Category: Senior News

Attention: Hawai‘i Votes by Mail!

Am I registered to vote? When will I receive my ballot? As the 2020 elections approach, more and more Hawai’i voters will prepare to cast their ballot on these dates:

Primary Election
Saturday, Aug. 8
General Election
Tuesday, Nov. 3

The 2020 elections will be the first time elections will be conducted entirely by mail, statewide, and no traditional polling places will be established. Instead, all registered voters will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.

Over the past year, election officials have sent out a series of election mailings to each registered voter. These mailings have served a dual purpose of announcing the transition to elections by mail and confirming every voter’s registration. If there is an issue delivering a voter’s election mailing, the voter must update his or her registration to be mailed a ballot to ensure the security and integrity of the elections.

To be sure you will receive your ballot in the mail, check your voter registration status by contacting the Office of Elections. By law, ballots cannot be forwarded through the mail to a new address. If you have moved to a new residence, changed your mailing address or your name, you must update your voter registration record by submitting an application to your County Elections Division or using the online voter registration system with a Hawai‘i driver license or state ID. Similarly, if you will be away from the islands for an upcoming election, you can request an absentee ballot be sent to an alternate address.

Mail Ballot Packet Send-Out Dates:
July 21: Primary Election
Oct. 16: General Election

This mail ballot packet will include a pre-addressed postage-paid return envelope, ballot secrecy sleeve and ballot. Voters mark their ballot, place it in the return envelope and sign the envelope. Voted ballots must be received by the County Elections Division by 7 pm on Election Day. For more details or information, contact the Office of Elections by phone or go online.

OFFICE OF ELECTIONS
802 Lehua Ave., Pearl City, HI 96782
808-453-VOTE (8683) | elections@hawaii.gov
elections.hawaii.gov
The Office of Elections’ mission is to provide secure, accessible, and convenient elections to all citizens statewide.

Am I registered to vote? When will I receive my ballot? As the 2020 elections approach, more and more Hawai’i voters will prepare to cast their ballot on these dates: Primary Election – Saturday, Aug. 8; General Election – Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Walk and Run With Us!

The Walk and Run Club, powered by Phiten Hawaii, a health and performance product retailer, is a co-sponsor of the nonprofit Hawaii Running Project, a new, free activity for seniors and their families. Walkers and joggers are encouraged to join the healthy fun that starts every Wednesday morning at 9 am. Fun, fitness and camaraderie are open to everyone!

Gather your friends and family and join the club in front of the ‘Ohana Hale Marketplace Phiten Hawaii store at 333 Ward Ave. (the former Sports Authority location). Groups are created based on who shows up each week. There is plenty of free parking available.

The walk and run start with a warm-up, a led workout and healthy stretching. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses, and carry your water bottle whenever you exercise. Come prepared for windy and rainy days. After the walk and run, club members have plenty of post-exercise drink and food choices in the marketplace, which opens at 10 am. There may be discounts on shop products or drawings for door prizes. The fun starts every Wednesday morning and is even more fun with friends!

For additional details regarding The Walk and Run Club, call Coach Kawika at 808-462-1313 or visit the Hawaii Running Project at www.hawaiirunningproject.com.

PHITEN HAWAII / WAVES OF ALOHA LLC
Ohana Hale Marketplace (former Sports Authority)
333 Ward Ave., Stall 144, Honolulu, HI 96814
Mon-Sat: 10 am–8 pm | Sun: 10 am–5 pm
808-888-9639 | www.PhitenHawaii.com

The Walk and Run Club, powered by Phiten Hawaii, a health and performance product retailer, is a co-sponsor of the nonprofit Hawaii Running Project, a new, free activity for seniors and their families. Walkers and joggers are encouraged to join the healthy fun that starts every Wednesday morning at 9 am. Fun, fitness and camaraderie…
Survey Winner Will Celebrate in Las Vegas!

Pearl Hakulani Robins filled out her Generations Magazine reader survey, hoping she’d win. Soon she’s headed to Las Vegas on a Vacations Hawai‘i deluxe package — no taxis, no lugging suitcases, plenty of legroom on the plane — and four nights at the newly renovated California Hotel. Congratulations Pearl!

GM reader surveys help us make your senior magazine better. Our target has always been seniors 50 years of age and beyond. Most readers are retired and live independently. Our topics focus on how to retire happily and how to stay happy. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to focus on even more topics of interest to our readers.

As our ability to live longer lives increases, we are more aware that its what we do with those years that matters. It’s a chance to add new life chapters in health, finances, social activities, spiritual wellness, and of course, caregiving.

Through our surveys, we are hearing what you’re hungry for — we get it, you’re active! Well, no point in slowing down, right? We aim to be in step with you in order to keep up with you! Who’s idea was it to slow down anyway?

For a chance to win next time, CLICK HERE and enter now! First prize is a one-year membership to Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi on O‘ahu. The membership will be good at Kaimuki, Honolulu or Mānoa locations for a full year of exercise, meditation and classes that improve your health. Five others will win a one-year subscription to Generations Magazine.

Pearl Hakulani Robins filled out her Generations Magazine reader survey, hoping she’d win. Soon she’s headed to Las Vegas on a Vacations Hawai‘i deluxe package — no taxis, no lugging suitcases, plenty of legroom on the plane — and four nights at the newly renovated California Hotel. Congratulations Pearl!
A Senior Fair for Oahu’s Windward Side

The 2nd Annual Generations Magazine Senior Fair at Windward Mall was held on Saturday, Jan. 18. There were many visitors who received valuable information from 44 Generations Magazine partners as well as the opportunity to visit “stamp-card” participants who provided 24 door prizes worth $50 each and a Las Vegas trip from Vacations Hawaii. (Click on image for full size)

Windward Mall provided a great venue, with tables also on the second floor overlooking Center Court.

Generations partners offered a wealth of information to seniors and their families.

KUMU radio DJ Devon Nekoba talks with GYMGUYZ Urban Honolulu.

Promotion of this event was supported by Windward Mall.

Hawaii SHIP provided information about its free medicare program.

The 2nd Annual Generations Magazine Senior Fair at Windward Mall was held on Saturday, Jan. 18. There were many visitors who received valuable information from 44 Generations Magazine partners as well as the opportunity to visit “stamp-card” participants who provided 24 door prizes worth $50 each and a Las Vegas trip from Vacations Hawaii.
US Commissaries Open to 3M More Vets
On Jan. 1, 2020, 15,000-plus veterans in Hawai‘i — a “high cost area”— became eligible to shop in military stores. Commissaries have low prices and no state tax. Commissaries are like big box stores — some brands may be missing, but they carry almost everything you need. (Note that you will pay an additional fee if you use a credit card, so use cash if you can.)

How do I receive this benefit?

Disabled and other eligible veterans can just use their veteran health card to get in. The commissaries scan your card and they are gearing up inventory for the influx of new customers.

Caregivers who are primary caregivers for a wounded/injured veteran and are registered with the Department of Veterans Affairs caregiver program. You will see a memo posted to VA.gov for use to access front gates.

You will also have to show your driver’s license. In the near future, the VA will transition all to a caregivers ID card for base access.

How do I receive a veteran health card?

Call 1–877–222–8387 before 4 pm Hawai‘i time. They can access your DD 214 (discharge papers). You will then be asked numerous questions, but because you called them, the information is secure.

If your records were destroyed in the 1973 fire in St. Louis, it will take longer. A form will be sent to you to have Archives assist.

In person, you can visit either of two locations:

459 Patterson Road, Spark Matsunaga VA Medical Center at Tripler. Call 800–214–1306 for information/directions/room number.

91-2135 Ft. Weaver Road, Leeward Community Based Outpatient Clinic in room 501. 808–312–6800

Enjoy all the commissary has to offer; shopping with Veteran Health Card is just one more opportunity your VA card gives you.
On Jan. 1, 2020, 15,000-plus veterans in Hawai‘i — a “high cost area”— became eligible to shop in military stores. Commissaries have low prices and no state tax. Commissaries are like big box stores — some brands may be missing, but they carry almost everything you need. (Note that you will pay an additional fee…
Honorees Take a Stand Against Falls

(L–R, standing) Stan Michaels, Chris Pa, Percy Ihara, Michael Dowell, Peter Reyes, (seated) Tito Villanueva and Phoebe Hwang (DrPH, owner-operator, Omniworks).

More than 9,950 injuries from falls occur annually among seniors statewide. Each year, the Hawai‘i Fall Prevention Consortium (HFPC) identifies individuals with passionate dedication to reducing the number and severity of injuries from falls among seniors and honors their efforts to promote fall prevention initiatives in the state.

The HFPC presented its Annual Fall Prevention Awards for Outstanding Community Service at the end of 2019 to: Chris Pa, activities director at Leeward YMCA; Peter Reyes, program director at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH); Percy Ihara, owner/publisher of Generations Magazine (GM); and Tito Villanueva, Kauai Operations Manager for American Medical Response (AMR).

Chris Pa’s leadership has enabled many kūpuna to actively attend tai chi classes and events at Leeward YMCA. “Chris is truly a community treasure,” said Ileina Ferrier, master trainer for the Tai Chi for Health Institute.

Peter Reyes became a master trainer for Matter of Balance at CCH. “Peter is a great trainer who truly believes in the importance of reducing the fear of falling and of preventing falls,” said Diane Terada, division administrator at CHC Community & Senior Services.

Percy Ihara is one of the great forces in senior well-being and understanding through GM, said Michael Dowell, chair of the HFPC and owner of Ohana Stairlifts. “Percy is amazing in his continual energy and drive to improve the lives of all of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna.”

Tito Villanueva is the inspiration and driving force behind the growth and success of Kauai’s Home Safety Program for Seniors and has also provided mentoring and support for other programs as the AMR operations manager. “His dedication is astounding,” said Stanley Michaels, senior fall prevention coordinator at the DOH.

In addition, Phoebe Hwang, DrPH, was honored for her outstanding contract work for the HFPC. “Phoebe is truly amazing,” said Michaels.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES & INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAM
808-733-9202 | stanley.michaels@doh.hawaii.gov
www.health.hawaii.gov/injuryprevention

A complete summary of the fall prevention campaign, special videos for seniors and/or their care-givers, and a recap of accomplishments is online at www.nogethurt.hawaii.gov.

More than 9,950 injuries from falls occur annually among seniors statewide. Each year, the Hawai‘i Fall Prevention Consortium (HFPC) identifies individuals with passionate dedication to reducing the number and severity of injuries from falls among seniors and honors their efforts to promote fall prevention initiatives in the state.
2020 Census Forms Will Be Available Online
Every 10 years, the U.S. government embarks on the herculean task of counting every person in the country. An accurate decennial census count is important in order to allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as healthcare services for the elderly, education programs, housing and community development, and job training. For example, in federal Fiscal Year 2016, Hawai‘i received over $3.6 billion from 55 different federal programs, including nearly $1.5 billion in Medicaid funding.

Starting in March 2020, people will receive postcards alerting them that the census will begin on April 1, Census Day. Unlike past census events, the 2020 census may be completed online. Between March 12 and 20, the majority of people will receive a letter advising them that they may complete the census survey online. However, about 20 to 25 percent of the population will still receive a paper survey due to demographic characteristics and internet connectivity in their area.

The 2020 census general questions will be:

How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment or mobile home on April 1, 2020?

Were there any additional people staying here on April 1, 2020 that you did not include in Question 1?

Is this a house, apartment or mobile home?

What is your telephone number?

Please provide information for each person living here. If there is someone living here who pays the rent or owns this residence, start by listing him or her as Person 1. If the owner or the person who pays the rent does not live here, start by listing any adult living here as Person 1.

Name, Sex, Age

Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

What is Person 1’s race?

It will not contain a citizenship question.

If you are not able to complete the census by April 1, you will get several reminder mailings through April. Thereafter, through August, census enumerators will conduct door-todoor interviews to collect information from those who have not completed the questionnaire.

COMMON CAUSE HAWAII
P.O. Box 2240, Honoulu, HI 96804
808-275-6275 | www.commoncause.org

The decennial census is a huge endeavor to ensure a fair, accurate and complete count. The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to hire enumerators and other positions throughout Hawai‘i. Consider being a census worker. Applicants must: 1) have a valid email address; 2) be a U.S. citizen; 3) be 18 years of age or older. Apply now at www.2020census.gov/jobs.
Every 10 years, the U.S. government embarks on the herculean task of counting every person in the country. An accurate decennial census count is important in order to allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as healthcare services for the elderly, education programs, housing and community development,…
Elder Abuse: Senior Advocates & Your Rights
Senior advocates understand personal rights, elder abuse, consumer rights, the legislative process and how programs are funded. They also see that agencies correctly implement laws and draw attention to the ones needing changes. This article focuses on personal rights and elder abuse law. Effective advocates begin by reading the laws and understanding what rights they protect. Hawai‘i law defines six kinds of abuse: physical, psychological, sexual, caregiver neglect, financial exploitation and self-neglect.

“Capacity” means the ability to understand and appreciate the nature and consequences of making decisions concerning one’s person or to communicate these decisions.

“Caregiver” means any person who has knowingly and willingly assumed the care, supervision or physical control of, or who has a legal or contractual duty to care for the health, safety and welfare of a vulnerable adult.

“Caregiver neglect” means the failure of a caregiver to exercise that degree of care for a vulnerable adult that a reasonable person with the responsibility of a caregiver would exercise within the scope of assumed, legal or contractual duties:

(1) Assist with personal hygiene

(2) Protect the vulnerable adult from abandonment

(3) Provide, in a timely manner, necessary food, shelter or clothing

(4) Provide, in a timely manner, necessary healthcare, access to healthcare, medication, psychological and physical care, or supervision

(5) Protect the vulnerable adult from dangerous, harmful or detrimental drugs, except those provided to the vulnerable adult pursuant to the direction or prescription of a practitioner

(6) Protect the vulnerable adult from health and safety hazards

(7) Protect the vulnerable adult from abuse by third parties

“Financial exploitation” means the wrongful taking, withholding, appropriation or use of a vulnerable adult’s money, real property or personal property, including but not limited to:

(1) The breach of a fiduciary duty, such as the misuse of a power of attorney or guardianship privileges, resulting in the unauthorized appropriation, sale, or transfer of property

(2) The unauthorized taking of personal assets

(3) The misappropriation or misuse of moneys belonging to the vulnerable adult

(4) Failure to effectively use a vulnerable adult’s income and assets for the necessities required for his or her support and maintenance It’s the government’s job to ensure that these kinds of abuse do not happen.

KOKUA COUNCIL
20 S. Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813
facebook.com/KokuaCouncil/
Senior advocates understand personal rights, elder abuse, consumer rights, the legislative process and how programs are funded. They also see that agencies correctly implement laws and draw attention to the ones needing changes. This article focuses on personal rights and elder abuse law.
Thoughts on Aging

Author Scott Makuakane reflects on Generations Magazine, now in its tenth year.

Q:
Hawai‘i has the largest older population in the country. How do you think our seniors are currently living and thriving?

Hawai‘i is generally a retirement-friendly state. Taxation of retirement income is relatively benign. Our warm climate and surrounding ocean allow ample opportunities for year-round outdoor exercise and connecting with nature. Our culture is generally inclusive and promotes venues for social interaction. All of these factors form a foundation for a thriving senior population that can enjoy fulfillment and longevity. The key is recognizing the treasure trove and taking full advantage of it.

We have clients in their 70s who are very active in exercise and social groups. One of them recently told us about her hero — a woman in her 90s who attends her Zumba class. Other clients in their 80s are fulfilling their bucket list travel fantasies. It’s encouraging to engage with people like these, who view age as mostly a state of mind and relish each step in their life’s journey. They say 60 is the new 40, but there is no reason that we can’t extend that to 70 or 80 or 90. Sometimes health does not cooperate, but we can do so much proactively to extend the quality of life we enjoy far longer than past generations have.

Q:
What important information or trends do seniors and their families need right now to enjoy better quality of life?

Seniors need to take advantage of all that our community offers. Resources are there and it is important to know where to find them. That is part of the beauty of Generations. Between the magazine, the radio and TV exposure, and the website, much of what is so good and senior-friendly about Hawai‘i is showcased and thereby made available to seniors and their families.

Specifically, a key to quality of life is being connected with other people. Technology can play a huge role here. A voice, a video image or an email can fortify the senior soul. So attaining tech-savviness can be a valuable asset. Seniors who believe “you can teach an old dog new tricks” embrace technology and are more connected than ever before. Of course, technology has a dark side, and people are victimized in Hawai‘i every day by internet and telephone scammers. That’s where family can intervene and help make sure bad things aren’t happening in their ‘ohana.

Q:
Active baby boomers are now seniors. How do you think they will change the way we look at a “frail senior?”

For many of us, seniors are no longer “them.” They are “us.” One thing I have come to appreciate about the Hawaiian culture is that gray hair is often appreciated, respected and given deference. You see this in informal encounters in public places, as well as in more institutionalized settings, such as the various programs and resources that our state and county governments and nonprofit organizations provide. Most people seem to have an awareness of the fact that we enjoy the quality of life we do in large part because of the contributions of previous generations. And they appreciate how current generations are setting the stage for those yet to come.

Throughout Hawai‘i, the word “kūpuna” means ancestor or grandparent. “Frail” is not part of that definition. A kūpuna is an honored elder, a living treasure who has acquired enough life experience to become a leader and teacher. Kūpuna before us have guided us with their wisdom. They are a rich source of experience, knowledge, guidance, strength and inspiration for the next generations.

This is not the case everywhere. On a recent business trip to Boston, I had a brief conversation with a 20-something-year-old. We told him about the word “kūpuna” and asked him what the local term was. Without missing a beat, he said, “I don’t know. F—ing old people, I guess.”

Lucky we live Hawai‘i.

Hawai‘i is generally a retirement-friendly state. Taxation of retirement income is relatively benign. Our warm climate and surrounding ocean allow ample opportunities for year-round outdoor exercise and connecting with nature. Our culture is generally inclusive and promotes venues for social interaction. All of these factors form a foundation for a thriving senior population that can…
Partnering for a Better Senior Community

Dawn Calpito of Kalākaua Gardens, Kathy Wyatt of Hale Hau‘oli Hawaii, and other organizations and companies attending a Sept. 17 breakfast event

To better serve Hawai‘i’s senior community, Generations Magazine held a networking event for its partners on Sept. 17 at 15 Craigside, where a delicious breakfast was provided, thanks to Kind2Kūpuna and Margaret Wong of Copeland Insurance Group. Generations Magazine partners met, greeted and learned about each other, making contacts with those who support and serve kūpuna and their families. Generations Magazine contributors and advertisers are not only experts in and on Hawai‘i’s senior community, but have become valuable resources for each other through GM.

The Kind2Kūpuna business network

The goal of the Kind2Kūpuna, an age-friendly business program that is part of the Mayor’s Age-Friendly Honolulu initiative and supported by Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, is to raise awareness and provide networking and recognition opportunities for businesses who pledge to be “age-friendly” and support the needs of older employees and customers. The presentation by GM partner Kind2Kūpuna was well received — GM partners who attended signed a pledge and became part of the Kind2Kūpuna business network.

If you are interested in learning more about Kind2Kūpuna, visit www.agefriendlyhonolulu. com or email Christy Nishita at kind2kupuna@gmail.com.

Kind2Kūpuna & Generations Magazine Partnership

Amazing Care Network • Cardax Inc. • Copeland Insurance Group • First Light Home Care • Generations Magazine • Good Samaritan Society – Pohai Nani • GYMGUYZ – Urban Honolulu • Hale Hau‘oli Hawaii • Hawaii Memory Friends • Home Care by ALTRES Medical • Humana • Islands Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation • Kala¯kaua Gardens • Keller Williams Honolulu – The Ihara Team • Kimberly A Cooper Insurance LLC • Ki ¯na¯ ‘Ole Estate • Kupuna Education Center • Needles of Hope • Ohana Hearing Care • Phiten Hawaii • Plan Advisors Hawaii • Prime Physical Therapy, Inc. • Right at Home • Senior Move Managers & De-Clutter Hawaii • Soderholm Bus & Mobility • The Caregiver Foundation • The Okada Group • Vacations Hawaii

To better serve Hawai‘i’s senior community, Generations Magazine held a networking event for its partners on Sept. 17 at 15 Craigside, where a delicious breakfast was provided, thanks to Kind2Kūpuna and Margaret Wong of Copeland Insurance Group. Generations Magazine partners met, greeted and learned about each other, making contacts with those who support and serve…
50 Years of Transplantation in Hawai‘i

On Aug. 9, 1969, a surgical team headed by Dr. Livingston Wong performed the first kidney transplant at St. Francis Hospital. Since then, more than 2,300 lives in Hawai‘i have been saved and transformed by organ transplants. To celebrate this remarkable milestone and the man whose vision drove it forward, St. Francis Healthcare System hosted a special event on Aug. 7 at its Liliha Campus.

Guests from The Queen’s Medical Center, The Queen’s Transplant Center, Legacy of Life Hawai‘i and the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i honored Dr. Wong for his service and vision. The event was also a homecoming for many who had worked with Dr. Wong and those whose lives he had helped to heal and save.

Following Dr. Wong’s first transplant surgery, St. Francis Medical Center opened its kidney transplant program, which served as Hawai‘i’s only transplant center for 40 years. Through the years, the transplant program expanded to include kidney, liver, pancreas and heart transplantation. In 1978, Dr. Wong headed a team of physicians and technicians who performed the first bonemarrow transplant in Hawai‘i. Dr. Wong later established Hawai‘i’s emergency management system and is credited with raising the level of the statewide system to become one of the best programs in the nation.

Dr. Wong with members from Surgical Associates Inc: (L–R, 1st row) Livingston M.F. Wong, MD, FASC; Dr. Alan Cheung, MD, FASC; (2nd row) Lyle Wong, director of administration (Livingston’s son); Linda L. Wong, MD (Livingston’s daughter who performed the first liver transplant in Hawai‘i); and Whitney Limm, MD.

Dr. Alan Cheung, director of the Queen’s Transplant Center, a transplant surgeon and close associate and friend of Dr. Wong, spoke to the more than 250 guests at the event. “Livi recognized the suffering and needs of patients with end-stage renal failure and quickly mastered the vascular access surgeries that were lifelines for these patients,” Dr. Cheung said. “He wanted to serve the needs of the people…”

Become a donor by registering at Legacy of Life Hawai‘i or at your local DMV.

LEGACY OF LIFE HAWAI‘I (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
405 N. Kuakini St., Ste. 810, Honolulu, HI 91867
Nancy Downes: 808-599-7630
808-585-3442 | outreach@legacyoflifehawaii.org
www.legacyoflifehawaii.org
Facebook: @hoalahouhawaii

On Aug. 9, 1969, a surgical team headed by Dr. Livingston Wong performed the first kidney transplant at St. Francis Hospital. Since then, more than 2,300 lives in Hawai‘i have been saved and transformed by organ transplants. To celebrate this remarkable milestone and the man whose vision drove it forward, St. Francis Healthcare System hosted…
All Vote-By-Mail Comes to Hawai‘i

Starting with the 2020 primaries, all statewide elections in Hawai‘i will be conducted by mail, pursuant to Act 136, Session Laws of Hawai‘i 2019 (HB1248, CD1). This will be a big change for some Hawai‘i voters, especially those who are not accustomed to voting by absentee ballot. For those who vote by absentee ballot, the all vote-by-mail system is nothing new.

However, for Hawai‘i voters who are used to standing in lines at polling places with family, friends and neighbors on Election Day to cast their vote, get ready to fill out your ballots in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Vote-By-Mail requires that a ballot package be mailed to registered voters approximately three weeks before Election Day — either primary or general. Each ballot package shall include a ballot, a secrecy envelope, a business reply return envelope and voting instructions.

Registered voters will complete the ballots, insert them in the secrecy envelopes so that the completed ballots will be kept private and then place the secrecy envelopes with ballots in the business reply envelopes. Registered voters are required to sign the return the envelopes or the ballots will not be counted.

All ballots must be received by the Clerk’s Office by 7pm on Election Day. Do not mail your completed ballots the day of the election, because they will not be received in time and your ballots will not be counted. Mail your completed ballots to the Clerk’s Office at least three days before Election Day. The voter’s signature on the return envelope will be verified against the signature on file in your voter registration record.

If a mistake is made on the ballot, do not try to correct the ballot, which may result in a spoiled ballot. Instead, contact the County Clerk’s Office for a replacement ballot.

Additionally, once the ballot is received, the County Clerk’s Office may contact you to remedy any problems with the ballot. This may require visiting a Voter Service Center (VSC). The City and County of Honolulu has designated at least two VSCs — Honolulu Hale (530 S. King St.) and Kapolei Hale (1000 Uluohia St. in Kapolei). Note that the VSCs will replace traditional Election Day polling places.

VSCs will be open 10 business days (weekdays only) prior to and through each Election Day. At the VSCs, people may register to vote, including same-day voter registration, vote in-person, hand-deliver their ballots in-person or correct their ballots if they are summoned to do so.

Other jurisdictions that have implemented Vote- By-Mail (Colorado, Oregon and Washington) have some of the highest voter turnout rates in the nation, a median 15% higher turnout rate during the 2018 primaries than the remaining polling place states. Hawai‘i’s Vote-By-Mail will increase our voter engagement by giving our voters more ways and days to participate in our democratic process and reduce costs of operating traditional polling places. Common Cause Hawai‘i looks forward to more people voting in Hawai‘i!

COMMON CAUSE HAWAII (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
808-275-6275 | hawaii@commoncause.org
www.commoncause.org/states/hawaii/

Starting with the 2020 primaries, all statewide elections in Hawai‘i will be conducted by mail. This will be a big change for some Hawai‘i voters, especially those who are not accustomed to voting by absentee ballot. For those who vote by absentee ballot, the all vote-by-mail system is nothing new.