a penalty equal to 25% of the under-distributed amount. For example, if you are required to withdraw $20,000 from the inherited IRA, but only took $10,000, you could be subject to a $2,500 penalty.
If the account was inherited from an owner who did not yet reach RMD age, the beneficiary still has 10 years to withdraw all the money. The beneficiary will also have the choice to determine how much and how often. The new, more stringent rules don’t apply to beneficiaries who are minor children, have a disability/chronic illness or for IRAs held in certain trusts. If these exceptions are met, beneficiaries can “stretch” inherited IRA withdrawals over their lifetime. To determine if your inherited IRA is subject to new distribution rules, contact a financial advisor and tax professional.
Planning is even more critical. Withdrawals from an inherited traditional IRA result in more taxable income. Consider the financial and tax implications of your withdrawal strategy, including whether the distributions will change your tax bracket. Distributions could mean your income reaches thresholds that result in increased taxes, higher premiums for marketplace health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, or a higher tier for Medicare Part B and D premiums.
Contact your financial advisor to discuss the impact of an inherited IRA.
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, Hawai‘i. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 42 years.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.
An inherited individual retirement account (IRA) is a potential financial windfall that may create new opportunities for achieving your financial goals. If you are a beneficiary or expect to be one in the future, know that recent legal changes regarding inherited IRAs can result in costly implications if not followed properly. The Internal Revenue Service…
In Hawai‘i, many families care for both kūpuna and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But aging and disability systems often operate separately, leaving families with gaps in services, caregiving support and long-term planning.
The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) works to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. It brings together community members, agencies and advocates to identify needs, shape policy and promote inclusive practices. On Kaua‘i, the local DD Council plays a vital role in connecting partners and ensuring rural areas have access to coordinated support.
Through the Bridging Aging and Disability Networks (BADN) initiative, the DD Council convened aging and disability providers to share information, align resources and strengthen care practices. This collaboration has led to community resource fairs, caregiver training, internship programs to grow the caregiving workforce and practical tools like emergency forms for families and first responders. BADN also emphasizes culturally grounded practices, respect for family caregiving traditions and proactive planning to reduce unnecessary institutionalization.
Bridging these networks strengthens local capacity and supports Hawai‘i’s caregivers.
HAWAI‘I STATE COUNCIL ON DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 3060 Eiwa St. Rm. 207, Lihue, HI, 96766 808-348-4898 | hiddcouncil.org
In Hawai‘i, many families care for both kūpuna and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. But aging and disability systems often operate separately, leaving families with gaps in services, caregiving support and long-term planning. The Hawai‘i State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) works to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their…
