Category: Senior News

Social Security Benefits Increase in 2024

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans increased 3.2% this year. On average, Social Security retirement benefits increased by more than $50 per month starting in January 2024.

More than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January. Increased payments to approximately 7.5 million people receiving SSI began on Dec. 29, 2023. (Some people receive both SS and SSI benefits.)

Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase from $160,200 to $168,600.

SS began notifying people about their new benefit amount by mail starting in early December 2023. Individuals who have a personal my Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount) account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure, easy and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. You can set up text or email alerts when there is a new message — such as their COLA notice — waiting for them in my Social Security. (You must have set up an account by Nov. 14, 2023, to see your COLA notice online.)

Information about Medicare changes for 2024 is available at medicare.gov. For SS beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, new 2024 benefit amounts became available to them in December 2023 through the mailed COLA notice and my Social Security’s Message Center.

The increase is aimed at helping to cover the rising cost of food, housing, healthcare and other essentials, otherwise known as inflation. The purpose of COLA is to ensure that the purchasing power of SS and SSI benefits is not eroded by inflation. The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last year’s COLA increase was 8.7%, when inflation reached a 40-year high.

The benefits increase “will help millions of people keep up with expenses,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, acting commissioner of Social Security.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment, call between 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri:1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | socialsecurity.gov
SSA COLA: ssa.gov/cola
ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2023.pdf
SSA Full Retirement Age Chart:
ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html
2023 Medicare Changes: medicare.gov

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 71 million Americans increased 3.2% this year. On average, Social Security retirement benefits increased by more than $50 per month starting in January 2024. More than 66 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January. Increased payments to…
Generations Senior Fair at Windward Mall

You could feel the excitement and electricity in the center of Windward Mall in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, on Friday, May 19, when Generations Magazine held our first “Generations Senior Fair at Windward Mall” since January 2020. There were six rows of Generations partners, offering their services, knowledge and experience. Everyone brought their wealth of information and welcomed attendees, who were able to speak one-to-one with professionals in the many fields serving kūpuna and their families. Kudos to Windward Mall for providing a great venue for the Windward side.

Attendees told us afterward it was a very good event with lots of interesting people. Everyone could meet our partners in person and many learned so much from a wide variety of companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. It was also an opportunity for Generations readers to thank some of our partners for their service to the senior community.

A big MAHALO goes out to the following Generations partners for taking the time to offer their services to kūpuna and their families at this event and the bold partners who provided door prizes. AARP Hawaii ✦ Ameriprise Financial Services ✦ Better Business Bureau ✦ City & County of Honolulu, Dept. of Parks & Recs ✦ Captain Cook Coin Company of Honolulu ✦ Catholic Charities ✦ Copeland Insurance Group ✦ Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging ✦ SMP Hawaii ✦ Dooplikit LLC ✦ Financial Benefits Insurance ✦ Gimme a Break ✦ GYMGUYZ Urban Honolulu ✦ Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i ✦ Hawaii Dental Service ✦ Hawai‘i Department of Taxation ✦ Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Ombudsman ✦ Hawaii SHIP ✦ Humana ✦ Kaiser Permanente ✦ Kuakini Health Systems ✦ Law Office of Stephen B. Yim ✦ Legacy of Life Hawai‘i ✦ Lets Move ✦ Manoa Cottage ✦ Nursing Home Partners ✦ Open Mortgage ✦ Project Dana ✦ Silver & Stronger Coaching Program ✦ Soderholm Bus & Mobility ✦ State of Hawai‘i, Dept. of Commerce & Consumer Affairs ✦ The Ihara Team, Keller Williams Honolulu ✦ The Mediation Center of the Pacific ✦ Vacations Hawaii ✦ Valley of the Temples ✦ Veterans Administration: Caregiver ✦ Support Program ✦ Wellcare by ‘Ohana Health Plan ✦ YMCA of Honolulu

You could feel the excitement and electricity in the center of Windward Mall in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, on Friday, May 19, when Generations Magazine held our first “Generations Senior Fair at Windward Mall” since January 2020. There were six rows of Generations partners, offering their services, knowledge and experience. Everyone brought their wealth of information and…
Real Property Tax Relief for Honolulu

If you’re a Honolulu homeowner concerned about property taxes, relief is on the horizon as the City and County of Honolulu announces its Real Property Tax Credit program, open for applications starting July 1.

From July 1, eligible homeowners can apply for a tax credit to help alleviate their real property tax expenses. To qualify for this tax credit for the 2024–2025 tax year, applicants must:

 Have a home exemption on their property
 Ensure that none of the titleholders own other property anywhere
 Confirm that the combined gross income of all titleholders meet income requirements.

The amount of the credit homeowners will receive, if qualified, is based on their income and current property tax amount. This tax credit program is aimed at providing much needed relief to homeowners who are affected by rising property taxes.

Homeowners who applied for this credit during the 2023–2024 Tax Year can expect to receive an application in the mail in early July.

Contact the Tax Relief Office for an application or download it from the website starting July 1.

TAX RELIEF OFFICE
For more information or questions, call 808-768-3205
or visit honolulupropertytax.com
(Information furnished is subject to change without notice.)

If you’re a Honolulu homeowner concerned about property taxes, relief is on the horizon as the City and County of Honolulu announces its Real Property Tax Credit program, open for applications starting July 1.
Sustainable Transitions in Gerontology

The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS), is thrilled to announce its 2023 biennial conference from September 7–8 following the success of its virtual conference in 2021.

Designed for a diverse audience that includes kūpuna practitioners in the health and human service fields, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations serving kūpuna, HPGS extends a warm invitation to its two-day event at the Ala Moana Hotel. Applied researchers, students in gerontology, advocates for kūpuna, and kūpuna themselves who are keen on continuing their education as they age are also encouraged to join in this exciting event.

The conference’s theme, “Sustainable Transitions in Gerontology,” spotlights the crucial adjustments made by businesses, organizations, individuals and kūpuna over the past few years in response to the ever-changing needs of our elderly population.

An impressive lineup of keynote speakers is set to inspire attendees, featuring Dr. Lee Buenconsejo-Lum, Interim Dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, and Keith Hayashi, Department of Education Superintendent. HPGS is working to create a dynamic and informative event with additional speakers from Hawaii, the Mainland and Japan.

Seven “Na Lima Kokua Awards” will be presented to individuals or companies/organizations from categories of business, communications, community service, government, and research/ education, along with two Tony Lenzer Scholarships to be awarded on Thursday, Sept. 7.

To register for this exceptional gathering, visit hpgs.org and click on “Conference.” The registration fee is nominal for HPGS members, non-members, students and seniors.

As a special offer, Generations Magazine readers will receive the “Regular Registration” rate through Aug. 31, 2023.

Established in 1979, HPGS is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for Hawaii’s Kupuna community. Since 1981, the dedicated board and biennial conference committees have organized 20 in-person two-day conferences and, as previously mentioned, a two-day virtual conference held during the Covid-
19 pandemic in 2021.

HAWAII PACIFIC GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY
(501(c) 3 nonprofit)
PO Box 3714, Honolulu, HI 96812
Sherry Goya, HPGS Executive Director
808-722-8487 | Sgoyallc@Aol.com
hpgs.org

The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS), is thrilled to announce its 2023 biennial conference from September 7–8 following the success of its virtual conference in 2021.Designed for a diverse audience that includes kūpuna practitioners in the health and human service fields, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations serving kūpuna, HPGS extends a warm invitation…
Kathy Jaycox’s Mission to Give Back

After more than 40 years teaching at secondary and post-secondary schools in Illinois and Hawai‘i, Kathy Jaycox is now dedicated to volunteering for nonprofits. The work touches her heart and soul, she says.

Kathy believes that “To whom much is given, much will be required (Luke 12:48).” This line of Biblical wisdom reminds us that we are held responsible for what we have. If we have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge and time, it is expected that we use them to benefit others.

Past affiliations include service as a board member and president of Faith Action for Community Equity, and the Windward O‘ahu branch of the American Association of University Women, where she continues as a member.

Kathy says she feels rewarded when she sees volunteer actions lead to positive change. The most outstanding, she said, was the passage of Act 102 in 2017, which provided financial support to family caregivers so that they could hire respite workers and not need to give up their own employment.

Currently, Kathy serves on the executive council of AARP Hawai‘i doing outreach. She teaches, speaks to groups and helps in whatever capacity is needed. Her role on the board of directors for the Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society includes serving on the workforce development, publicity, newsletter, and website committees. Kathy is also a member of the Kupuna Caucus, a volunteer at St. John Vianney Church and on the board of St. John Vianney School.

After more than 40 years teaching at secondary and post-secondary schools in Illinois and Hawai‘i, Kathy Jaycox is now dedicated to volunteering for nonprofits. The work touches her heart and soul, she says.
Carl “Kini Popo” Hebenstreit, 1929-2022

Carl “Kini Popo” Hebenstreit was well past retirement age when he made the decision to launch Generations Hawai‘i, which he described as “one of the happiest and most satisfying activities” of his life.

“There is a need for it. That’s been a Trade [Media Hui] DNA tag since [1954],” when the original parent company of Generations was founded, he explained in an email to a colleague in 2006.

Even then, at the age of 77 himself, Carl could tell the Great Silver Wave was nowhere near its crest.

“We’re aiming the publication at… those who have to look after their parents in their 80s and 90s, as well as the children of their own children,” he said.

Nearly two decades after sending that email, demand is only stronger for a magazine Carl originally envisioned as “a lively resource that recognizes the achievements of Hawai‘i’s 50-plus citizens while offering information and insight into ways to enrich life in the mature years.”

During his three years as Publisher of Generations, he came to the realization that most kūpuna didn’t see getting old as a liability — many, if not all, discovered aging gracefully meant also gaining the opportunity to redefine and recreate their lives.

“In fact, we discovered an amazing sense of energy in this group,” Carl said. “Sixty is indeed the new forty. Eighty is the new sixty.”

Generations readers in 2023 still understand the importance of maintaining (and building) the strength of their health, wealth and relationships well into their golden years. This magazine remains a trusted companion and guide to helping readers Live the Good Life After 50.

And for that, we have Carl Hebenstreit to thank.

Mahalo, Kini.

Carl “Kini Popo” Hebenstreit was well past retirement age when he made the decision to launch Generations Hawai‘i, which he described as “one of the happiest and most satisfying activities” of his life. “There is a need for it. That’s been a Trade [Media Hui] DNA tag since [1954],” when the original parent company of…
Kupuna Collective Meets with Sen. Hirono

(L–R) Christy Nishita, Ph.D., UH Center on Aging; Jenny Lee, UH Center on Aging; Sen. Mazie Hirono; Derrick Ariyoshi, Elderly Affairs Division; Kathy Wyatt, Hale Hauoli Adult Day Care; Michelle Cordero-Lee, Hawaii Meals on Wheels; En Young, Pacific Gateway Center.

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono met with the Kūpuna Collective, a network of support organizations that focus on maximizing the health, independence and engagement of Hawai‘i’s older adults, for a roundtable conversation about supporting seniors in Hawai‘i in early October 2022.

During the roundtable, Sen. Hirono discussed issues including food security, senior care workforce shortages and the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which will lower healthcare costs for the nearly 280,000 seniors in Hawai‘i who get their healthcare through Medicare.

“The Kūpuna Collective came together at the start of the pandemic to meet the needs of our kūpuna in Hawai‘i who weren’t able to take advantage of mass food distributions and vaccine initiatives,” said Sen. Hirono. “The collective was able to identify gaps in services and respond quickly by leveraging resources and justifying their needs to donors through careful data collection and analysis. When seniors across our state were struggling to afford food, this group came together to help make sure they had enough to eat, and it has continued working to support our seniors with access to vaccines, daily meals to meet their medical needs, digital resources, and more. Our community owes the Kūpuna Collective a debt of gratitude. With the recently-passed Inflation Reduction Act, we’re also meeting the needs of our seniors by lowering the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, and making sure seniors on Medicare can get the vaccines they need free of cost, thanks to a provision I authored.”

The discussion included En Young, executive director at Pacific Gateway Center; Derrick Ariyoshi, executive for the Elderly Affairs Division with the City and County of Honolulu; Lindsey Ilagan, Hawaii Public Health Institute Kūpuna Program manager and co-convener of the Kūpuna Collective; Christy Nishita, interim director of the UH at Mānoa Center on Aging and co-coordinator of the Kūpuna Collective; Michelle Cordero-Lee, Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels Program CEO; and Kathy Wyatt, Hale Hauoli Adult Day Care owner and director.

UH CENTER ON AGING
cnishita@hawaii.edu
www.hawaii.edu/aging | www.hiphi.org/kupuna

Sen. Mazie K. Hirono met with the Kupuna Collective, a network of support organizations that focus on maximizing the health, independence and engagement of Hawai‘i’s older adults, for a roundtable conversation about supporting seniors in Hawai‘i in early October 2022.
Social Security Benefits Increase in 2023

The 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 65 million Social Security (SS) beneficiaries in January 2023. Increased payments to more than 7 million Supplemental Social Security (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on Dec. 30, 2022.

The purpose of COLA is to ensure that the purchasing power of SS and SSI benefits is not eroded by inflation. The increase is aimed at helping to cover the rising cost of food, housing, healthcare and other essentials, otherwise known as inflation. Rising prices on a variety of goods and services have lifted inflation to its highest level in 40 years. The consumer price index for September shows prices rose 8.2 percent over the last year, despite the Federal Reserve’s efforts to stabilize costs by hiking interest rates. Every month in 2022, inflation far exceeded the 5.9 percent cost-of-living (COLA) increase that was set at the end of 2021, meaning that 2021’s COLA did not meet current economic strains.

Will this newest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) be enough to make a significant difference for SS and SSI recipients? What problems might they still face?

Dollars & Cents

• The average retired person will see an increase of about $140 per month. The average monthly payment to a retired beneficiary will be $1,827.
• The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $160,200.
• The earnings limit for workers who are younger than “full” retirement age will increase to $21,240. (SSA deducts $1 from benefits for each $2 earned over $21,240.)
• The earnings limit for people reaching their “full” retirement age in 2023 will increase to $56,520. (SSA deduct $1 from benefits for each $3 earned over $56,520 until the month the worker turns “full” retirement age.)
• There is no limit on earnings for workers who are “full” retirement age or older for the entire year.
• Although the vast majority of recipients are retired, around 3 million children also receive SS payments, as well as people with disabilities and those who have lost spouses.

Another important change affecting seniors in 2023 is the decrease in Medicare Part B premiums. For SS beneficiaries receiving Medicare, their new higher 2023 benefit amount was available in December through the mailed COLA notice and in their my Social Security’s Message Center. The combination of a SS benefit increase and a Medicare payment decrease is a first. If people were expecting their Medicare premiums to gobble up a substantial portion of their COLA, the good news is, that won’t be the case in 2023.

The Bottom Line

Because older people are more likely to spend money than save it, they may actually help mitigate a recession. But seniors need to pay for things that are in higher inflation categories, healthcare being the No. 1 example, so they tend to be more heavily impacted by inflation. Although these changes were enacted so that inflation
no longer drains value from SS benefits, even with the COLA increase and Medicare payment decrease, low-income seniors and others may still struggle with today’s high prices.

SSA COLA:
www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/colafacts2023.pdf
SSA Full Retirement Age Chart:
www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/agereduction.html
2023 Medicare Changes:
www.medicare.gov

The 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 65 million Social Security (SS) beneficiaries in January 2023. Increased payments to more than 7 million Supplemental Social Security (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on Dec. 30, 2022.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s

You probably know someone with Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia that’s currently affecting some 5.8 million Americans and growing so rapidly that as many as 14 million may be affected by 2060.

Dementia is not a disease but the general term for the loss of memory and cognitive abilities, especially in people over 65. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that worsens over time and in its late stages, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and generally succumb to the disease four to eight years after diagnosis.

Current research, however, is showing progress in the removal of one of the main causes or hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain, called “amyloid,” also known as plaques, with the potential to slow down the progression of the disease for those who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. While this is certainly nowhere near a cure, the science is leading us in the right direction toward better treatments and ultimately, a cure for this terrible disease that impacts so many families across our state.

But research costs money — lots and lots of money. To help, the Alzheimer’s Association of Hawai‘i is joining other chapters across the country in holding the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s — the largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. After a two-year pandemic gap, the Hawai‘i walks are once again taking place throughout the islands: in Hilo on Sept. 17, in Kapa‘a on Oct. 1, on Maui on Oct. 22 and in Honolulu on Nov. 5.

Participants can register as teams or individuals, and businesses can put together groups. Children can also participate (bikes, skateboards or wheelie footwear are discouraged). Strollers are fine and it’s OK to take your well-behaved dog if it’s on a leash. It’s a fun day offering fresh air and exercise, while helping to raise the much-needed funds for research and awareness. On O‘ahu, this year’s goal is $335,000.

There’s no registration fee, but participants are encouraged to make a personal donation and commit to raise funds in the fight against Alzheimer’s If you raise $100 or more before the event, you’ll receive a free T-shirt to wear during the walk. All donations are tax deductible.

You can get complete details about this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s on its website as well as important information about the disease: what it is, how is it diagnosed, what are the symptoms, what are the stages of the disease and what treatments are available.

WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
808-518-6654 | Jmgeorge@alz.org
alz.org/hawaii

You probably know someone with Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia that’s currently affecting some 5.8 million Americans and growing so rapidly that as many as 14 million may be affected by 2060.
7 Reminders for the General Election

Ahead of the 2022 General Election on Nov. 8, the Hawai‘i Office of Elections has a few key reminders for Hawai‘i’s kūpuna voters.

Hawai‘i is a vote-by-mail state. As a registered voter, your General Election ballot will conveniently arrive in your mailbox. Gone are the days of carving out time to vote at your assigned polling place. Hawai‘i voters are automatically mailed a ballot for every election.

Check that your voter registration is current. Visit elections.hawaii.gov or call 808-453-VOTE (8683) to verify that your voter registration is accurate. By law, ballots cannot be forwarded through the mail, so if you have moved or changed your mailing address, you must update your voter registration. This can be done online or by submitting a paper Voter Registration Application.

Vote your ballot. You can expect to receive your ballot by Oct. 21 for the General Election. Read the instructions, mark your ballot with a blue or black pen, seal it in your return envelope and sign the envelope.

Sign your ballot return envelope. The return envelope must be signed for the ballot to be counted. The signature on your return envelope is compared to the signature on your voter registration record. If the signature matches, your ballot is accepted and recorded to ensure only one ballot is counted for you.

Your ballot must be received by 7pm, Nov. 8. Voted ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at a voter service center or ballot drop box within your county. Visit elections.hawaii.gov for location details. Ballots received after the deadline cannot be counted.

Sign up for ballot alerts. Avoid missing the ballot return deadline by signing up for free ballot alerts. Visit hawaii.ballottrax.net or call 808-453-VOTE (8683) for assistance with enrolling. Choose to receive text, email and voice alerts for when your ballot is on its way, and reminders to return your ballot as the deadline approaches.

Assistance is available. If you’re in need of assistance with casting your ballot, consider the following accessible options:

1) Visit a voter service center to cast your vote using accessible voting equipment.
2) Request an electronic ballot and mark your ballot using your personal compatible device. Visit elections.hawaii.gov to learn more about accessible voting.

CITY & COUNTY OF HONOLULU ELECTIONS DIVISION
530 S. King St., Rm. 100, Honolulu, HI 96813
For voter details, registration information and questions:
elections.hawaii.gov | 808-453-VOTE (8683)
Election officials are committed to making sure your vote counts and
safeguarding Hawai‘i’s elections.

Ahead of the 2022 General Election on Nov. 8, the Hawai‘i Office of Elections has a few key reminders for Hawai‘i’s kūpuna voters.
Honoring Emmet White

The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society will honor Emmet White at its virtual fundraiser on Nov. 4. His service and dedication to so many families, and his professional career serving kūpuna through the Arcadia Family of Companies, Hawaii Long Term Care Association, Hawaii Healthcare Association and the Central Union Church are legendary.

After 23 years of service, Emmet retired as president and CEO from Arcadia. He chaired the Hawaii Long Term Care Association, now reunited with the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, and also served on the State Health Coordinating Council for the State Health, Planning & Development Agency. Emmet was also a member of the Oahu Workforce Development Board.

A retired Army Reserve colonel, Emmet served as an ombudsman for the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program. Prior to joining Arcadia, Emmet practiced law in Honolulu for 23 years and was appointed to the Court Annexed Arbitration Program in its early years. During that time he also served Central Union Church as moderator, trustee and deacon, as a member of the church’s Arcadia Committee, and then as a member and chair of Arcadia’s governing board.

HAWAII PACIFIC GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
P.O. Box 3714, Honolulu, HI 96812
Sherry Goya, HPGS Executive Director
808-722-8487 | sgoyallc@aol.com
www.hpgs.org

The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society will honor Emmet White at its virtual fundraiser on Nov. 4. His service and dedication to so many families, and his professional career serving kūpuna through the Arcadia Family of Companies, Hawaii Long Term Care Association, Hawaii Healthcare Association and the Central Union Church are legendary.
Veterans to Gather for Memorial Celebration

For the past 20-plus years at midnight on the 23rd of December, a gathering of veterans has taken place near the Capitol, by the memorial for our Korean and Vietnam brethren. The group includes men and women who have served in various campaigns. It is a big crowd.

There is usually some coffee, water and a snack or two. Mostly, it is a gathering to check in and renew “welcome home” greetings. It is also a time to notice who is not in attendance.

Our voices are softer and our hearing isn’t quite 100 percent, so the words of those leading prayers or the roll call of our missing companions becomes more personal as we lean in and turn up hearing aids.

Our midnight gathering leads into the 24th of December in Hawai‘i and Christmas Day in Vietnam.

Many recall our Christmas in Vietnam — where we were, who we were with, whether the cease fire remained intact that day and what was for dinner (hot chow, and if Santa was generous, one or two bottles of beer).

COVID-19 had us cancel the 2020 event. Sadly, four of us will not be at the 2021 celebration. Please join us in remembrance on Dec. 23 at midnight at the Hawai‘i State Capitol Korea-Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

VFW DEPARTMENT OF HAWAII
438 Hobron Lane, Ste. 407, Honolulu, HI 96815
808-946-7250 | adj@vfw-dept-hi.org
www.vfw-dept-hi.org/

For the past 20-plus years at midnight on the 23rd of December, a gathering of veterans has taken place near the Capitol, by the memorial for our Korean and Vietnam brethren. The group includes men and women who have served in various campaigns. It is a big crowd.