The April-May 2020 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life, features an in-depth look at Kawaiahaʻo Church, as well as tips on avoid Coronavirus and much more.
So was the faith of one Hawaiian youth who fled tragedy in 1810 and wound up in Connecticut, where he found consolation and forgiveness in the God of Jacob. His name was Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia. The seed of his faith brought Christianity to Hawai‘i in 1820.
In his epic historical novel Hawai‘i, James A. Michener created fallible heroes and villains who have lived in our memories for over 60 years now. But when the missionaries are interpreted in the norms of their times, the tenets of their beliefs, we see their abiding faith to bring the gospel of peace to Henry Ōpūkaha‘ia’s people. The fruits of their labor persist, and in 2020, we celebrate 200 years of teaching God’s word and singing sacred hymns that inspire faith, hope and love.
Today, Kawaiaha‘o Church is pastored by Rev. Kenneth Makuakāne, who says, “God has worked in so many hearts and lives over the past 200 years and we are so proud that Kawaiaha‘o Church has been instrumental to the growth of the Christian faith here in Hawai‘i. The bicentennial is a good opportunity to reflect and better understand the relationships between the ali‘i, maka‘āina and missionaries.”
Carrying a Seed of Faith to Kawaiaha‘o
To understand what has been accomplished here, we go back to Kawaiaha‘o in King Kamehameha’s kingdom. It was an ‘ili land section of the Mānoa ahupua‘a and the name of a watering hole and spring on the dry plain above Waikīkī. Legend says a chieftess named Ha‘o liked to bathe here. In April of
1820, when young newlyweds Hiram and Sybil Bingham arrived in Honolulu with the first company of missionaries from the American Board of Commission for Foreign Missions (ABCFM) on the brig Thaddeus, the ali‘i allowed them to stay and build a hale at Kawaiaha‘o spring.
They endured a five-month voyage that left Boston in October 1819, sailing down the Atlantic coast of the Americas to Cape Horn and then northwesterly across the open Pacific to the Sandwich Islands. Seven missionary couples included four ministers, a farmer, a doctor and a printer. Their four young Hawaiian companions were returning home from New England, where they ended up after working on trading ships: William Kanui, Thomas Hopu, John Honoli‘i and George Kaumuali‘i, a son of the King of Kaua‘i. Missing was Heneri (Henry) ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, who died of typhus fever in 1818 at age 26, without seeing his beloved homeland again.
When Henry was 10, a raiding chief killed his parents. The chief threw a spear at Henry, who was fleeing with his 3-month-old brother on his back. The spear killed the baby and spared Henry. He was taken in by the man who killed his parents, but ran away to his uncle, the kahuna at Hiki‘au heiau in Kailua. There he began training to care take the temple, but his grief led to despair. Soon, he talked a ship’s captain into taking him away from Hawai‘i. The boy, who carried the name “gutted belly,” left for the sea at the age of 16 and ultimately landed New Haven, Conn., living in the home of the cousin of the head of the Yale Christian seminary.
Hea Iesū Ia Kākou La (Jesus Calls O’er the Tumult)
Until about 1816, Christians believed that underdeveloped peoples without written language were not able to receive the “Word of God” because they could not read the scriptures themselves. A tenet of “freedom of Christ” championed by Martin Luther during the Reformation was that God speaks directly to the individual through the Bible, prayer, circumstance and conscience. But Henry, and a few other Hawaiians and Native Americans, were learning to speak English! Henry’s academic aptitude became the flash point for the founding of the first Foreign Mission School in 1816.
His culture’s oral tradition taught Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia to listen carefully and memorize large amounts of data. This avid learner read scripture and chose Jesus Christ as his savior. The seed of his faith grew and he passionately lobbied that the gospel should be preached to his people in Hawai‘i. After his untimely death, his memoir was published by Edwing Dwight and sold to support the Hawaiian mission.
Passengers on the Thaddeus expected to find the Hawai‘i Henry left: raiding warriors killing children and adults, chaos and depravity, human sacrifice to the gods. They came to face hell — to share the good news of peace with God at the expense of their very lives.
Instead, in March 1820, as they sailed along West Hawai‘i toward Kawaihae, High Chief Kalanimoku and his wives approached in their double-hull canoes. But it was not a raid; it was their custom to greet all arriving ships to determine where they hailed from and what their intention might be. As the welcoming party paddled off, surprised and thankful Revs. Bingham and Thurston climbed up the rigging and joyfully serenaded them with a hymn.
After uniting the islands, Kamehameha the Great reigned in peace, outlawed ambushing and murder of travelers, and refused human sacrifices when he was sick and dying. He passed away in May 1819. The kapu system was customarily suspended to mourn his passing. When the new king, Liholiho, Dowager Queen Keopuolani, Queen Regent Ka‘ahumanu and High Kahuna Hewahewa chose not to reinstate it, the old kapu religion of Pā‘ao and the Tahitians was gone. Before the Thaddeus arrived, the harsh kapu rules were lifted, large carved ki‘i of the old gods burned and heiau closed. Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia would have been gratefully surprised to see Hawai‘i at peace.
Reverend Asa & Lucy Thurston
The missionaries sought out King Liholiho for permission to live in Hawai‘i. After some days of consideration, the chiefs allowed Rev. Asa and Lucy Thurston to reside in a home in Kona. A few days later, Rev. Hiram and Sybil Bingham sailed on to O‘ahu, where they were permitted to build a thatched hale by a spring hole named Kawaiaha‘o. At the first Sunday worship services in their home, curious Hawaiians enjoyed curious foreign music and singing. Soon, Bingham was preaching God’s word three times a week in Hawaiian and once a week in English. Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia’s Christian brothers and sisters were fulfilling his one dying wish.
Reverend Hiram & Sybil Bingham
When Kawaiaha‘o was growing and Ka‘ahumanu’s laws were enacted, Lāhainā was still the royal seat of government. The high chiefs all had residences in Honolulu, which had a protected port that Kamehameha I had developed for sandalwood trade with Canton and Macao. A small fort and canon protected the pier, storehouses and royal residences near the dock. Some whaling captains brought their ships and crews in for provisioning, but most preferred anchorage in Lāhainā Roads, where alcohol was prohibited.
An 1810 map shows footpaths along the Waikīkī plain connecting high chiefs with their lower chiefs and advisors. Behind the beach and dry plain, cooler farmlands reached up to the lush valleys of Mānoa and Nu‘uanu, where the nourishing waters of Kāne, the god of life and fresh water, flowed.
Pā Nahe Maila Kō Iesu Kāhea (Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling)
Each of the missionaries had responded to the personal call of God. The curious young newlyweds, 5,000 miles and three climate zones away from home, prayed that God would speak directly to the hearts of Native Hawaiians. To this end, they worked diligently to convey the holy scriptures in Hawaiian. Christians can demonstrate the love of God by their pious lives, but knowledge of the living and invisible God comes from reading what God says about Himself in the holy scriptures.
First, they captured all the sounds of spoken Hawaiian in an alphabet that could be used to phonetically write Hawaiian words. Soon, classes were offered to teach Hawaiians to write their own words on chalkboards. Writing letters became all the rage in 1825. By 1837, The Hawaiian Kingdom was the most literate nation on Earth. Literacy estimates were 90 percent — higher than Scotland’s at that time. Missionary printing presses furiously stamped out spelling books, hymnals, dictionaries and newspapers. The Hawaiian’s thirst for learning was unquenchable.
The next giant task was to translate the Bible, so Hawaiians could read and interpret the scriptures themselves. The Hebrew, Latin and Greek training that the missionaries received in seminary helped, and the ali‘i designated Native Hawaiian poets and scholars to assist in the translation process. The New Testament was translated by 1832; the Old Testament by 1839. The translators were surprised to find similarities between Hebrew and Hawaiian languages, which made translating the Old Testament easier than the new.
With reading and hearing the soft and tender call of the Lord, some high ali‘i accepted Christ, beginning with Queen Keopuolani in 1823, Queen Regent Ka‘ahumanu in 1824 and many more in the later 1920s. But the “Great Awakening,” a massive move of the Holy Spirit, didn’t start until 1837. Most of the smaller congregational churches were built between 1840 and 1860.
Portraits of Hawaiian royalty are honored and respectfully displayed in Kawaiaha‘o Church. (L–R) Prince Jonas Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, Princess Ka‘iulani, Queen Lili‘uokalani, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop,Princess Elizabeth Keka‘aniau and Queen Ka‘ahumanu.
Iesū Ke Kumu o Kōna Ekalesia (The Church’s One Foundation)
As an increasing number Native Hawaiians attended services, large thatch meeting houses were constructed at Kawaiaha‘o. The faithful walked miles to Sunday Sabbath meetings that lasted several hours and involved sharing hymns, lessons and meals.
Most of the missionaries kept detailed journals of their experiences. Titus Coan penned one of the earliest descriptions of a volcanic eruption and a flow that nearly reached Hilo. Hiram Bingham described services at Kawaiaha‘o Church, the translation work and the royal school for ali‘i children. Lucy Thurston wrote about her life in Kailua. When she found a lump in her breast, a physician operated to remove it as she lay on her kitchen table, comforted by God, whiskey and something hard to bite on. Her extreme faith and courage saved her life.
In 1827, Rev. Bingham reported to the ABCFM about a lovely garden tea party Mrs. William Richards from Waine‘e mission and her sister, Sybil Bingham, prepared for the ali‘i on the lawn at Kawaiaha‘o. King Liholiho and Ka‘ahumanu, with all the first- and second-rank high chiefs and several others connected to them through marriage, were on the guest list.
Rev. Bingham’ report read: “Twenty-one chiefs of the Sandwich Islands mingling in friendly, courteous and Christian conversation with seven of the mission family whom you have employed among them. Contemplate their former and their present hopes. They have laid aside their vices and excesses, their love of noise and war… the privileges they now enjoy, but you will hear these old warriors lamenting that their former kings, their fathers and their companions in arms had been slain in battle or carried off by the hand of time before the blessed Gospel of Christ had been proclaimed on these benighted shores.”
To celebrate the bicentennial, Kawaiaha‘o Church is holding another tea party on the church lawn — complete with cookies and cakes, fragrant tea and entertainment by the Puamana trio.
Hoe Amau! (Pull For Shore)
Sunday services at Kawaiaha‘o attracted thousands of people, a third of whom sang from their own copy of the hymn book, bound in hand-woven or cloth covers. Rev. Bingham admired their pleasing attention to scripture reading and preaching, “while angels wait to witness the effect of the word of God on their hearts.” His work to make the word of God available to Hawaiians was hard but very rewarding.
As the congregation grew, so did the church. The 1821 Kawaiaha‘o meeting hall was a thatched hale with glass windows, wooden doors and a pulpit, but the congregation sat on mats on the ground, as was the Hawaiian custom. Larger meeting halls were subsequently built to accommodate a Sabbath Day service for 3,000 or 4,000 attendees, and numerous reading and writing classes.
In 1838, Rev. Bingham planned and oversaw the beginning of construction for the novel “Stone Church,” as it came to be called, with a design based on the Goshen Congregational Church in Goshen, Conn., where he and Asa Thurston were ordained. The difference was that it was not built from any type of stone, brick or wood, but 14,000 slabs of inshore coral. Divers cut out each 1,000-pound slab with knives and teams of men hauled them onto canoes for transport to Kawaiaha‘o. It took great energy and over five years to build. King Kamehameha III commissioned the building with the support of Regent Kina‘u, Gov. Kekuanao‘a and other ali‘i. In 1839, the cornerstone was laid — rock from the Waianae estate of High Chief Abner Pākī.
Rev. Bingham never saw the church completed. The ABCFM reassigned him to New England in 1840 because the board thought that he had become too involved with political aspects of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The success of the mission and the rising costs of supporting over 200 missionaries in the Pacific led the board to limit support. Pastors were taking side jobs to support their families. By 1863, support ended and missionaries had to either find full employment in Hawai‘i or return to America. Many chose to stay.
Ka Haku Nō Ku‘u Pu‘uhonua (A Shelter in the Time of Storm)
Christian churches have always been places of refuge since the apostles formed the first seven churches. Pre-contact Hawaiians set aside certain lands as sanctuaries for the oppressed and understood this concept very well. During the reign of Kauikeaouli Kamehameha III, Kawaiaha‘o became a place where kings and commoners gathered in the shelter of their God and fellowship of other Christians. This tradition continues today.
“‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i was the language of Kawaiaha‘o and it is still a significant part of worship. We have scripture readings in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, manaleao and fluent speaker communities in both languages, sermonettes in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, and two Sundays a month, “Ka Halawai” all-Hawaiian services,” says member Malia Ka‘ai-Barrett.
In 1843, when Kauikeaouli moved the royal seat of government to Honolulu. Kawaiaha‘o Church became the site of many milestone events of the Hawaiian Kingdom constitutional monarchy. In February 1843, when Lord Paulet and his men took control of the Hawaiian Islands for Britain under threat of force, Finance Secretary Dr. Geritt Judd secretly scribed the king’s letter of protest to Queen Victoria. Hiding in Queen Ka‘ahumanu’s crypt in the graveyard and writing by the light of a single candle, he asked Britain to return sovereignty to the Kingdom of Hawai‘i.
Seven months later, when sovereignty was restored by Admiral Thomas, it was from the steps of Kawaiaha‘o Church that King Kauikeaouli addressed the nation and spoke these famous words: “Ua ma au ke ‘ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono! The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness!” In 1959, his words became our state motto.
Other beloved ali‘i nui of Hawai‘i were members of Kawaiaha‘o: Charles Lunalilo, David Kalākaua and Lydia Lili‘u Loioku Walania (Queen Lili‘uokalani) were all inaugurated as monarch at Kawaiaha‘o.
In the 20th century, King Kalākaua initiated the preservation of traditional culture. He is most remembered as “The Merry Monarch” for his love of hula, chant and music. But he also created a knowledge base of genealogies, mele, kaona and nā mea hūnā in the Hale Nāua. Over 25 Hawaiian language nū pepa (newspapers) memorialized Hawaiian syntax and grammar, so we can read the original language today.
Throughout the years of overthrow, annexation and statehood, Kawaiaha‘o was a “city of refuge,” where Hawaiians could meet, socialize freely, and pray in sing in their native tongue. In her darkest hours of house arrest, Queen Lili‘uokalani practiced the Christian faith and wrote in The Queens Prayer hymn, “Do not regard the treachery of men, but forgive and cleanse.” She encouraged her people not to revolt and risk bloodshed, but to rise to the power of aloha.
There is little doubt that the missionaries’ Hawaiian pīāpā alphabet, schools for reading and writing, and printing presses helped preserve not only the language — but a body of literature and knowledge.
Mele Au Ka Lono Lani (I will Sing the Wondrous Story)
Music with scriptural lyrics is an important way the Kawaiahaʻo Church shared God’s word. Missionaries and their church members translated their hymns into Hawaiian; members taught the songs to their children. God spoke through the uplifting words and it was said that choirs were good in all the Hawaiian churches, but “congregational singing at Kawaiaha‘o thrilled the heart.”
Over two centuries, several famous Kawaiaha‘o musicians and singers found renown. Victoria Kamāmalu Ka‘ahumanu IV played the melodeon and led the choir. Later, Queen Lili‘uokalani, who composed The Queen’s Prayer and Aloha ‘Oe, played the organ and led the choir. The first leader of the Royal Hawaiian Band, Heinrich “Henri” Berger, who composed Hawai‘i Pono‘i, led the Kawaiaha‘o choir and delighted in the Hawaiian talent for singing. He said, “The Hawaiian had the one thing he needed, his voice… and the Hawaiians combined the old chant with the new hymn.”
Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the founder of Kamehameha Schools, sang in the Kawaiaha‘o choir like her mother before her, Laura Konia Pākī. Her beloved “song contest” concept comes from the church “Aha Hīmeni.” On each island, every church choir would prepare a hymn to perform for the others. The competition was hot, but most delightful was the fellowship and pā‘ina luncheon with all the vocalists and musicians.
Today, sacred music still brings stirs faith in the hearts of people attending services at Kawaiaha‘o. Principal Director of Music Nola A. Nahulu oversees programs for a large choir, a bell choir directed by Phyllis Haines and Hula Hālau o Kawaiaha‘o, directed by Kumu Hula Ardis Gomes. The church also supports the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus (HYOC) managed by Kawaiaha‘o member Malia Ka‘ai-Barrett.
Kahu Makua Kenneth Makuakāne, a recognized vocalist and guitarist, pastors this big church with the help of a devoted team of church lay leaders.
“God is alive and well here through our ministries at Kawaiaha‘o Church School, youth ministries, outreach to the homeless and more. We want Kawaiaha‘o Church to continue to stand as a pillar of faith in our community, a church without walls, and a place where everyone feels welcome to worship,” says Pastor Makuakāne.
For 200 years, the congregation has been faithfully singing songs to the triune God, Ka Makua Mau, Ke Keiki a me Ka Uhane Hemolele (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) They read the same word of God that inspired Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia. They preach and teach the same simple faith in God that brought the missionaries to his ancestors’ shores. It is the same faith that inspired Peter Galuteria to compose a new hymn for the 200th anniversary celebration — Ka Ekalesia O Kawaiaha‘o, which will be sung in all the United Churches of Christ throughout Hawai‘i during the month of April.
Lā Maika‘i! (O Happy Day!)
So was it the Americans who brought Christianity to Hawai‘i? Sort of. But were it not for the powerful encouragement and passionate faith of one young Hawaiian — and the amazing grace of God to grant his dying wishes, we would not be celebrating with Kawaiaha‘o this year. I believe that Henry is still praying for his people.
A few weeks ago, another 16-year-old reported his reflections about the story of Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia to the Kawaiaha‘o congregation. His name is Noah Rasor.
“When I found out that Henry was just 16 years old when he jumped on board a ship looking for a new life, I was amazed. I’m 16 and can’t imagine the amount of courage it must have taken to get on a large boat with people you never met before and ask for refuge. Not only that, he sailed to the Americas and China. Knowing that ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia was able to overcome adversity and change Hawai‘i forever, despite being so young, encourages and inspires me to go out in the world and to not be afraid of challenging situations , but instead to face those scenarios head-first.”
Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia is still encouraging and inspiring young Christians like he motivated the missionaries! This faith, which traces back over 2,000 years to the first disciples of Christ, still kindles kindness, joy and thankfulness at Kawaiaha‘o.
Please note: The Kawaiaha‘o Church community is suspending services and gatherings, and the Bicentennial Celebration during the pandemic. Visit www.kawaiahao.org for future schedules and advisories.
In his epic historical novel Hawai‘i, James A. Michener created fallible heroes and villains who have lived in our memories for over 60 years now. But when the missionaries are interpreted in the norms of their times, the tenets of their beliefs, we see their abiding faith to bring the gospel of peace to Henry…
How do you know that you are the target of a scam? Here are some red flags that you should be aware of:
♦ There is an air of urgency in the message. The scammer will claim that your reply and/or transaction must happen ASAP.
♦ They are adamant that you must send them your banking or identity details to get payment.
♦ They may instruct you to only use their escrow person for payment.
♦ They insist you must take a check and no other payment method will work.
♦ They offer to let you pay in gift cards.
♦ They want to send you a check for more than what is owed and have you remit the excess to someone else.
♦ They want you to send them money to enable them to send you even more money.
♦ You can’t find their company name, telephone number and/or email address on the internet.
♦ Their message contains very poor grammar and/or misspellings.
A very good rule of thumb is always be skeptical. Before returning calls or replying to emails, verify the telephone number, email address and/or URL to ensure they are legitimate. Go online and see if there are any complaints or reports that their telephone number has been linked to scams. Spending a few moments before responding may prevent some serious heartbreaks in the future.
My wife loves free things. When we go to any expo at the Hawaii Convention Center or the Blaisdell, she’ll be the one hoarding free pens and reusable bags. So, I should not have been surprised when she stopped at a table run by a hotel chain that was offering a free dinner, six hours of validated parking in Waikīkī and a two-night stay at a hotel. According to the salesman, all we had to do was review a hotel from pictures they would show us. The whole process would take only 120 minutes (not two hours?).
While my wife politely listened to this young man, I pulled out my smart phone and Googled the hotel chain, and its free dinner and hotel stay offer. Instantly, warning posts and You Tube videos popped up about the unscrupulous sales tactics and confusing contracts used by this company when selling timeshares. But as the salesman tried repeatedly to get my wife to sign up for this “hotel review,” he never even mentioned “timeshare” once.
When I asked him if this presentation involved any discussions about timeshares, he paused and said he didn’t actually do the presentation himself, so he couldn’t say for sure. When I asked if after the entire two-hour presentation we will get everything he promised, he corrected me: “It takes 120 minutes” — and there may actually be fees and taxes associated with the “free gifts.”
I walked away from the table with my wife in tow. I later showed her everything I found out about this scheme and how the fees and taxes they charge on the “free gifts” equal the full value of the items. I told her they say “120 minutes” because they don’t count the time they spend introducing themselves and bringing in other salesmen to work on you, and the time they take for breaks. (Some people claim they found themselves at the “120-minute presentation” for over six hours).
After this experience and phone calls I received at my office, I started paying more attention to how timeshares were being advertised. In the next few articles, I will explain exactly what a timeshare is, why there are so many commercials for them, and why there are so many companies advertising their ability to help people get out of timeshare contracts. I’ll also cover some common timeshare scams and what warning signs to look out for.
Please remember, there really is no such thing as a free lunch (or dinner and hotel stay).
If you suspect elder abuse, call these numbers:
– Police: 911
– Adult Protective Services: 808-832-5115
– Elder Abuse Unit: 808-768-7536
My wife loves free things. When we go to any expo at the Hawaii Convention Center or the Blaisdell, she’ll be the one hoarding free pens and reusable bags. So, I should not have been surprised when she stopped at a table run by a hotel chain that was offering a free dinner, six hours…
Siblingship is the state of being related or interrelated, or a state of affairs existing between one of two or more individuals having one common parent. The term describes the unique, dynamic relationship existing between siblings. Siblings begin their relationship at a very young age. They experience joys and setbacks together — laugh and cry together. And through fighting, they can learn conflict resolution together. No other relationship is like siblingship.
Sibling fights arise over property, so many parents aim to divide up their property fairly, in hopes that siblings will not fight. In my experience, this is not enough to avoid arguments.
The estate planning process, if done properly, can do much to minimize the risk of fighting when parents die. However, many plans do not speak clearly enough in this respect. Leaving a family home or a heirloom “equally to the children” does not go far enough to help avoid family squabbles. Deciding what to do with the family home during a time of grieving puts too much pressure on the sibling relationship.
Ultimately, the estate plan should mirror and reflect our lives and relationships. If your plan does not mirror and reflect your most important values, or does not speak clearly enough to ensure the preservation of the relationships am {Play}ong your children, I encourage you to review your plan with your estate planning attorney.
Siblingship is the state of being related or interrelated, or a state of affairs existing between one of two or more individuals having one common parent. The term describes the unique, dynamic relationship existing between siblings. Siblings begin their relationship at a very young age. They experience joys and setbacks together — laugh and cry…
In life, we always have options. And when it comes to covering the costs of long-term care, it is no different. In this article, I’ll share a few viable strategies you can use to help cover the future costs of care in our Aloha State. It is by no means all-encompassing and exhaustive, but meant to get you thinking on this critically important topic.
As a financial advisor, I believe more and more American’s understand the need for long-term care insurance (LTCi). And the first line of defense to ensuring quality long-term care is available when you need it is having a LTCi policy. But when it comes to providing long-term care, we are facing serious hurdles and dilemmas. First is the availability of LTCi. Twenty years ago, there were over 100 carriers providing LTCi. In 2020, there are less than 10 quality LTCi carriers. The fact that big players are withdrawing from the LTCi market is opening eyes and shaking things up. At my Honolulu practice, I also routinely see the difficulty of qualifying for LTCi coverage. Carriers have really tightened eligibility standards and constricted their underwriting requirements, especially for women.
Notwithstanding, individuals who want LTCi coverage certainly have options. And there are LTCi strategies your financial advisor can help you with, from spousal benefit sharing to eliminating “riders” such as inflation protection, which can help keep premiums within your budget. At the same time, one needs to remember the proverbial price of paradise truly is applicable to long-term care costs, as well. On the high end of the long-term (or extended-care) scale, the cost is steep. I have recently heard estimates as high as $1 million to simply enter a coveted long-term care facility on the east side of O‘ahu. Some may say that is exorbitant and overpriced, but it is reality. On the least expensive side, the lowest hourly rate for care is about $26 per hour.
When it comes to having LTCi options, the onus and responsibility for seeking out alternatives lies squarely on you. I encourage you to take the time to choose an advisor who is adept in this specialized area of planning. An expert well-versed in LTCi can help your family in more ways than one. When I conduct educational seminars on LTCi, my professional advice to participants is to get price quotes from several insurers.
In life, we always have options. And when it comes to covering the costs of long-term care, it is no different. In this article, I’ll share a few viable strategies you can use to help cover the future costs of care in our Aloha State. It is by no means all-encompassing and exhaustive, but meant…
Estate planning is the process of protecting that which is important and then passing those important things on to our loved ones and future generations. Many concepts that are central to Hawaiian culture are particularly applicable to estate planning. Starting with the concept of ‘ohana (a very inclusive notion of family), all the way through lokahi (a sense of unity — especially appropriate at the passing of a loved one), estate planning and the culture of our islands interweave to form a rich tapestry of aloha.
The term ha‘aha‘a describes an attitude of humility, which promotes family harmony during stressful times. Stress may arise in dealing with with illness and death, and the distribution of the assets of the deceased. Humility allows family members to form closer bonds at these times.
Sometimes, dealing with issues surrounding the disposition of a loved one’s remains, much less the disposition of assets, requires family members to talk out differences and come to a consensus regarding what is right, or pono, as well as respect the wishes of the deceased and the living. It is common for different family members to have different views regarding the wishes of the deceased person, which may result in disagreements that can be both heated and destructive.
However, all of the disputing parties may be right on some level. The deceased may have had many conversations with different members of the ‘ohana over the years. One family member might remember instructions given on one date that conflict with those given to another family member on another date. But a consensus may be reached if both family members can come together through the process of ho‘oponono, or making things right through talking out differences.
Ho‘oponopono is a delicate process, and a successful conclusion may depend on the leadership of an experienced individual who can help family members clearly express their views and then validate those views so that all involved can both understand and respect the feelings and positions being communicated. Ho‘oponopono may be used while the senior family member is still alive to head off disputes and instill unity in the family.
Mālama, or caring for and perpetuating one’s legacy, infuses and motivates Hawaiian-style estate planning. It extends from caring for family to caring for community through charitable giving. Remembering our root values helps to ensure that we are leaving a legacy of aloha.
Estate planning is the process of protecting that which is important and then passing those important things on to our loved ones and future generations. Many concepts that are central to Hawaiian culture are particularly applicable to estate planning. Starting with the concept of ‘ohana (a very inclusive notion of family), all the way through…
When it comes to personal finance, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. That’s why money misconceptions can be so d dangerous. Here are four common money myths you may have heard — and perhaps even believe — that need to be put to rest once and for all.
Myth #1: All Debt is Bad
Reality: Few people could afford to buy a home if they didn’t have a mortgage. You might not have gone to college without taking out a student loan. Instead of avoiding all debt, make sure you have a plan to pay it off by addressing high-interest loans first.
Myth #2: Avoid All Credit Cards
Reality: Credit cards offer flexibility that cash and debit cards can’t. Most credit card companies offer zero liability for fraudulent transactions, while most debit cards have little protections if you find the fraud after a certain date.
Plus, you can earn extras through your credit card rewards, such as airline miles for your retirement travel plans. Instead of nixing credit cards, plan to pay back the balance in full each month, avoiding the high interest charges.
Myth #3: You Can Time the Market
Reality: There are many factors that influence day-to-day stock moves — the unpredictable news cycle, the economy, business decisions, rates and regulation — just to name a few. This why timing the market is so challenging, even for professional traders. While someone might get it right once, in order to end up ahead, studies have found one would need to guess correctly more than 65 percent of the time.¹
While only a handful of professional investors manage peak stock performance each year, the average investor’s chances are nearly microscopic. Meanwhile, you lose out on gains if your money sits on the sidelines while you seek the perfect moment to play. Stock markets are notoriously unpredictable in the short term and they should not drive investment strategy for most investors.
Myth #4: Pay Off Your Debt Before Saving for Retirement
Reality: If the interest on a loan is 3.5 percent, but the expected return in the market is 5 percent, then consider adding funds to your retirement account, since you’re making more than the loan costs. You could lose out on opportunities, like the benefits of compound interest, if you’re only focused on debt repayment.
Myth #5: You Do Not Need a Financial Advisor
Reality: Many believe that a financial advisor’s only job is to beat the market. And you’re doing just fine.
To believe that would be to miss the main point of why it’s helpful to have a professional in your money corner. At its core, a financial advisor’s job is to keep you on track toward your financial goals. Whether it’s retirement planning, saving for college or meeting other goals, an advisor can help you determine how to approach some of life’s biggest financial decisions. With a trusted advisor, you can feel more confident regarding your financial future.
MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 35 years. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.
¹Morningstar Investment Workbook: “Waiting or Market Timing”
When it comes to personal finance, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. That’s why money misconceptions can be so d dangerous. Here are four common money myths you may have heard — and perhaps even believe — that need to be put to rest once and for all…
Participants and camp staff of the 2020 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp.
On Feb. 14, Hawai‘i District 5000 Rotary Clubs sponsored 42 island high school student (ages 14 to 17) for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp (RYLA) at Salvation Army’s Camp Homelani in Waialua.
RYLA activities encourage leadership, citizenship and personal growth. Evidence-based, fun-filled experiences promote community service above self and develop youth empowerment for students who demonstrate potential leadership skills.
RYLA is a rewarding, foundational weekend experience. This year’s camper comments tell the story: “I learned how to be a better person, while making friends. I had a lot of fun. I hope I’m selected to attend camp RYLA again next year.”
Participants go through orientation and lectures.
Parents remarks support the outcomes: “After graduating from Camp RYLA, our daughter gained self-confidence and a focus with positive skills that I think we parents should also learn — being proactive and being willing to face life’s challenges challenges with a can-do attitude.”
“Thank you, RYLA!”
Schools, parents and youth organizations are encouraged to identify and sponsor students for RYLA’s next weekend event, which will be held next spring. Registration will begin in July.
ROTARY DISTRICT 5000
P.O. Box 3325, Honolulu, HI 96801 808-536-8778 | www.rotaryd5000.org For details, to nominate a youth or donate to the program, contact Rick Tabor: 808-285-5936, rtabor12@twc.com. Neighbor Island residents, contact your local Rotary Club.
On Feb. 14, Hawai‘i District 5000 Rotary Clubs sponsored 42 island high school students for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp at Salvation Army’s Camp Homelani in Waialua. Activities encourage leadership, citizenship and personal growth. Evidence-based, fun-filled experiences promote community service above self and develop youth empowerment for students who demonstrate potential leadership skills.
Now that your Hawai‘i driver’s license does not have your Social Security number on it, you may need to get an original or replacement card to use as a separate piece of identification. Getting or replacing your Social Security card is a free service.
You can use a my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card online if you:
• Are a U.S. citizen age 18 years or older with a U.S. mailing address;
• Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card; and
• Have a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card from one of the many participating states.
If you cannot apply for a card online, you will need to present required documents at your local Social Security office. Documents vary based on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting.
Visit www.ssa.gov and click on Learn What Documents You Need. Also fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card; then, deliver or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office.
For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 800-772-1213 (toll free) | www.socialsecurity.gov
Now that your Hawai‘i driver’s license does not have your Social Security number on it, you may need to get an original or replacement card to use as a separate piece of identification. Getting or replacing your Social Security card is a free service. You can use a my Social Security account to request a…
The State Office of Veterans’ Services’ (OVS) motto is “proud to serve those who served their country.” We accomplish our mission by reaching out to eligible veterans and helping them file service-connected disability claims for benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through military service. We have offices on Kaua‘i, Maui, Kona, Hilo, Tripler Army Medical Center and Diamond Head. We travel to Moloka‘i monthly and Lāna‘i quarterly. OVS-accredited counselors work very hard to assist all veterans who are separating or retiring from active service.
We help prepare appeal documents, if needed; we review prospects for progression upgrades and assist with end-of-life issues. We also partner with the respective counties to operate seven state veterans cemeteries on Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Hawai‘i island. The Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery on O‘ahu is fully operated by the state.
OVS also provides support and assistance for week-long events like the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, the WWI Centennial Program, the 2019 State Veterans Summit and the upcoming 75th Commemoration of the End of World War II, set for Aug. 29 through Sept. 3. In addition to federal Veterans Affairs entitlements and benefits, the State of Hawai‘i has benefits for eligible veterans: specialty veterans’ license plates, real property tax exemption, state registration fee exemption for 100-percent disabled veterans and special adaptive housing for disabled veterans. Contact your local island office staff and counselor corps to see if you qualify.
We understand that you have a unique deployment history and set of injuries or ailments. We respect you and the loved ones who accompany you to appointments. We seek to do more for our veterans and their families. But the first step is on you… open the door and allow OVS and other veteran partners to help. With so many federal, state, county veterans’ organizations and private groups supporting our warriors, there are many ways to help. Call our Central Line at Tripler OVS at 808-433-0420 for more information and begin the process.
The State Office of Veterans’ Services’ (OVS) motto is “proud to serve those who served their country.” We accomplish our mission by reaching out to eligible veterans and helping them file service-connected disability claims for benefits and entitlements they’ve earned through military service. We have offices on Kaua‘i, Maui, Kona, Hilo, Tripler Army Medical Center…
As a dementia educator, I am often asked why people living with dementia (PLWD) ask the same question over and over again. My reply is, “Because their brain is failing.”
Every day, PLWDs are going through chemical and physical brain changes. Due to brain failure causing multiple problems with short-term memory, a PLWD can get themselves caught in a loop of asking the same questions.
Here are some suggestions for the next time you recognize the start of another loop of questions.
■ Listen to the important details as they speak. As dementia progresses, language will become increasingly vague. Therefore, objects or activities will be difficult for a PLWD to accurately describe. Instead of asking for the artificial sweetener Splenda, the PLWD might describe it as “the yellow stuff to put inside.” Take note of their descriptions and work like a detective to decipher the message using context clues in the environment.
■ Validate their emotions. Oftentimes, PLWDs create fictional stories that make complete sense to them. As a care partner, we choose to overlook their confabulated stories and attempt to reorient them back to the “truth” in our reality. The key here is to remain patient and just listen to their story. The PLWD is expressing his or her anxiety, which translates into made-up stories. You don’t have to agree with them, but offering validation, such as “wow, that must be hard,” can help the PLWD feel that they are respected and heard.
■ Redirect their attention toward an engaging task. Identify a highly preferred item or activity that you can provide in that moment. After validating the PLWD’s emotions, you can redirect the conversation toward the previously identified preferred item or activity. The reason we want to redirect their attention is so that their focus and attention will shift onto something productive or engaging. If we only validate their emotions without redirecting, then the PLWD is more likely to start the same behaviors again.
■ Check in on them as needed. Let’s admit it; we all have good and bad days. One day a task might be easy for the PLWD and the next day it could be the most frustrating thing ever created! Checking in on your person every five minutes or so is a good way to ensure that they are still engaged in the task. If the task is too difficult, then consider switching to an easier task before their agitation escalates to an unmanageable state.
HAWAII MEMORY FRIENDS LLC
Caregiver Education & Consultation
Mapuana Taamu, Certified PAC Trainer 808-469-5330 | mfriends808@gmail.com Learn more about dementia at our upcoming 2020 workshops. Contact Hawaii Memory Friends LLC for details.
As a dementia educator, I am often asked why people living with dementia (PLWD) ask the same question over and over again. My reply is, “Because their brain is failing.” Every day, PLWDs are going through chemical and physical brain changes. Due to brain failure causing multiple problems with short-term memory, a PLWD can get…
