Category: Articles

  • Swiiing Battah! Senior League Softball

    For some people, playing ball into your 60’s, 70’s or even your 80’s may seem like a stretch. Well, not for the active seniors at Kawananakoa Park in Nuuanu. Every Sunday morning you can find teams sweating in the warm morning sun, trying to beat each other … and these guys are serious.

    The league runs eight months out of the year with six teams that sport players whose average age is 70.

    For the last 50-plus years, this American Japanese American (AJA) community softball league has been at this park keeping avid ballplayers in shape and having the time of their lives. Actually, it’s unclear as to how long this league has been playing. You see, you have to be a minimum of 60 years old to be on the team, but none of today’s players were in the league 50 years ago (even though there are players in their 90’s still playing in the league).

    For some former players just getting out to the park to cheer on the teams keeps them active and young, just like Takeo “Take” Shimabukuro, at 90 years of age.

    And then there is rookie Dennis Koki at 60 years young. The opportunity to compete and play the game keeps him spry. And, for many of the seniors, the pupus after the games are the best part!

    Every 10 seconds someone in the U.S. turns 62 years old. As our population grows older, we hope that the interest in senior sports and activities grows too — as this has certainly been the case with several of Hawaii’s softball leagues. Mostly recently, the state softball tournament was held on Maui. There were 49 teams, with five divisions of various skill levels and more than 750 players.

    One of the more popular leagues is the statewide City and County parks and recreations senior league where on Oahu, they play every Wednesday morning at the beautiful Waipio complex. If you are interested in playing in the Kawanakoa league just come on down to the park and talk to the players as they are always looking to recruit new “young” men. For the city league you may call Les Lunasco 295-3962 as their minimum age is 55.

    Good luck to all the players and see you soon at the park, as I am only 50.

    For some people, playing ball into your 60’s, 70’s or even your 80’s may seem like a stretch. Well, not for the active seniors at Kawananakoa Park in Nuuanu. Every Sunday morning you can find teams sweating in the warm morning sun, trying to beat each other … and these guys are serious.

  • Behind the Scenes with Kirk Matthews

    Behind the Scenes with Kirk Matthews

    Finding Joy in Life… On and Off Screen

    GM: Where did you grow up? In a big city? Or small-town America?

    KM: I grew up in little towns all around Oregon. I went to high school on a former Indian reservation, Siletz. Graduating class of 12.

    GM: What was your first job? Was it in media or in a different field?

    KM: My first broadcasting job was in Coos Bay Oregon at a small radio station. I had the opportunity to do EVERYTHING. It was a great learning experience.

    GM: What brought you to the Islands? Sand, sun and surf?

    KM: [big smile] Love, actually. I first came here in 1981 to tape some shows for a Portland TV station. Later, I met my wife who came to Portland from Hawaii but was so homesick; she had to come back here in 1983. I followed her … gladly.

    GM: Where did you meet “Mrs. Matthews?” — Linda Coble.

    KM: I knew that she was coming to my station in 1981 in Portland to audition for the job as the first female anchor at the place. I was waiting in the parking lot to get a look at her. I fell in love at first sight. I wooed her and pursued her. She was highly successful on television in Portland but she was homesick for Hawaii. Every night, after the news, she would ride her stationery bike with headphones on listening to The Brothers Cazimero, tears streaming down her face. She came back to Hawaii in 1983 — I was hot on her heels. We were married in 1984.

    GM: Tell us just one funny story about being married to Linda.

    KM: [laughter] Oh, where to start! She doesn’t know her left from her right. If she’s driving, I have to point. If I’m driving, she has to point. A typical conversation in the car would go: Kirk: “Should I turn left?” Linda: “Right.” Kirk: “Okay, right.” Linda: “No, not right, left.” Kirk: “If it’s not right, what’s left?” Linda: “RIGHT…we missed the turn.” [laughter]

    GM: Everyone knows you from KHON’s Hawaii’s Morning News. How do you get up so early every day? KM: I’ve been doing that at KHON for a long time. I have a very understanding wife who doesn’t mind when I go to bed early. I have a quiet alarm that goes off at 2:30 every morning. And I have a brain that says, “You’re a lucky man. Get up, dress up and show up.”

    GM: The Elderhood Project is one of KHON’s feature shows. You host the program … can you tell us a little bit more about it?

    KM: The Elderhood Project was conceived several years ago as a way of addressing the needs of seniors and their caregivers. I have been amazed at the number of programs, volunteers and others who have a deep interest in the subject. Someone once said, “at some point you will either be a caregiver or a care-getter.” I hope we can continue to delve into the subject for a long time to come.

    GM: Over the years, you’ve had the opportunity to interview hundreds of people. What was your favorite interview or story?

    KM: That is the hardest question to answer. I’ve had the opportunity to talk with major movie stars, national leaders, people who shape our lives with their decisions. My favorite interview is – the one that’s coming up next.

    GM: Let me rephrase the previous question … if you could interview anyone in the world, who would it be?

    KM: The obvious answer would be Barack Obama. A close second would be the chance to sit down with Quincy Jones or author James Lee Burke and talk about the creative process. It’s one of the few things that separates us from the rest of the creatures on the planet.

    GM: Thinking back on your personal life and career, did you have a mentor growing up or on the job?

    KM: [smiles] Oh, man. My dad, my mom. Mr. Lakes, an English teacher. Mr. Roth, who created a high school orchestra out of thin air. Bob Sevey. Almost everyone I meet every day has something of value to offer.

    GM: When you’re off the clock and have time to relax, what’s the perfect day for you?

    KM: The perfect day would go like this … Read stories to 1st graders in the morning. Lunch with seniors at noon. Golf with Linda and dinner downtown at Du Vin. Watch a suspense movie at home in the evening. Can you arrange that?

    GM: [laughter] Sure. And an interview with Generations Magazine to top it all, right?

    GM: Golf is big in Hawaii, obviously. You play golf too. How’s your game?

    KM: I am not a very good golfer. I love to go to the golf course with Linda. If we get paired with another couple, it’s always fun. It’s five hours we have together where we focus on something else other than our everyday concerns. It’s Zen. That’s the only way I can explain it.

    GM: With so many hours spent on the golf course, do you have any funny stories from the green? Out of control golf carts, stray balls …

    KM: Two Japanese guys in a cart came back up the fairway toward us. “Did you find a sand wedge?” they asked. “No, sorry.” They looked at us suspiciously and said again, “Did you find a sand wedge?” “No, no we didn’t.” They zoomed off in disgust and pointed to the hot dogs in our hands. “All they wanted was a sandwich!” [laughter]

    GM: If you weren’t in media or broadcasting, what would you be doing?

    KM: We talked about this on the news. I would be a teacher. My father was a teacher and a coach and I remember the joy he experienced when one of his students “got it.” Dad referred to it as the light bulb over the head. I enjoy reading to the students in class when I have the opportunity.

    GM: Can you talk about some of your other community involvements?

    KM: Linda and I have been involved with Rotary since 1987. It’s a worldwide service organization. My friend Matt Levi runs a martial arts school and I help out with awards ceremonies and a Scrabble tournament several times a year. I read to youngsters in the schools and whenever friends ask, I try to help out with various non-profits.

    GM: Along with your strong interest in the education of Hawaii’s young people … what are your other passions in life?

    KM: Reading and music. I own 2 ukuleles, a trumpet, several flutes, harmonicas and a guitar. I play them all. I also own a set of golf clubs. I play those just about as well. [smiles]

    GM: Since you’re getting up there in years, what are your retirement plans. With family on the Mainland, do you plan to retire in Hawaii?

    KM: Good question. My mother is 83. She lives in Oregon. I have a daughter in Oregon and one in LA. The easy answer is, I don’t plan to retire. Right now, Linda and I feel like we have family in two places. We are at home here.

    GM: After years of doing live TV, you must’ve had some unpredictable moments. Any funny stories to share about KHON2?

    KM: On my lawyer’s advice, I am going to skip this question. [nudge and a wink]

    GM: We heard that you are having some health problems now. Care to talk about it?

    KM: Sure. I was diagnosed with skin cancer some time back. I am currently going through radiation therapy. My advice: Pay attention to everything! If something doesn’t look right or feel right, see your doctor. Plus get your regular exams, checkups, immunizations, etc.

    GM: Thank you for sharing. Any words of wisdom for people going through maturity in life, whether it is personal or professional?

    KM: I would refer back to my answer about getting up early to do the show … when the alarm rings, thank your lucky stars that you heard it. Get up, dress up and show up. If you don’t have a paying gig, find something that gives you joy. You can’t buy joy. But if you’re lucky, you can find it.

    GM: I know there is a lot to love about the Islands, but what do you like most about Hawaii?

    KM: There’s no question about that—the people. I could live almost anywhere. I picked here for the same reason Linda did. The people. When I walk through Safeway or Long’s and people feel comfortable enough to say howzit to me, that’s my reward. I want to do whatever I can to make this the best place possible. And with the people’s help, that will happen.

    GM: You live a pretty healthy, active life … but do you have any favorite indulgences?

    KM: Friday night movies at home. Pizza. Linda— not in that order.

    GM: Although you spend much of your time in the public eye, is there still something people don’t know about you? KM: It’s a small island. Folks probably know everything about me. I know more lyrics to Broadway show tunes than most people should probably know.

    GM: Do you have a favorite restaurant or bar in town?

    KM: The one that brings free pupus.

    GM: Well…let me show you the way.

    Look for Kirk’s monthly column The Elderhood Project 

    GM: Where did you grow up? In a big city? Or small-town America? KM: I grew up in little towns all around Oregon. I went to high school on a former Indian reservation, Siletz. Graduating class of 12. GM: What was your first job? Was it in media or in a different field? KM: My…

  • Talk Story with Lisa

    Sharon Hayashi, Interior Designer What are some of the things that’s fulfilling in your life? I joined the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu in 1989 for its local and international projects. I have enjoyed renovation projects at Princess Kaiulani School, Hale Kipa Youth Housing, and Clubhouses for the Hawaii Adult Mental Health Hawaii Division. And I serve on the board of Friends of the Library of Hawaii.

    David Behlke, Artist, KCC Koa Gallery Director, Instructor What inspires you at this time in your life? What brings me into the world each day is my passion for my work, my personal creative fire along with my desire to share my knowledge. We all wait for the teacher to appear and I try to make myself available for those who need a little creative nudge now and then, the teacher in me comes through, I just can’t help it.

    Lisa McVay is our on-the-road reporter — talking story with friends and neighbors, and sharing her many Talk Story encounters. Mahalo to all that “Talk Story” with Lisa.

    Sharon Hayashi, Interior Designer What are some of the things that’s fulfilling in your life? I joined the Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu in 1989 for its local and international projects. I have enjoyed renovation projects at Princess Kaiulani School, Hale Kipa Youth Housing, and Clubhouses for the Hawaii Adult Mental Health Hawaii Division. And…

  • Elderhood Project

    My mother just got her first cell phone. It doesn’t take pictures or play music — it just makes phone calls. It took her a while to get used to the idea — she would talk into the wrong end of the phone in the beginning. But she’s got the technology figured out and now she can call me any time. ANY TIME. But I’m glad about that.

    Sometimes, we forget that technology is just a tool. If it gets in the way of what we’re trying to accomplish — communication, for example — then it’s no longer a tool. It becomes a *&$*/% waste of time and money.

    The Elderhood Project will use whatever technology we have available to get important information to our kupuna and their caregivers. We broadcast our reports on television and put them on the internet. Now, Generations Magazine gives us another avenue to spread the word. We are grateful.

    When our newsroom first started using computers some years back, a reporter friend of mine quit, saying he would never type his stories on “one of those things.” He is still working, of course, in another field. And using computers every day. Never say never. We are thrilled to be a part of Generations Magazine. It’s portable and doesn’t need batteries.

    In the past month on the Elderhood Project, which airs on KHON2 every Thursday morning on the morning news and Thursday afternoon at the 5 p.m. segment, we have covered subjects such as cataract awareness with Dr. Jorge Camara, palliative care (dealing with pain), homeless seniors and tips on how to avoid medicare identity theft. Much more in the weeks ahead.

    Gotta go. Mom’s on the phone.

     

    My mother just got her first cell phone. It doesn’t take pictures or play music — it just makes phone calls. It took her a while to get used to the idea — she would talk into the wrong end of the phone in the beginning. But she’s got the technology figured out and now…

  • Retirement: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

    Planning for the Unknown

    Think about those planning retirement in 1991 —the year the World Wide Web (www.) was introduced. There was no Internet service in homes, few people had cell phones and many considered cable TV and health club memberships luxuries. Now, 20 years later, as those people prepare to retire, these items alone can take a considerable bite out of their budgets. Add escalating health care, gas and oil prices to the mix and the nest egg that seemed adequate may now fall short. We’ve also seen medical advancements over the past two decades that have allowed Americans to live longer, more active lives. While this is good news, it will also put additional strain on retirement budgets.Those planning retirement 20 years ago were also unaware of the realities facing Social Security today. It was an expectation that the program would fund a portion of most retirements. However, with the Congressional Budget Office reporting in January of 2011 that the program will run a $547 billion deficit over the next 10 years, Social Security’s future is uncertain.

    Preparing for the Future

    If we only could look into a crystal ball and see the future, planning for retirement in 20 or 30 years would be much easier. Unfortunately, we don’t have that luxury. Here’s what we can do:

    • Plan for new technologies. Odds are, progress will come with a price tag. Plan dollars in your retirement budget for items that will make the world operate faster and more efficiently.
    • Plan to live a long time. There is a good chance that you and your partner will live longer lives than the generation before you. With life expectancies on the rise, most financial advisors now recommend that clients plan for a 30-year retirement.
    • Plan for inflation. While increases in the cost of living have been modest for the past several years, that trend will likely end soon. Experts predict that an inflationary period may follow in an economic cycle like we are currently experiencing.
    • Plan to live without Social Security. With the government funded program spending more on benefits than it receives in revenue, its demise is almost certain unless the program is revamped. Planning retirement without Social Security will take the uncertainty out of your future.

    Taking matters into your own hands

    Having realistic expectations about future retirement income needs is the first step in securing your future. The next step is to take matters into your own hands and start saving for the day when work becomes optional. If the idea seems daunting, you don’t have to do it alone. Your financial advisor can help you develop a plan to reach your goals in retirement, and feel more confident along the way.
    Try to close your eyes and imagine what realities we’ll face 20 or 30 years from now. It’s fun to dream, but it’s also possible to turn those dreams into a realistic plan for the future if you start now.

    For more information, please contact Michael W. Yee at (808) 952-1240.

    It’s safe to say that your retirement will bear little resemblance to that of your grandparents—and even your parents. The world has changed so much in the past 20 years that even the savviest prognosticators couldn’t have predicted all changes in society and technology that have transformed our daily lives. We now know there is…

  • Sneaky Scams

    Work-at-home and make $500 dollars a day, lose 30 lbs. in one week, and the secrets of becoming financially secure for the price of shipping and handling all “risk free.”

    Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns against offers that claim a “risk free” trial but takes your payment information up front. Many consumers allege that after providing credit card or banking information that they are bombarded with fees and other charges before the free trial is over. When attempts are made to contact the company to cancel the trial; phone calls, letters and emails are ignored and the consumer is facing charges totaling hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

    While there are offers that are absolutely free, with no cost or obligation, many of them have stipulations to which you need to pay attention. Hawai‘i’s BBB recommends that you:

    • Read all stipulations and fine print carefully
    • Make notes if you need to cancel within a certain amount of time
    • Write down the offer and save information like websites, phone numbers and other contact information you have for that offer and keep it near your computer or write it on a calendar.

    Hopefully, by doing your due diligence; there will be no unpleasant surprises when you receive your financial statements.

    For more information about topics affecting marketplace trust, visit www.bbb.org. {Play}

    Work-at-home and make $500 dollars a day, lose 30 lbs. in one week, and the secrets of becoming financially secure for the price of shipping and handling all “risk free.” Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns against offers that claim a “risk free” trial but takes your payment information up front. Many consumers allege that…

  • Is a Bargain Estate Plan Really a Bargain?

    The attorney’s ad tells you that you can get a “comprehensive estate plan” for $800. Does that sound too good to be true? It may be. Before you rush in, here are some questions to ask. If you get positive answers to every question, then maybe you have a real bargain on your hands.

    1. Will the attorney (not a secretary or paralegal) sit down with you for as long as it takes to get a thorough understanding of your goals, and to educate you about alternative approaches? Most attorneys start to charge by the hour after the documents are signed. Find out how the attorney will charge if you have questions after your estate plan is established.

    2. Once you decide on a plan, what will be included? Your plan should probably include one or more trust agreements:
    • a pour-over will (for each spouse, if you are planning as a couple)
    • durable power(s) of attorney
    • advance health-care directive(s)
    • authorization(s) for your health providers to talk with your decision-makers and family members/loved ones
    • documents to transfer your assets into your trust(s): This last point is crucial. Your estate won’t work unless title to each of your assets is reviewed and transferred as appropriate.

    3. Is the attorney experienced in estate planning (not every attorney is good at every area of law), and does he or she have a good reputation? Visit www.martindale.com to find out how an attorney is regarded by his or her peers.

    4. Will you meet with a paralegal or an attorney when it comes time to sign your documents? You have the right to legal counsel at that time, which only a licensed attorney can give you.

    5. Are all costs included in the fee? Don’t be surprised by “add ons” for such things as recording fees, notary fees and photocopies.

    6. Will your estate plan include provisions to address the possibility of someone being disabled or incapacitated? And, will the attorney’s law firm be there to help when someone dies or becomes incapacitated?

    7. If you need to go to hospital locally or while traveling, will you have immediate access to your advance directive?

    8. Does the attorney have a program to make sure that your estate plan will be kept current? If not, it will be deficient within a year or two and it may do you and your loved ones more harm than good. One thing you can be sure of is that things will change: the law, your assets, your health, and maybe even your decision makers.

    9. Will working with this attorney give you the peace of mind of knowing you have done the best you can do by yourself and your loved ones? Too many estate plans fail because of the client’s lack of understanding, implementation (such as by making sure that assets that should be transferred into a revocable trust are actually transferred) and by lack of updating. There is no point in investing in an estate plan that you are not confident will work when the inevitable or unexpected happens, such as death, incapacity, divorce, or other events that will rob your loved ones of their inheritance.

    The attorney’s ad tells you that you can get a “comprehensive estate plan” for $800. Does that sound too good to be true? It may be. Before you rush in, here are some questions to ask. If you get positive answers to every question, then maybe you have a real bargain on your hands.

  • Divorced? Youʻre not separated from Social Security

    If you are divorced, there are several things you should know about Social Security. A divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits on more than one work record—such as one’s own record and an ex-spouse’s record. This applies to both divorced men and women. If you’ve never asked Social Security about receiving benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work, you should consider it. Some divorced people may get a higher benefit based on their ex’s work.

    If your ex-spouse is living, you can receive benefits based on his or her work if:

    • Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer;
    • You are unmarried;
    • You are age 62 or older;
    • The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefits you would receive on your ex’s work; and
    • Your ex is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

    If your ex-spouse is deceased, you can receive benefits:
    • At age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, and you are not entitled to a higher benefit on your own record; or
    • At any age if you are caring for your ex-spouse’s child who also is your natural or legally adopted child and is younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to benefits. Your benefits will continue until the child reaches age 16 or is no longer disabled. In this case, you can receive this benefit even though you were not married to your ex-spouse for 10 years.

    When you apply, you will need to give your ex’s Social Security number. If you do not know his or her number, you will need to provide your ex’s date and place of birth, and parents’ names.
    When you apply for benefits, Social Security can figure out if you are due a higher amount based on your ex-spouse’s record. Once again, these same rules apply for both ex-husbands and ex-wives.

    For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov. You may also want to take a look at Social Security’s online Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2

    If you are divorced, there are several things you should know about Social Security. A divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits on more than one work record—such as one’s own record and an ex-spouse’s record. This applies to both divorced men and women. If you’ve never asked Social Security about receiving benefits based on…

  • In Bloom with the Lei Queen

    May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i Nei. The first Lei Day was in 1927 and celebrated in downtown Honolulu with a few people wearing lei as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. From that it grew and more and more people began to wear lei on May 1.

    To continue celebrating the spirit of aloha, the Mayor of Honolulu Mayor Charles Arnold crowned the first lei queen, Nina Bowman, in 1928. After a few years, the City & County of Honolulu started a tradition of hosting an Annual Lei Queen Selection Event in March. The Lei Queen is later crowned at the City’s Annual Lei Day Celebration on May 1. Lei Day has become an important cultural event
    celebrating the Hawaiian culture through various themes. The theme for the 83rd Annual Lei Queen Selection was He Lei No Ka‘ahumanu (A Lei for Ka‘ahumanu). Each year, the lei queen is selected from one of the three rotating groups:
    • Nā Wahine Ōpio
    (The Younger Women, 18-30 years)
    • Nā Mōkuahine
    (The Adult Women, 31-54 years)
    • Nā Kūpunahine
    (The Grandmothers, 55 and over.)

    This year’s event featured the Nā Kūpunahine. On March 12th, six lovely Kūpunahine vied for top honors in this year’s Lei Queen Selection Event at the McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Regional Park. The entertaining event celebrated Hawaiian culture, and featured live music and an open hula period.

    Each lady was scored on her lei making, hula, poise and personality, Hawaiian language skills and their ability to convey the spirit of aloha with warmth and dignity. This year’s Lei Queen is Sandrina Lei Ilima Cabato De La Cruz. Lei Queen Ilima is Hawaiian, Filipino and Chinese ancestry and grew up in Kalihi and Na¯na¯kuli. She is an administrative assistant for Parents and Children Together (PACT), and is a student at Windward Community College.

    The Investiture Ceremony is on May 1st (Lei Day). Sandrina will also make public appearances throughout the year, including the Annual Kamehameha Day Parade, June 11, 2011 (tentative date) and the annual Na¯ Hula Festival, August 6 & 7, 2011 (tentative date).

    May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i Nei. The first Lei Day was in 1927 and celebrated in downtown Honolulu with a few people wearing lei as a symbol of friendship and goodwill. From that it grew and more and more people began to wear lei on May 1.

  • Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning

    Road Scholar is the new name for the programs developed and offered by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. Its mission is to empower adults to explore the world’s places, peoples, cultures and ideas, and in so doing to discover more about themselves.

    Lifelong learning should be defined by one’s outlook, not by one’s age. Road Scholar develops and offers programs specifically for people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. In a world that seems to shrink smaller by the day because of technology, Road Scholar believes that true insight and understanding are still sparked by hands-on experience and open discussions that stimulate the senses, energize the body and challenge the mind. Sharing new ideas, challenges and experiences is rewarding in every season of life and the participants come together as a group of diverse individuals who share a passion for learning.

    Road Scholar is educational—participants are considered students, not tourists. Their travel programs are for the enjoyment of learning; there is no homework, no exams or grades and no special educational background is needed or required. Programs are rated by activity level so that participants can select itineraries best suited to their intellectual curiosity, physical ability and comfort.

    Discover nearly 8,000 educational tours in all 50 states and more than 90 countries, including intergenerational programs designed to share your love of learning and thrill of discovery with your grandchildren. Choose from land or ship-based itineraries around the world. Through special behind-the-scenes access, you get exceptional opportunities for learning and authentic experiences while exploring the world’s most fascinating treasures at a great value.

    Road Scholar may be just right for you … all that’s needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits. A fellowship of learning and the joy of discovery are the hallmarks of the Road Scholar experience.

    Pacific Islands Institute has been offering Road Scholar group programs in Hawai‘i and throughout the Pacific islands of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia since 1989. Through its educational programs, Pacific Islands Institute is dedicated to providing positive cultural interactions; to ensuring our programs are culturally and environmentally sensitive; to involving local people in decision making; and to protecting, sustaining and respecting indigenous cultures and environments. This local company has been recognized with awards from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Hawai‘i Ecotourism Association.

    A sampling of Road Scholar travel programs provided by Pacific Islands Institute:

    Hawai‘i National Parks: Island Life in the Pacific
    This 16-day, 15-night program features national parks, historic sites, wildlife refuges and state parks on five Hawaiian Islands. Follow the journey of Pele, Hawai‘i’s volcano goddess, from Kīlauea’s current eruption in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, to Haleakalā on Maui for a bird’s eye view into the volcanic crater, enjoying black sand beaches, stunning waterfalls and fascinating remnants of ancient Hawai‘i along the way. Then on to Kalaupapa, on Moloka‘i’s peninsula, where Father Damien ministered to Hansen’s Disease patients; then to Kaua‘i where you will see Waimea, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and watch seabirds soar over the lighthouse and cliffs. End your stay in famous Waikīkī, including a visit to the USS Arizona, a moving memorial to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Led by former park rangers and local cultural historians you will gain unique insider perspectives as you experience Hawai‘i’s flora, fauna and cultural history.

    Intergenerational South Pacific: The Future of the Oceans
    On this intergenerational adventure starting with 3 nights in Tahiti and then cruising for 7 nights to the French Polynesian islands of Bora Bora, Tahaa, Raiatea and Moorea, you and your grandchild—or even three generations if their parent(s) wish to enroll—will have a hands-on, interactive experience of French Polynesia’s marine and island ecosystems. Explore coral reefs, hike rainforest trails and much more. This voyage on the MS Paul Gauguin is specially designed to be an exciting and memorable learning experience for all ages.

    Following Captain Cook
    The Cook Islands & Society Islands: On this 15- night South Pacific odyssey, spend 3 nights in Tahiti and then set sail on the MS Paul Gauguin to discover the isle of Huahine, renowned for its spectacular rainforests, experience the unique majesty of the Cook Islands, then return to the Society Islands of French Polynesia for days in alluring Bora Bora, Tahaa, Moorea and Tahiti.

    Documenting the Past
    The Easter Island Archaeology Project: Join archaeologists and other researchers for a hands-on exploration of one of the world’s most mysterious and fascinating places. Learn archaeological research techniques and contribute to a growing body of research to bring the mysteries of Rapa Nui into view.

     

    Road Scholar is the new name for the programs developed and offered by Elderhostel, Inc., the not-for-profit world leader in lifelong learning since 1975. Its mission is to empower adults to explore the world’s places, peoples, cultures and ideas, and in so doing to discover more about themselves. Lifelong learning should be defined by one’s…

  • Survey Says: Seniors Arenʻt Ready to Age

    An AARP survey of Hawai‘i residents age 50 years old and over shows a gap between the importance they place on health and financial security and their confidence in meeting those needs. More than 9 out of 10 older residents in Hawai‘i say staying healthy, mentally sharp and having adequate health insurance coverage are extremely or very important to them. Yet only 3 out of 10 say they have everything they need relative to these concerns.

    “It’s not surprising that almost every Hawai‘i resident age 50-plus says staying healthy and spending time with loved ones is important,” says AARP Hawai‘i State Director Barbara Kim Stanton. “But it is alarming that most of us don’t think we have what we need to meet those goals. We all have a role to play in bridging that gap.”

    Key findings from the survey, which also examined issues like aging at home, financial security and state budget concerns, include:

    • 96 percent say staying healthy is important, but only 31 percent of these residents think they have what they need to do so.
    • 87 percent say that spending time with family and friends is important, but only 35 percent think they have what they need to stay connected to their loved ones.
    • 83 percent say that protecting themselves against fraud is important, but only 19 percent think they have what they need to stay safe as consumers.

    The survey is the latest in AARP’s ongoing efforts to match the changing needs of its members and all older residents with resources that help them manage new opportunities and challenges. AARP offers a variety of easy-to-use online tools and information to help you and your family with your own unique needs. For example:

    Strengthen your financial security and protect yourself against fraud Find out if your plans are still on track to retire when and how you want: www.aarp.org/retirementcalculator.

    Stay healthier Get the facts on the prevention screenings and vaccinations you may need: www.aarp.org/healthscreenings.

    To see the complete survey, Voices of 50+ Hawai‘i: Dreams and Challenges, go to http://aarp.us/gWe2Mw. Residents age 50+ represent roughly 35 percent of the state’s population. There are nearly 150,000 AARP members in Hawai‘i.

    An AARP survey of Hawai‘i residents age 50 years old and over shows a gap between the importance they place on health and financial security and their confidence in meeting those needs. More than 9 out of 10 older residents in Hawai‘i say staying healthy, mentally sharp and having adequate health insurance coverage are extremely…

  • Nā Tūtū – Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

    For generations grandparents in Hawai‘i have helped raise their grandchildren while the parents worked the farms or harvested the crops. While things changed in modern Hawai‘i, the tradition continued as busy parents headed off to work, grandparents often took the grandchildren to school or after school activities. And, by the late ’90s, many grandparents found themselves caring for their grandchildren on a full time, 24/7 basis. Yet, a myriad of Hawai‘i laws prevented them from fully caring for their grandkids. For example, grandparents couldn’t enroll the children in school or take them to the doctor. What happened to ‘‘ohana” and “hānai”? These cultural traditions of family caring for other family members, especially the keiki, were no longer recognized in our very own Hawai‘i.

    In response, the Windward O‘ahu Family and Community Education Council (WOFCE) appointed a small, yet passionate, committee called Nā Tūtū. Its mission is to seek necessary legislation, which will allow grandparents and care-givers over the age of 18, to provide a safe, loving and secure home for the children in their care.

    At the time Nā Tūtū was established, if parents were unavailable, the child was deemed a ward of the state and farmed out to a foster home. In order for grandparents, or other relatives, to be caretakers they had to be legal guardians.

    Nā Tūtū set out to change the laws. It researched other states’ “consent” laws, some of which allowed grandparents to enroll their grandchildren in school and allowed medical services for the minors, and selected the legislation that it felt best suited Hawai‘i.

    On Na¯ Tu¯tu¯’s behalf, the Human Resources Committee Chairs of both the Senate and House introduced education and medical consent laws into the legislature. To raise awareness, Nā Tūtū
    made Tūtū/Keiki dolls and distributed them to all legislators; gathered more than 1,000 signatures throughout the state; followed by support letters, and after three years of testifying before  committees of both Houses. The legislation for Consent for Education became law in 2003, followed by the Consent for Medical Services in 2005. By law, every school in the state must have the Consent for Education affidavit form available to all grandparents or relatives who are the primary caregivers of a minor child.

    Later, the Nā Tūtū Coalition supported legislation that required the state to place a minor child with a grandparent or relative before permanent placement in a foster home. The Coalition was also instrumental in changing the policy of public housing for senior citizens facing eviction because they had suddenly found themselves caring for grandchildren in crisis. Eviction will no longer be an intimidation.

    Nā Tūtū is comprised of grandparents, relatives, organizations and agencies concerned with issues facing the caregiving of minor children. Nā Tūtū is currently a state project of the Family and Community Education, University of Hawai‘i, Cooperative Extension Services. The Coalition is active in informing the general public of the concerns and activities for grandparents raising grandchildren.

    For more information and to get involved, call (808) 239-8908 n

    For generations grandparents in Hawai‘i have helped raise their grandchildren while the parents worked the farms or harvested the crops. While things changed in modern Hawai‘i, the tradition continued as busy parents headed off to work, grandparents often took the grandchildren to school or after school activities. And, by the late ’90s, many grandparents found…