Category: Articles

  • 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…

  • Lanakila, a Place to Thrive

    Given the rapidly growing senior populace, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i remains dedicated to creating and providing services that keep seniors engaged and independent. Services include case management, transportation, chore and housekeeping, affordable housing, respite for caregivers, socialization and volunteer opportunities. In addition, the organization manages the popular Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, which offers individuals supportive services that help them maintain independence in the community.

    The Center serves as a gathering place for seniors in the Fort Shafter to Ward area, providing more than 40 monthly programs. The schedule includes exercise classes and activities, arts and crafts, singing and musical instrument instruction, as well as dance classes in hula, tap, and ethnic Japanese, Korean and Portuguese. Special workshops include tax preparation, stress management, health maintenance and defensive driving.

    Seniors also have the opportunity to participate in the Center’s many cultural clubs. For example, the Okinawa Nenchosha Club, the Center’s largest group, recently observed birthdays for more than 40 members who are 90 years or older, including two who are over 100 years young. The celebration included traditional entertainment by Toguchi-Nakasone Sensei.

    “We have seen the tremendous difference our program makes in this community,” says Diane Terada, division administrator at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. “Not only are members living to celebrate their 90- and 100-year birthdays, they are living a very active lifestyle where they are engaged and enjoying every day, meeting new people and trying different activities. At Lanakila, we know seniors thrive in a vibrant environment and we’re looking forward to continue supporting this community.”

    For more information on Lanakila Multi-purpose Senior Center or other senior services provided by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, please call (808) 847-1322 or visit online at www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org.

    Given the rapidly growing senior populace, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i remains dedicated to creating and providing services that keep seniors engaged and independent. Services include case management, transportation, chore and housekeeping, affordable housing, respite for caregivers, socialization and volunteer opportunities.

  • Senior Tuition

    Adult Day Care services are available at SECOH’s Founder Center in Kāhala and Central O‘ahu Community Center in Wahiawaˉ. Services are provided and supervised by highly competent and trusted staff with specific experience working with people who have Alzheimer’s, dementia, and multiple physical and cognitive disabilities. Service tuition includes activity supplies, community event admission fees, and nutritional snacks and meals.

    Serving people with disabilities since 1965, SECOH first began serving the elderly population in 1999 with the licensure of the Founder’s Center in East Honolulu to providing Adult Day Care service for people with age-related disabilities. In 2008, the agency licensed its Wahiawaˉ facility and it plans to license three more facilities in Pearl City, Waipahu and ‘Ewa Beach by 2012 to meet the ever growing service demands of O‘ahu’s aging population.

    SECOH is committed to its mission of provide people with disabilities personalized services in the spirit of enriching lives. The agency looks forward to the opportunity to serve even more of our aging population through our Adult Day Dare tuition assistance program.

    Services are available:
    Mon.– Sat. from 8a.m.–5p.m. in Kāhala
    Mon.– Fri. from 8a.m.–4p.m. in Wahiawā
    For more information about Adult Day Care services and tuition assistance, please contact Crystal at 739-2745 or ccosta@secoh.org.
    To learn more about SECOH’s history, mission, and other services, please visit www.secoh.org.

    SECOH, a private, not-for-profit provider of adult day care services, is offering tuition assistance to individuals 65 and older who are in need of but can’t afford out-of-home Adult Day Care services. The tuition assistance is made possible by a generous grant from the May Templeton Hopper Fund administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.