Category: Senior News

Time to Honor the 100th Battalion

Punchbowl was once used as a lookout for Hawaiian warriors. Now, it’s one of only two national memorial cemeteries in the USA — the other is Arlington, Virginia. It is the final resting place for those that have courageously served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

For the 14th year, the 100th Infantry Battalion Club 100 members invite the public to help decorate 1,000 heroes’ graves with flowers Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 to 11am.

Then on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 9:30 to 10:30 am, the public is also invited for a joint memorial service in honor of our Nisei soldiers of World War II, including the 100th Battalion (Purple Heart Battalion), the 442nd (Go For Broke Battalion), Regimental Combat Team, the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) and the 1399 Engineer and Construction Battalion.

Sgt. Shigeo “Joe” Takata

Why Sept. 28? It was on this date Sgt. Shigeo “Joe” Takata was hit by shrapnel and fought death long enough to point out the location of the enemy. He was the first combat casualty for the 100th Battalion and will be honored.

Parking is free and open to the public, except for the reserved spaces on Mall Drive. This memorial event is sponsored by the Nisei Veterans Legacy; its mission is to preserve, perpetuate and share the legacy of these Nisei soldiers

NISEI VETERANS LEGACY
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
2454 S. Beretania St, Ste. 302
Honolulu HI 96826
808-942-0881 | inquire@nvlchawaii.org | www.nvlchawaii.org

Punchbowl was once used as a lookout for Hawaiian warriors. Now, it’s one of only two national memorial cemeteries in the USA — the other is Arlington, Virginia. It is the final resting place for those that have courageously served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For the 14th year, the 100th Infantry Battalion Club 100…
2019 Outstanding Older Americans Awards
Gov. David Ige proclaimed May as Older American’s Month this year. Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation in observance of Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, “Connect, Create, Contribute,” encourages older adults and their communities to:

Connect with friends, family and services that support participation.

Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.

Contribute time, talent and life experience to benefit others.

The Hawai‘i Outstanding Older Americans Awards Ceremony was held on June 7. Family and friends from across the state gathered for the awards ceremony and luncheon generously served by the staff at 15 Craigside Retirement Home, part of the Arcadia Family of Companies.

As each honoree was introduced, they were presented with a special lei, an engraved medallion and a certificate from the governor. As their biographies were read, attendees were reminded of how much older Americans really do contribute to our society. These honorees were well deserving of these awards and Generations Magazine congratulates them for their accomplishments.

(L–R) Rep. Gregg Takayama; Maui County awardees Dorothy Tolliver; Juliana Patao and Christina Eckhart, the daughters of Mrs. Louise Corpuz (deceased); and Kimokeo Kapahulehua.

(L–R) Rep. Gregg Takayama; Kaua‘i County awardees Jean M. Dobashi; Neil F. Brosnahan; Kealoha Takahashi, Kaua‘i EOA; and Dr. Bruce Anderson, DOH.

(L–R) Adele Rugg, Lenny Fabro, Kathy Wyatt, Wanda Anae-Onishi, Jim Cisler and John McDermott.

Hawai‘i County awardees Lora Akase-Nagle and James Waddington.

O‘ahu County awardees Mary Miyawaki, received by Wanda Anae-Onishi, O‘ahu EOA; Dominador Macatumbas.
Gov. David Ige proclaimed May as Older American’s Month this year. Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation in observance of Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, “Connect, Create, Contribute.”
Fun Times at the 2019 Senior Games!

For over 30 years, the City and County of Honolulu have run its “Senior Classic Games” at the Halawa District Park. Games were held in the gym and on the softball fields on March 21. Generations Magazine provided the medals in two age groups. As in the past years, Herbert Yasuhara, the founder of these games which brings the city’s senior clubs together, was in attendance. He and all who attended had a great time!

For over 30 years, the City and County of Honolulu have run its “Senior Classic Games” at the Halawa District Park. Games were held in the gym and on the softball fields on March 21. Generations Magazine provided the medals in two age groups. As in the past years, Herbert Yasuhara, the founder of these…
The Plaza at Kaneohe Opens This Summer

The Plaza at Kaneohe, The Plaza Assisted Living’s sixth location, is undergoing construction with an anticipated opening in Summer 2019. In line with its other locations, The Plaza at Kaneohe embraces the concept of familiar faces in familiar neighborhoods, believing that people want to reside in a community that they grew up in, raised their kids, or where their adult children currently live.

Located at the corner of Alaloa Street and Haiku Street across from Windward Mall, the community will feature spectacular views of Kane‘ohe Bay and the Ko‘olau mountains. Its residents will also have convenient access to Kane‘ohe’s best restaurants and recreational offerings. The facility itself will have multiple dining rooms and living rooms, a games room, hair salon, coffee bistro and movie theater.

The Plaza targeted neighborhoods throughout O‘ahu that would be familiar for its residents with communities currently in operation at Punchbowl, Mililani, Moanalua, Pearl City, and Waikiki.

To learn more about the housing options and the services that will be provided at the new 143-bed senior living community, please use the contact information below.

THE PLAZA AT KANEOHE
46-064 Alaloa St., Kaneohe HI 96744
808-377-5292 | www.theplazaassistedliving.com

The Plaza at Kaneohe, The Plaza Assisted Living’s sixth location, is undergoing construction with an anticipated opening in Summer 2019. In line with its other locations, The Plaza at Kaneohe embraces the concept of familiar faces in familiar neighborhoods, believing that people want to reside in a community that they grew up in, raised their…
Help us Sew a Lei for Memorial Day!
Each year the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is honored to help organize the Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl” or Pūowaina. This year the ceremony marks the 70th year under the tutelage of the City and County of Honolulu, and will be held on Monday, May 27, 2019.

As part of our duty to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, the City partners with numerous organizations to ensure every single one of the nearly 38,000 graves within Punchbowl is adorned with an American flag and a fresh lei for the ceremony. If you have never experienced this awe-inspiring, uniquely local display of mahalo and aloha, we invite to see it for yourself the morning of Memorial Day.

But before we can enjoy this remarkable gesture of gratitude, we need your help to make all of those leis. You can contribute to this patriotic cause in several ways:

By volunteering your time and lei-making joy at one of our events held island-wide.*

By donating plumeria flowers or pre-made leis (22” to 24” in length untied) at designated O‘ahu drop-off locations, including the Honolulu Fire Department stations from 8am–6pm.*

By dropping off Ti leaf donations by Monday, May 20 at the Mission Memorial Building Complex located in the Honolulu Civic Center.

By volunteering at Ti leaf lei-making events held at Botanical Gardens throughout Spring.

Drop-off dates and locations on O‘ahu:

April 17 (Wed), May 15 (Wed), 10am–12pm

– Wahiawā Botanical Garden | 628-1190

May 21 (Tue), 10am–12:30pm

– Foster Botanical Garden | 768-7135
(Ti-Leaf only: drop-off and lei-making)

May 23 (Thurs), 10am–3pm (Adults Only)

– Kāne‘ohe Senior Center | 233-7317

May 24 (Fri), 8:30 am–12:00 pm

– Waipahu District Park | 675-6030

May 24 (Fri), 9am–12pm

– Kailua District Park | 266-7652

– Kīlauea District Park | 768-6713

– Mānoa District Park | 768-6703

– Wai‘anae District Park | 696-5039

– Waialua District Park | 637-9721

– Makua Ali‘i Senior Center | 973-7258

May 24 (Fri), 10am–1pm

– Honolulu Hale | 768-7135

May 25 (Sat), 8am–6pm (lei donations only) – Punchbowl

For further details, please check online or contact us with any questions! Mahalo for your participation!

HONOLULU DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION

1000 Uluohia St, Kapolei HI 96707
808-768-3002 | parks@honolulu.gov
www.honolulu.gov/parks

* In addition, check for updates and details with your local Fire Department and community center bulletins.
Each year the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is honored to help organize the Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl” or Pūowaina. This year the ceremony marks the 70th year under the tutelage of the City and County of Honolulu, and will be held…
4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side

March is National Kidney Month! In celebration, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i will be hosting its 4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side event on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 11am to 4pm at Fort Street Mall and Chinatown.

Bring your friends and family down for a day of live entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, dragon dancing, Taiko drumming, keiki activities, fashion shows by Miss Hawai‘i contestants, educational health information, vision screenings, educational information, and much more. 23, 2019 from 11 am– 4 pm at Fort St. Mall & Chinatown.

Saturday, March 23, 2019
11am-4pm
Fort St. Mall & Chinatown

Our Historical Mystery Walk is a leisurely walk around the Downtown and Chinatown areas of the event. On the day of the event, walkers will receive a scavenger map which will lead them on a self-guided tour to find the area’s hidden historical gems in addition to learning more about the rich culture that surrounds us. We encourage participants of all ages to join us in this exciting adventure!

The Historical Mystery Walk is a proud project of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Honolulu Exposed, and the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i.

In addition to all of those amazing activities, we will also be offering our largest complimentary kidney screening of the year. Did you know that over 198,000 people in Hawai‘i are living with kidney disease? Over 4,400 people are on dialysis and more than 300 people are waiting for transplants at this very moment. Hawai‘i is also 30 percent higher than the national average for kidney disease risk and kidney failure.

The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary nonprofit health organization, is dedicated to prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

—————

NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF HAWAI‘I
1314 S. King St. #1555, Honolulu HI 96814
karwin@kidneyhi.org | www.kidneyhi.org/WOWS

March is National Kidney Month! In celebration, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i will be hosting its 4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side event on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 11am to 4pm at Fort Street Mall and Chinatown.
Aid-in-Dying for Terminally Ill Patients

In January 1, 2019, Hawai‘i became just the seventh state in the US to permit medical aid in dying. The Our Care, Our Choice (OCOCA) law allows terminally ill adult patients with capacity to make medical decisions to be prescribed an aid-in-dying medication if all the requirements are met.

Patients who qualify must have received a terminal diagnosis of six months or less; request the OCOCA prescription directly; and be 18 years of age or older, mentally capable of making the decision, and able speak for themselves. The patient must also be physically and mentally able to take the drug themselves.

Gov. David Ige signs the Act into law at a ceremony with supporters.

Hawai‘i’s version of the law also requires patients and their physicians to go through numerous steps before an OCOCA prescription can be written. Physicians are required to talk with patients who request the prescription about alternatives or additional treatment opportunities, such as hospice care, pain management and palliative care.

Executive Director for Kōkua Mau, Jeannette Koijane, says, “Like the Hawaii Department of Health, we recommend that anyone who has a diagnosis of six months or less to live enroll in hospice and work with the trained hospice team that will address physical, emotional and spiritual suffering.” Kōkua Mau is a network of organizations and individuals that work to improve care especially for those with serious illness and at the end of life.

Under Hawai‘i law, patients cannot be denied health insurance, life insurance, or annuities because they are participating in OCOCA. Taking the drug will not be viewed as suicide, assisted suicide, homicide, mercy killing, or other criminal conduct under the law. Insurance plans are not required to cover the OCOCA prescription. Contact your health plan for details. Medicare will not cover the drugs.

Patients who go through the steps to obtain the OCOCA prescription can ultimately decide not to take the drug. Koijane adds, “We encourage people to talk with their doctor about the law as it is a personal matter between a doctor and patient.”

Learn more about the OCOCA law. Go to the Hawaii State Department of Health website at http://health.hawaii.gov/opppd/patients-family-and-care-support/.

In January 1, 2019, Hawai‘i became just the seventh state in the US to permit medical aid in dying. The Our Care, Our Choice (OCOCA) law allows terminally ill adult patients with capacity to make medical decisions to be prescribed an aid-in-dying medication if all the requirements are met.
Memories Don’t Fade

Hidenobu Hiyane

Born in October 1918 in Kapa‘a, Hidenobu Hiyane remembers growing up on Kaua‘i and graduating from McKinley High School in 1937. He served with the 100th Battalion as a radio operator, and was very lucky while serving in Europe and France: An officer using the radio was shot in the head and killed while standing next to him, and a mortar shell that fell next to him didn’t explode.

Hidenobu remembers going to Chicago on the GI Bill to learn more about the radio at a technical school. While there, he met and married a Waipahu woman, both returning home to be with her dying mother. Two daughters were born in Hawai‘i, and he has three grandsons living in California. Hidenobu worked for the Army as an Electronic Maintenance/Radio Operator for 30 years and repaired donated electrical items at the Salvation Army for 12.

Besides being very lucky, he does not take any medication nor wear glasses. He said that for many years he has cut and blended aloe leaves with water and drinks it every day. He also eats leaves from a moringa tree in a variety of dishes.

To keep his mind sharp, Hidenobu does Word Search puzzles and listens on his ham radio, deciphering Morse code from all over the world. His memory amazes me, as he said he left the Army on April 13, 1945, the day after Franklin D. Roosevelt died.

Born in October 1918 in Kapa‘a, Hidenobu Hiyane remembers growing up on Kaua‘i and graduating from McKinley High School in 1937. He served with the 100th Battalion as a radio operator, and was very lucky while serving in Europe and France: An officer using the radio was shot in the head and killed while standing…
100 Years on Kuakini Street

In September 2018, Kuakini Medical Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its move from Liliha Street to its present location on Kuakini. Established in 1900, the medical facility has seen many changes during its 118 years of existence.

The Japanese Benevolent Society opened The Japanese Charity Hospital in Kapalama in July 1900. It was a two-story wooden building with 38 beds, where free medical care was provided to Japanese immigrant sugar workers. In 1902, the hospital moved to a larger site on Liliha Street and soon began providing care for more than just the destitute and sick.

On September 27, 1918, the hospital moved 37 patients by car and ambulance to a 16-building campus on Kuakini Street (pictured). At that time, with 120 beds and a staff of 15 physicians, it was the second-largest hospital in Hawai‘i.

That hospital is now known as Kuakini Medical Center — a licensed and accredited medical/surgical facility with services such as ambulatory care, emergency services, oncology and cardiovascular services, an orthopedic and spine center, sleep center, and renowned biomedical research programs.

With a history of 118 years of caring, Kuakini is committed to maintaining the legacy of its founders by providing safe and high-quality care to the people of Hawai‘i and improving the health status of the community.

KUAKINI HEALTH SYSTEM
347 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu HI 96817
808-536-2236 | www.kuakini.org

In September 2018, Kuakini Medical Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its move from Liliha Street to its present location on Kuakini. Established in 1900, the medical facility has seen many changes during its 118 years of existence. The Japanese Benevolent Society opened The Japanese Charity Hospital in Kapalama in July 1900. It was a…
Honolulu Commits to Being ‘Age-Friendly’

(L–R): Pam Witty-Oakland, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Christy Nishita, Frank Streed (back row), Barbara Kim Stanton, Dave Underriner (back row), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Councilmember Kymberly Pine, Momi Cazimero, Tom Dinell

Health Services

The Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative has a vision to create a livable city that is inclusive to persons of all ages and abilities. For our kūpuna, the initiative strives to maximize opportunities for active aging, independence and community engagement. Since 2014, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative, supported by Mayor Caldwell and AARP Hawaii, has involved hundreds of individuals from the public and private sector in the planning and implementation process.

Pedestrian Safety

On October 11, 2018, the Age-Friendly Honolulu
Initiative celebrated a milestone event, Mayor Caldwell’s signing of Bill 54 (2018), Relating to Age-Friendly Honolulu. The passage of this ordinance signifies a commitment by the City and County of Honolulu to be “age-friendly.” The celebration event also recognized all those involved over the past several years and highlighted successes thus far including the development of a Pedestrian Crossing Survey App, the work of Dementia Friends Hawaii, and the launch of the Kind2Kūpuna Business Program.

Transit Accessibility

Social Involvement

In the months ahead, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative will proceed with implementation of the ordinance. The ordinance requires “all city departments to encourage and incorporate age-friendly city features in the planning, budgeting, design, construction, implementation, operation, and evaluation of city programs, services, facilities, and projects.” In addition, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative will also establish an advisory board, train city department staff on age-friendly principles, and evaluate

AGE-FRIENDLY HONOLULU
cnishita@hawaii.edu
www.agefriendlyhonolulu.com

The Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative has a vision to create a livable city that is inclusive to persons of all ages and abilities. For our kūpuna, the initiative strives to maximize opportunities for active aging, independence and community engagement. Since 2014, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative, supported by Mayor Caldwell and AARP Hawaii, has involved hundreds of…
A Very Active Centenarian

Edward Jurkens, 100 yrs. old

Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so I can drive him somewhere?”

Edward was born and raised in Illinois, met his wife, Frances, in the second grade, married in 1944, had three daughters, and he’s very proud of his three grandsons, three granddaughters, nine great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Edward’s memory is so good we chatted about everything, from his college days at Knox College — where he got free tuition as a hurdle and high jump athlete and received his pilot’s license before signing up with the Air Force — to retiring from Hawai‘i’s CINCPAC in July 1968. Since retirement, he has had some fun and not-so-fun jobs, but found his love was in volunteering: for AARP giving driving lessons to seniors for 22 years, 13 years for the Service Core of Retired Executives, and looking after the “petting zoo” at Waikīkī Aquarium. Now, on Mondays, he volunteers at the Pacific Aviation Museum.

He credits his post-retirement longevity to all the walking he did when golfing up through his 90s, walking around Ala Moana and now on the grassy area of his condominium, eating salads, reading a lot, doing Sudoku, and exercising his arms with dumbbells as he watches TV.

For lunch, he walked to and from the restaurant near his condominium, while I scurried to keep up!

Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so…
New Support for UH-Mānoa Athletes

L-R: Bill Boyd, Executive Chairman of Boyd Gaming; David Lassner, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa President and Interim Chancellor; David Matlin, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Athletics Director

If you attend any sports events involving the University of Hawai‘i’s Rainbow Warriors or Wahine, it soon becomes obvious that local kūpuna are among their most avid supporters. From attending home games, to donating to booster clubs, to picking thousands of flowers to make lei for the Women’s Volleyball Team (as seen in S1 Ep5 of GTV), Hawai‘i’s seniors are with the athletes every step of the way.

Another long-time supporter of UH-Mānoa’s athletes is a name many of our readers are very familiar with — the California Hotel in Las Vegas. On July 25, the Cal announced a $450,000 pledge to the Athletics Department for the volleyball court naming rights of the Stan Sheriff Center. A subsequent ceremony was planned for the hometown crowd at a match at the Center itself.

The pledge will be phased over several years, supporting university student athlete success initiatives by providing assistance to student-athletes in the areas of nutrition, cost of tuition, summer school and other preparatory athletic efforts.

That’s definitely something to cheer about!

If you attend any sports events involving the University of Hawai‘i’s Rainbow Warriors or Wahine, it soon becomes obvious that local kūpuna are among their most avid supporters. From attending home games, to donating to booster clubs, to picking thousands of flowers to make lei for the Women’s Volleyball Team, Hawai‘i’s seniors are with the…