Older Americans Month 2016 Honorees (L–R, front row) Shirley Simbre-Medeiros & Edward Kawamura (Kaua‘i), Gail Yuen & Jimmy Lee (O‘ahu), Kathleen Phillips & John Tryggestad (Maui), Claire Inman & Roy Haslip (Hawai‘i County), (back row) Kealoha Takahashi (AAA, Kaua‘i), Nalani Aki (EAD, O‘ahu), Kimo Alameda (AAA, Hawai‘i County), Gov. David Ige, Debra Stone-Walls (AAA, Maui), Caroline Cadirao (EOA), Joy Miyasaki (PABEA chair), Rep. Gregg Takayama (emcee).
On June 3, the State of Hawai’i honored eight citizens over 60 years of age who are making a difference in their communities. The governor and state officials honored the awardees at a luncheon at Kahala Nui Living Center. Every year, as a part of celebrating Older Americans Month, the state recognizes the contributions of two community volunteers (over age 60) from each major island: O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, Maui and Kaua‘i. Each Area Agency on Aging (AAA) receives dozens of nominees from community groups, senior centers and churches. State offices and agencies, led by the Executive Office on Aging, host the award luncheon, which is organized by the governor’s Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs, (PABEA).
(L–R) Nalani Aki, director, Elderly Affairs Division, Honolulu; Rev. John Tomoso, PABEA, Maui; Adele Rugg, PABEA, Maui; and Leonard Fabro, EAD, Honolulu.Ernest Harada entertains on stage, accompanied by Lorna Kaeck and keyboardist Don Conover.
Older Americans Month Awardees by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
As family caregivers lovingly cater to their ill or dying elders, they could make three mistakes that might harm themselves and their family. Alone and exhausted, they cannot sleep. Stress leads to illness and 60 percent of caregivers end up in the hospital before their parents — some even predecease their parents.
One of the quickest ways to lighten the load is to share the work. Form compassionate support teams by inviting others to join a common goal to carry out tasks, laugh, cry and groan together.
Annette Pang’s “Magical Moments Workshops” have reached over 1,000 caregivers and found family teams with can-do attitudes quietly sacrificing for their elders. Do you consistently invite and enroll teammates to join you and roar in unison like a football team (chanting “strawberry shortcake, huckleberry pie,”) or are you all by your lonesome, working endless shifts?
The Jackson, Carol and Dr. Cass Nakasone family —“Team Shirley”— deserves a trophy for courageously caring for their sister/aunt. How did they do it? They asked for help.
Please join “Team Annette” to support the three-mile Alzheimer’s Association Walk on Sept. 3 at Magic Island. I am a wimp, but I will keep up with you so we can all cross the finish line together.
Visit www.annettpang.com for more information and sign up today. Bring your elders — wheelchairs, rolling walkers, canes and all!
And… it’s my 70th birthday — another great reason to cheer!
LIFE COACH VILLAGE, LLC Annette is a Relationship Coach and founder of Life Coach Village, LLC. 808-372-3478 | www.annettepang.com
Team Huddle and Huckleberry Pie by Annette Pang, Relationship Life Coach from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
1. Arrive at the airport three hours before departure during the busy summer months. If you’re 75 or older, you do not have to take your shoes off at the security checkpoint. If you need assistance, ask for a wheelchair when you make your reservation. When you arrive at the airport, tell the skycap that you ordered a wheelchair. Be sure to read all the latest airline rules when you buy your ticket.
2. For free drinking water, just pack an empty bottle in your carry-on and fill it from a water fountain on the secure side of the checkpoint.
3. Bring snacks: trail mix, chips, dried fruit or candy. All foods must be wrapped or in some kind of container that can be opened for inspection.
4. Bring a washable travel pillow and light travel blanket if your airline does not provide them. In your carry-on, pack a hooded jacket or scarf and a light travel blanket to keep your head, neck and legs warm during or between flights.
5. Bring reading material, games or movies to watch on your iPad. When you buy your ticket, ask how to use the airplane’s WiFi system.
VACATIONS HAWAII
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., #900, Honolulu HI 96814
Summer Tips for Senior Travelers by Kevin Kaneshiro, Vacations Hawai‘i from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Grandparents hold important positions as educators here in Hawai‘i as an increasing number of them pitch in to provide pertinent learning for their grandchildren not necessarily taught at school. Grandparents may not hold special degrees, but plenty of on-the-job experiences make them experts in keeping the family together and on the right track.
Thanaphon Schmidt, Grandma and Pamela Lee, passing on a joy of reading.
We talked with Pamela Lee and Sam Kim at Sylvan Learning Center, Kahala, who say they are seeing more grandparents enrolling their grandchildren in Sylvan programs to help them catch up, maintain their grades and get ahead in school.
Sylvan Learning programs offer support help to students in all areas, including reading, writing, math, homework help, study skills and test preparation. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs have also been added to the many curriculum choices.
On national achievement tests, Hawai‘i public school students score below average in most categories, including language and STEM skills. Our state educators are trying to fix that, but in all likelihood, not before your grandchildren graduate from high school.
For 30 years, Sylvan Learning Center has provided generations of Honolulu students — all ages and grade levels — with supplemental education. This year, Sylvan is also providing free afterschool classes to about 400 children across the islands, which are administered by Boys and Girls Clubs and funded by a federal grant.
Kiley Tanimura, Mikela Agno and Grandma — looking forward to learning.
“Parents are really burdened with multiple jobs while maintaining a home that may house three or four generations,” said Kim. “Grandparents who grew up in Hawai‘i got an excellent public education, so they can see when their grandchildren need help. The easiest way to help is to supplement their schooling.”
Sylvan Learning tests students to identify missing skills. If a student feels confused by math, testing will show which math skills are lacking and close the gap by helping the student master them. Filling in these gaps and catching up gives the child confidence to tackle math homework, and learning becomes fun again.
“Supporting your grandchild’s education is the best way to stay involved,” said Lee. “Students with family members supporting and encouraging them at home just do better in school overall.
Seth Heller, Aia Heller and Grandma on the road to academic success.
“Grandparents bring us their mo‘opuna and we teach them exactly what they need to learn in order to succeed in school.”
Educators recommend that when the opportunity arises, seniors get involved in their grandchildren’s education.
It is a gift that will keep giving and an opportunity for you to know that you had a hand in your grandchildren’s future success.
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS
4211 Waialae Avenue, Ste. 30, Honolulu HI 96816 808-735-8811 | www.sylvanlearning.com/kahala
Grandparents Educating Grandchildren by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
More than 50 years ago, the federal government established programs designed to help Americans afford healthcare services called Medicare and Medicaid. Since both of these programs involve many variables, they require some study. To provide insight into how the coverage works, here are some facts you might not know about Medicare:
Medicare and Medicaid Provide Most of the Same Services
That’s true for some people. Medicare is for persons 65 and older or with other qualifying conditions, while Medicaid is for lower-income Americans based on financial need.
Medicare Coverage has Four Parts
• Part A covers inpatient stays in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice facilities and sometimes, home-based healthcare services.
• Part B covers doctor visits, durable medical equipment, home health services and qualified preventive services. Parts A & B are sometimes called “Original Medicare.”
• Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) combines Part A, Part B and usually prescription drug coverage from private insurers.
• Part D covers outpatient prescription drug coverage from private insurers. You must be enrolled in Part A or Part B to receive Part D coverage.
Medicare is Not Free for Most of Us
While Part A comes with no monthly premium if you have a 10-year history of paying Medicare taxes, unless you qualify for assistance, you will be responsible for deductibles and coinsurance costs. For example, the deductible for 2016 is $1,288 for each benefit period and coinsurance varies with the length of the hospital stay. The part B premium is $121.80 but most persons only pay $104.90. Beneficiaries with incomes that exceed specific thresholds may pay more.
With Original Medicare, There are No Networks to Worry About
You’re free to go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, even outside of your home state.
You May Need Supplemental Insurance in Addition to Medicare
There are limitations to Medicare coverage, therefore, you may need additional coverage depending on your current or future health needs. Carefully review what each part covers before enrolling and ask other insurance providers how their coverage complements Medicare.
The federal government and most states provide resources to help you understand your options and guide you through the Medicare enrollment process. Be prepared — start learning more today, so you’re ready when you become eligible for Medicare coverage.
MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu HI 96814 808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
Medicare Facts You Need to Know by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Did you know 22 was the average age of those who attended New York’s historic Woodstock Festival in August 1969? More than a half-million hippies or wannabes rocked to the music. If you do the math — you guessed it — the Woodstock generation is aging into Medicare or already there. Back in January 1970, Tom Moffat’s Hawai‘i version of Woodstock, aka, the Sunshine Festival or Diamond Head Crater Festival, featured Carlos Santana, along with Journey, Styx and others. So where are the hipsters today? They are still dancing to the beat of the music. I witnessed it recently at the “Battle of the Bands” reunion concert featuring Hawai‘i high school rock bands formed in the ’60s that still crank out tunes today to sold-out venues. I danced for hours as the bands — Loving Sounds 34, Audissey and Wasabi performed. Next, I was dancing at a sock hop featuring music and fashions of the ’60s. DJ Doug Oshiro was fabulous. To push the event over the top, he introduced Linda Green of Tempos. She sang her hit tune, My Little Japanese Boy, to cheering fans. Outspoken and rebellious, the youth of the ’60s redefined the nation, Hawai‘i and the world by disrupting the status quo. If the World War II generation is known as “the greatest,” then the Woodstock generation, even as they reach Medicare age, will be remembered as “the coolest,” as they rock and roll through their retirement years.
MEDICARE MOMENT WITH MARTHA A radio program with Martha Khlopin KHNR 690AM: Saturdays Noon and Sundays 9:30am
99.5FM The Word: Saturdays 1pm 808-230-3379 | getmartha@aol.com
From Woodstock to Medicare by Martha Khlopin, Host of “Medicare Moment with Martha” from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Persons with the will to endure and turn adversity to success inspire us. Meet Uncle Roberto Deuriarte from Maui. From his soft voice and amiable manner, you would never guess his story. He comes from a fine family in Mexico City. In second grade, polio nearly killed him. He missed two years of school and never regained feeling in his right leg. “I learned early that you can endure a lot more than you think you can,” Uncle said with a smile. In his teens, surgery to stimulate his bad leg was tortuously painful. “Running marathons is nothing, compared to that,” he said.
(L–R) Kenny Moore, Olympic marathoner and biographer of Bill Bowerman, founder of Nike Inc.; Roberto; and Dr. Jack Scaff, Honolulu Marathon founder.
After college in Mexico, Roberto won a scholarship to study architecture at Stanford, which required that he first work in Honolulu for six weeks. Later, he returned to Hawai‘i and helped Dr. Jack Scaff, famous cardiologist and organizer of the Honolulu Marathon, prepare folks for long-distance running, according to the book Your First Marathon. “I was a great motivator, said Deuriarte. “They watched me run and said, ‘If he can make it from Aloha Tower to Kapi‘olani Park, so can I.’”
In 1980, Roberto finished his first of three Iron Man Triathlons and ran the Honolulu Marathon. He and Dr. Duncan MacDonald (now coaching at Punahou School) were featured on the cover of Northern California Running Review. MacDonald passed mile 24 on his way to victory and touched hands with Roberto, still headed out at mile six, with five more hours to go. The article said,“… Deuriarte was paying the same athletic dues as MacDonald, and both of their times made them champions.”
Since then, Roberto finished 36 marathons, a 169-mile bike race and the Waikīkī Rough Water Swim. He represented Mexico at the 2008 Paralympic Games. He is a heavy equipment operator, carpenter, mechanic, pilot and land crew for Hawai‘iloa and Hōkūle‘a. He’s also a fabulous cook, a fan of beer and Bob Dylan music, and faithful to the love of his life, Maui artist Emily Ball. If you ever need a lift, a few minutes of Roberto’s optimism will get you back on track!
Uncle Roberto: Love Life and Live It! by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
“I know the arthritis isn’t going away, but I refuse to let it slow me down.” — Lois
I met Lois Kelsey in 2004 when speaking at a Mary Kay consultants’ meeting.
Lois told me her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “I’m concerned that I won’t be able to care for him if I don’t get help with some strength and flexibility,” she said. Lois was active most of her life, raising four children as well as three boxer dogs that she trained and entered in shows. Even though she did all her own yardwork (mowing her large property and trimming trees), she needed to balance and strengthen all her muscles. Muscle imbalance and tightness is the cause of a lot of aches and pains!
Lois worked out with me in 2008 until her husband’s Alzheimer’s got severe. Her husband passed away in 2009 and she came back to see me in 2011. Now challenged with balance issues and arthritis in her spine, hips and hands, she wanted to get back to a regular training regimen. “I did my research and I know not moving would be the worst thing for me with arthritis,” said Lois.
We started doing specific exercises to address problem areas (see photos). We also improved her diet with more greens and less sugar intake to lower the amount of inflammation in her body. Arthritis feeds off sugar!
Lois turns 87 in July and continues to function independently without drugs. Lois is an inspiring example of not giving in to old age, no matter how big the challenge. She is staying independent through proper diet and exercise. Go Lois!
The Importance of Spine, Posture & Balance
1) Arrow: This exercise opens the chest for better posture and also lengthens and strengthens the spine to minimize spinal compression.
2) Forward Lunge: This one strengthens and stretches the front of the hip, which is very important if you sit a lot. It also strengthens the “glutes,” (buttocks muscles), which are major stabilizers for balance.
3) The Superman: This helps stabilize the spine to improve strength, function and range-of-motion, which leads to less pain. Both the Superman and the Arrow may be done on the floor — adding the ball can help improve balance.
If Lois Can, Then How About You? by Diane Cadinha, Certified Personal Trainer, ACE, NASM from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
To build a stronger community, younger generations need to understand demographic changes, think critically about the aging and take action. Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City Initiative embraces an intergenerational approach to implementing programs and other supports for an aging population. A key first step is to reduce “ageism,” or negative attitudes toward aging that children may develop.
A new intergenerational children’s book was authored by two ‘Iolani High School students, Eliah Takushi and Carly Tan, and Plaza Assisted Living Administrator Colby Takeda. They published the book as part of an ‘Iolani High School class called the “One Mile Project.” In this semester-long class, students learn about aging issues, and then develop and implement projects that benefit elders in their surrounding community. Takushi and Tan decided to write an intergenerational children’s book to teach young children about age-related changes and help them understand that these changes are normal — that kūpuna still are valuable members of our society.
Colby Takeda, Carly Tan, Eliah Takushi and Dr. Christy Nishita celebrate the publication of It’s Just Aging.
It’s Just Aging: A Story About Growing Up is about a grandma and granddaughter who go to the grocery store and bake banana bread together. Along the way, they encounter older adults with different physical and sensory limitations. The grandma helps the daughter see that “it’s just aging” and people can still have a good quality of life. While writing and developing the book, the high school students read their draft stories to ‘Iolani kindergarten and first grade classes, collected feedback from the children and revised the story. Takeda, administrator at the Plaza Assisted Living in Waikīkī, provided valuable connections to illustrator Jamie Meckel Tablason and Mutual Publishing.
It’s just Aging is one step in a larger movement to make Honolulu an “age-friendly” city by improving people’s understanding and perceptions of aging and older adults. Our youth need to understand their stake in creating a better future for themselves. When our entire community embraces aging issues, quality of life improves for all generations. Efforts to become more “age-friendly” are timely because Hawai‘i is aging more rapidly than the rest of the United States, and leads the nation in healthy life expectancy. Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City initiative is supported by Honolulu’s Mayor, Kirk Caldwell and AARP Hawaii.
Find out more about Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City Movement at www.kupunatokeiki.com or www.hawaii.edu/aging, or contact Christy Nishita, Ph.D. at cnishita@hawaii.edu.
It’s Just Aging: A Story About Growing Up by Takushi, Tan and Takeda, ISBN 0984445868, Mutual Publishing Company, is available at local retailers and online outlets for $12.95. Publication was underwritten by Plaza Assisted Living Hawai‘i; book sales support Project Dana, a local Honolulu nonprofit that assists kūpuna.
It’s Just Aging Book Engages Youth by Christy Nishita, PhD, Center on Aging, University of Hawaii, Interim Director and Researcher from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
In my three previous articles, I explained what ionized, restructured alkaline water is. I also shared the potential benefits of drinking this healthy water — which may be the best water to drink. I have dedicated this article to what experts in the medical field say about this particular kind of water:
“Alkaline antioxidant water changes everything physiologically. The alkaline antioxidant water solves two of the major problems that cause aging and disease: low pH and free radicals. It provides ready antioxidants to keep our bodies from rotting and rusting through the process of oxidation. Who should be drinking the alkaline antioxidant water? The answer is simply everyone from children to octogenarians.” — Ben Johnson, MD, Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), and Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD)
“Restructured alkaline water may well be the best element or supplement you can put in your body. Did you know the Japanese have researched this subject for over 40 years and have found that drinking restructured alkaline water can relieve or reduce three causes for sickness, disease and premature aging.” — David S. Dyer, NMD, PhD
“The most important feature of alkaline water produced by a water alkalizer is its oxidation reduction potential (ORP). Water with a high negative ORP is of particular value in its ability to neutralize oxygen free radicals. This is the key benefit of water produced by a water alkalinizer that is not available by simply drinking water than has had some bicarb or other compounds dissolved in it to make it alkaline.” — Ray Kurzwell, PhD, author and inventor, recipient of the National Medal of Technology in 1999, and inducted into the U.S. Patent Office’s Inventors National Hall of Fame in 2002
“I have administered over 5,000 gallons of this water for about every health situation imaginable… all [sicknesses] come from the same cause: too much tissue acid waste in the body.” — Theodore Baroody DC, ND, PhD, Dipl. Acu., author of the book Alkalize or Die
“We can heal ourselves by changing the environment inside our bodies. Potentially harmful invaders, then, will have nowhere to grow and will become harmless. High pH water, such as the water that comes from a good ionizer, neutralizes acids throughout the entire body. Since acids underlie all disease entities, nothing makes more sense than neutralizing these acids. One of my most often quoted statements goes like this: ‘When the fish is sick, change the water. We don’t feed the fish medicine. We give them clean water. When the cells of our body are sick, we must change the water and fluids in which all cells are bathed.’” — from The pH Miracle, written by Robert O. Young PhD, ND
As I have said before, all waters are not created equal. It may be time to give ionized water a sip.
Enagic USA INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTOR Alan Matsushima, Health and Wellness Consultant | 808-384-7354 | trader_808@yahoo.com
Doctors Say So by Alan Matsushima, Health and Wellness Consultant from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Rona Adams and Sen. Mazie K. Hirono at an O‘ahu Veterans Center Thanksgiving dinner. With Rona is Bindi, one of her two therapy dogs who also help veterans.
I’ll be honest. When Percy Ihara asked me to write a column for veterans, it caught me off guard. “Writer” is not what I see in the mirror — U.S. Army nurse, college grad, civilian nurse manager, trainer and advocate for Vietnam Veterans are all in my kit. I’m good at paperwork: reports, manuals, a master’s thesis, letters home for injured soldiers who needed help writing and Hawai‘i State Legislature testimony.
But this is different — it’s just you and me having that first conversation. Pardon my butterflies. I can only talk about what I know — helping people — civilians, military and vets. I did two tours in Vietnam as a captain in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, which covered the Tet Offensive. I am considered a Tet Offensive survivor. I worked in both operating and emergency rooms.
Two things I learned: War is hell (I wish I could use some other word) and no matter how crappy the situation was, we could always find something to laugh about. The majority of us come back changed (some more than others), and yes, I have PTSD and some Agent Orange issues. In future columns, we can talk about these things, too.
I came to Hawai‘i in 2001, retired from nursing in 2003, and joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Vietnam Veterans Association (VVA). I represent the VVA at the O‘ahu Veterans Council. If you’re a veteran, have active military or veterans in your family, or just want to reach out to that veteran next door, this column is for you.
Patients at Third Army Field Hospital in Saigon awaiting evacuation to Japan in 1967: Gunner Charlie Matherson and Nurse Rona Adams with their friend John Grey, wounded Army medic.
You’ll be hearing a lot about plans for the State of Hawai‘i 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam Commemoration in 2017 to honor Vietnam and Vietnam-era veterans from 50 states, our territories and allies. They will be joining our activities here in Hawai‘i. In the next edition, you will be able to register and sign up online to volunteer.
Happy to meet you. If you want to say “hello,” visit www.generations808.com and post your comments at the bottom of my column.
Standing by. Over.
Rona Adams, State of Hawai‘i 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemoration, Planning Committee Member ronaadams@hawaii.rr.com
At Your Service by Rona Adams, Vietnam Veteran, U.S. Army Nurse Corps from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
What’s new at The California Hotel and Casino — downtown Las Vegas’ largest iconic hotel? Its multi-million-dollar refurb designed to preserve “Aloha Spoken Here” bumps up the comfort experience to a new level for family members of all ages. Frequent visitors from Hawai‘i will experience hundreds of fresh and different updates, but at the heart, “The Cal” remains the friendly, safe and relaxing “home away from home” that Hawai‘i travelers desire. Take a look at some of the new digs and see what’s coming next!
The Cal is Open for Fun!
We decided to feature The Cal now, so that all our readers will know what to expect on their next visit to Las Vegas. After all, in Hawai‘i, we are used to hearing about hotels refreshing their décor and amenities. It’s commonplace in the hospitality industry for hotels to close down for renovations. But at The Cal, asking guests to reschedule their vacations and temporarily laying off staff are not in the playbook. Instead, they are upgrading the hard way, redoing one or two things at a time while they offer their treasured guests seamless service and uninterrupted “aloha.”
One look at the hotel lobby tells you that these renovations are not small or insignificant. The area is opened up with cool, bright travertine tile, glamorous artwork and upscale lighting. It is so stunning that I was relieved to see familiar faces at the desk — folks who know my name and welcome me with aloha. Our Generations Magazine staff was on the job with photo shoots, interviews and getting the June-July issue to the printer, but we sacrificed a little sleep to enjoy ourselves in the casino. Many of us need to work while we are on vacation and The Cal staff was eager to accommodate our specific needs.
The laughing Buddha in the lobby gets lots of attention. Some rub his tummy with one hand; others insist that two hands brings luck. The hotel collects all the coin “offerings” on the statue and donates the money to United Way Hawai’i — it’s another way The Cal extends true aloha.
First on my list was my mission find the famous Buddha — yes, he’s still here! Rubbing his tummy doesn’t guarantee that I will be a winner, but the tradition warms good memories of many happy days at my Las Vegas home.
Glory Connolley, Sanya Fujiwara and Lorraine Teixeira were sitting in the lobby, waiting to go back home to O‘ahu. That’s a curious thing about this place. Folks are smiling on their way in and on their way out. They were having a wonderful time and loved the clean, bright new décor.
The front desk is a very small part of the whole hotel and casino, but it leads to other renovations — some complete — others starting later this year and next spring. Already, new carpeting with red hibiscus flows throughout the whole casino floor. New ceiling lights open up the room and enhance the gaming experience (particularly noticeable at the craps tables). A powerful ventilation system keeps the air fresh, and new machines and games mix in with old favorites. The Redwood Bar & Grill is undergoing a makeover, and under design are a brand-new sports bar and a casino sports lounge with sports book. When these major casino up-grades are finished, a West Tower hotel room remodel will begin in the fall.
Asian Fusion Comfort Food
I understand Sam Boyd, who started The California over 45 years ago, lived in Hawai‘i and loved local-style food. Through the years, The Cal tradition for Asian-inspired dining options has grown up to the tastes of 21st century Hawaiian travelers. Now chic Honolulu-style has come to The Noodle House — light wood flooring, dark Oriental-style tables and chairs, an open kitchen and high, open ceilings. Minimal accents of Asian pottery and framed rice bags are set off by crisp red linens to finish the look of this fine family eatery. Last year, it opened with a superb cosmopolitan array of Asian stews and noodle tapas — seafood, pork, beef or vegetables. Since then, the menu has evolved to full entrée portions that lend well to sharing, but the prices are still very reasonable. Our eyes were bigger than stomachs. Four of us shared five dishes that compare to Honolulu’s Asian fusion restaurant fare. Without drinks, the bill (with tip) was under $140, and we took plenty of leftovers back to our rooms to snack on later. Yum!
In mid-August, authentic lū‘au foods, local stews and bento treats will again be served on the mezzanine at a renovated Aloha Specialties. Lappert’s Ice Cream, which offers hot coffee and doughnuts in the morning, will be renovated this winter. On the main floor, The Market Street Café serves a full menu: breakfast through dinner and on to midnight snacks, and their famous oxtail stew. Even though there is often a line, service is speedy and a full meal only grabs a half-hour out of your gaming schedule. Meat lovers will not be denied one meal while The Redwood Bar & Grill undergoes a facelift this summer. The chefs will be serving their Las Vegas steakhouse menu we love — at the Main Street Station Pullman Room — a hop, skip and a jump away. Hospitality with aloha continues at The Cal.
We ran into a group of friends who travel together to The Cal a few times a year. Elaine Terai started visiting in the late ’90s, but Hank and Jane Takara, and Ron and Marjie Malilay say they have been coming since the casino opened in the ’70s. “It became a second home,” said Jane. “It wasn’t so big then — the entrance was right by the Market Street Café.”
(L–R) 1994 Golden Arm Ron Malilay and Candace Kawakami from Honolulu; poker players Elaine Terai and Marjie Malilay; reunioneers and blackjack fans Hank and Jane Takata
Aloha Still Spoken Here
Ron is a Golden Arm winner (1994) who held the dice for one hour and 24 minutes. “I was at the same table with Stanley Fujitake the night he threw the dice for over three hours,” said Ron. That was the start of The Golden Arm Club that later led to The Annual Golden Arm Tournament played every April at The Cal.
On the wall next to the craps pit is a case with brass plaques engraved with the names of players who rolled the dice continuously for one hour or more at The Cal. The Golden Arm Club began in 1958, when Stanley Fujitake rolled for three hours and 12 minutes — a feat that has never been repeated. The odds of rolling for hour are the same as hitting a hole-in-one. Even so, there are 300 Golden Arm Club members and a “Platinum Wall” of repeat members on the mezzanine. Craps players love The Cal.
Ron grinned. “You know what? I left and went to bed right before Fujitake took the dice. In the morning, I heard everyone who bet on Stanley won big — the cage ran out of chips and had to issue script for players!” He explained that as hard as it is to escape rolling a seven for over an hour, on average, two lucky people do it every month. All their names (including Ron’s) are on the Golden Arm Wall of Fame.
Craps players love The Cal.
At home in Honolulu, Elaine and Marjie play regular poker with friends once a month, but here, they become video poker players. After hours of intense play, they relax at the blackjack tables. “The dealers are so friendly here,” said Marjie. “A serious blackjack or craps table is no fun — betting seems like work. Playing at The Cal is enjoyable. Everyone is so happy and helpful.”
Jane appreciates personal service. “Hank and I travel a lot and do a lot of community work. I think what impresses us most about The Cal is that they listen to us — and treat us like family, not strangers.” Her Waipahu High School reunion and Ron and Marjie’s Kahuku reunion were both held at The Cal this year.
A peek at The Cal’s updated casino floor.
Hank, a serious blackjack player, told me that when he stops to rub the belly of the laughing Buddha every evening, he puts all his pocket change on the statue. “Did you know that the hotel collects the coins off the Buddha and sends the money to United Way in Hawai‘i? That shows you the heart of the management here. They don’t just speak aloha, they live aloha.”
Comfort of Home in Friendly Surroundings
Lisa from Honolulu gives The Cal a thumbs up. “We love the new look! It’s clean and fresh — a very comfortable vibe. Food and staff are just awesome and make your stay heavenly.”
“There’s a lot going on in the background,” says Susan from Maui. She sees changes since her trip in January. “I saw a new logo sign outside with a big pink hibiscus, and the new carpeting in the casino has hibiscus, too. I love the ‘Game of Thrones’ and Brittany Spears games, and new 3D games are different and fun.” Susan is looking forward to a renovation of the West Tower, too. She said, “I hope they make the rooms as comfortable and luxurious as the new lobby restrooms. They are a ‘10’ in my book.”
Get used to the fresh clean look of home! Above is the comfortable lobby seating, and below, an elegantly appointed ADA-compliant lobby restroom.
When you put all the renovations together as we have done for this article, you get a vision of how comfortable and inviting The Cal will be when the whole property plan rolls out — during the rest of this year and into 2017.
Right now, when you drive into the valet area, your wheels squeal on the new surface. Your friendly valets still greet you by name, but now in a well-lit, sparkling entrance that leads to a bright, clean bell desk and upscale lobby. New directional signs point the way to all your favorite spots. And when you pick up your car, there are benches all the way to the street, so nobody has to stand. A big green neon “Mahalo” sign adds beauty and light to the back wall.
What to Expect in Your Next Trip
Holo Holo, “The Happy Bar,” replaces the San Francisco Bar. It caters to beer drinkers, with microbrewery specialties on draft and in bottles to savor while you enjoy bar-top play. Soon, sports enthusiasts can play in a casino sports lounge with sports book and stay in the game at a brand-new sports bar. The Redwood Bar & Grill returns to the main floor this fall with fresh interior décor that takes the tradition forward, and the whole casino floor will pop with color when all the chairbacks are upholstered in red, orange and purple.
West Tower hotel rooms and Aloha hospitality suites will be refurbished later this fall, 2016 — in the same quiet way, without disturbing the stay, play and dining of The Cal’s honored guests.
One word resounds with everyone we talked to at The Cal —“comfortable.” It refers to more than the soft, luxurious bedding, comfortable chairs in the casino, good food and friendly hospitality. It’s even bigger than an expert, friendly staff, where guests know all the bosses on the property. The Cal has achieved the status of “home” by delivering an affordable comfortable vacation to Hawai‘i travelers for over 40 years. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of work, responsibilities or even the buzz of Fremont Street, once you set foot inside The Cal, you can sigh in relief, stop holding your pocketbook so tight and relax. Home is so friendly, familiar, safe and comfortable, that playing is easy and fun!
Aloha Remains at the ‘The Cal’ by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
More than 50 years ago, the federal government established programs designed to help Americans afford healthcare services called Medicare and Medicaid. Since both of these programs involve many variables, they require some study. To provide insight into how the coverage works, here are some facts you might not know about Medicare:
Did you know 22 was the average age of those who attended New York’s historic Woodstock Festival in August 1969? More than a half-million hippies or wannabes rocked to the music. If you do the math — you guessed it — the Woodstock generation is aging into Medicare or already there. Back in January 1970, Tom Moffat’s Hawai‘i version of Woodstock, aka, the Sunshine Festival or Diamond Head Crater Festival, featured Carlos Santana, along with Journey, Styx and others. So where are the hipsters today? They are still dancing to the beat of the music. I witnessed it recently at the “Battle of the Bands” reunion concert featuring Hawai‘i high school rock bands formed in the ’60s that still crank out tunes today to sold-out venues. I danced for hours as the bands — Loving Sounds 34, Audissey and Wasabi performed. Next, I was dancing at a sock hop featuring music and fashions of the ’60s. DJ Doug Oshiro was fabulous. To push the event over the top, he introduced Linda Green of Tempos. She sang her hit tune, My Little Japanese Boy, to cheering fans. Outspoken and rebellious, the youth of the ’60s redefined the nation, Hawai‘i and the world by disrupting the status quo. If the World War II generation is known as “the greatest,” then the Woodstock generation, even as they reach Medicare age, will be remembered as “the coolest,” as they rock and roll through their retirement years.
Persons with the will to endure and turn adversity to success inspire us. Meet Uncle Roberto Deuriarte from Maui. From his soft voice and amiable manner, you would never guess his story. He comes from a fine family in Mexico City. In second grade, polio nearly killed him. He missed two years of school and never regained feeling in his right leg. “I learned early that you can endure a lot more than you think you can,” Uncle said with a smile. In his teens, surgery to stimulate his bad leg was tortuously painful. “Running marathons is nothing, compared to that,” he said.
To build a stronger community, younger generations need to understand demographic changes, think critically about the aging and take action. Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City Initiative embraces an intergenerational approach to implementing programs and other supports for an aging population. A key first step is to reduce “ageism,” or negative attitudes toward aging that children may develop.
Glory Connolley, Sanya Fujiwara and Lorraine Teixeira were sitting in the lobby, waiting to go back home to O‘ahu. That’s a curious thing about this place. Folks are smiling
on their way in and on their way out. They were having a wonderful time and loved the clean, bright new décor.
Lisa from Honolulu gives The Cal a thumbs up. “We love the new look! It’s clean and fresh — a very comfortable vibe. Food and staff are just awesome and make your stay heavenly.”
West Tower hotel rooms and Aloha hospitality suites will be refurbished later this fall, 2016 — in the same quiet way, without disturbing the stay, play and dining of The Cal’s honored guests.