Category: July-August 2026

  • Six Reminders for the Primary Election

    Ahead of the 2026 primary election on Saturday, Aug. 8, we have a few key reminders for Hawai‘i voters.

    ❑ Your primary election ballot will arrive by mail. Hawai‘i registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election.

    ❑ Confirm your voter registration. Visit elections.hawaii.gov or call 808-453-8683 to confirm that your voter registration is current. If you have moved or changed your mailing address since the 2024 elections, be sure to update online or by submitting a Voter Registration Application (elections.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/VR-Form-English-Fillable.pdf).

    ❑ Track your ballot. Sign up for Hawai‘i’s free ballot tracking system at elections.hawaii.gov. You’ll receive alerts when your ballot is mailed to you and when your voted ballot has been accepted for counting. You can expect to receive your ballot packet by July 21.

    ❑ Learn about the candidates. View the digital voter guide at elections.hawaii.gov to read statements from the candidates.

    ❑ Return your ballot by 7pm on Aug. 8. Return your ballot by mail or drop it off at a ballot drop box. Visit elections.hawaii.gov for location details. Don’t forget to sign the return envelope for your ballot to be counted.

    ❑ Need assistance? Accessible options are available including accessible voting equipment at voter service centers and requesting an electronic ballot if you have a print disability. Visit elections. hawaii.gov to learn more.

    Ahead of the 2026 primary election on Saturday, Aug. 8, we have a few key reminders for Hawai‘i voters. ❑ Your primary election ballot will arrive by mail. Hawai‘i registered voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election. ❑ Confirm your voter registration. Visit elections.hawaii.gov or call 808-453-8683 to confirm that your voter registration…

  • Heart Health for Every Age

    For many kūpuna across Hawai‘i, staying active is more than a lifestyle choice, it’s a lifeline. As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the islands, community events that encourage movement, connection and awareness play an essential role in supporting longer, healthier lives.

    This year’s Hawai‘i Heart Walk at Kapi‘olani Regional Park in Honolulu on Aug. 15 invites older adults, families and caregivers to come to￾gether in a celebration of wellness. The event isn’t a race. There’s no pressure to finish fast or go far. Participants can choose between a one-mile route or a four-mile route. Both options offer a chance to enjoy time outdoors and take meaningful steps toward better heart health.

    Regular walking lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, strengthens muscles and boosts mood. For kūpuna, even short daily walks can support balance, mobility and independence.

    Registration for The Heart Walk is free and participants will also have access to free health information. Whether you walk a mile or simply enjoy the morning with others, your presence helps strengthen a healthier Hawai‘i. For more information, use the contacts below.

    AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    707 Richards St., Ste. 615, Honolulu, HI 96813
    808-377-6630 | ahahawaii@heart.org
    heart.org/Hawaii

    For many kūpuna across Hawai‘i, staying active is more than a lifestyle choice, it’s a lifeline. As heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the islands, community events that encourage movement, connection and awareness play an essential role in supporting longer, healthier lives. This year’s Hawai‘i Heart Walk at Kapi‘olani Regional…

  • HPGS Honors Kūpuna Advocates

    The mission of Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) is to enhance the general well-being of older individuals in Hawai‘i. HPGS awards scholarships to students enrolled in paraprofessional training, undergraduate and graduate programs in Hawai‘i, who have a serious interest in professional work related to aging and long-term care.

    This is the 10th year of our Tony Lenzer Scholarship Fundraising event. Each year, HPGS honors a deserving individual who has contributed to Hawai‘i’s senior community and advocates for our kūpuna. This year’s honoree is Suzanne Chun Oakland, program director of Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center. She also served in the Hawai‘i State Legislature for 26 years.

    The first annual event honored HPGS’s first president, Dr. Tony Lenzer (2017). He was followed by Rose Nakamura of Project Dana (2018), retired AARP State Director Barbara Kim-Stanton (2019), Founding HPGS Board member Cullen Hayashida (2020), Gerontologist Emmet White of Arcadia Family of Homes (2021), State Ombudsman John McDermott (2022), AARP President Gary Simon (2023), Dorothy Colby of Hale Kū‘ike (2024) and Jeannette Koijane of Kokua Mau (2025).

    The event will be held on September 11, 2026. For more information and to register, visit hpgs.org

    HAWAII PACIFIC GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY (nonprofit)
    PO Box 3714, Honolulu, HI 96812
    HPGS.808@gmail.com | hpgs.org

    The mission of Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) is to enhance the general well-being of older individuals in Hawai‘i. HPGS awards scholarships to students enrolled in paraprofessional training, undergraduate and graduate programs in Hawai‘i, who have a serious interest in professional work related to aging and long-term care. This is the 10th year of our…

  • Nominations Sought for AARP Award

    AARP Hawai’i recognized Bill Doi, Kupuna Aikido co-founder and former president,
    with its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, our most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

    Bill and his fellow aikido instructor friends simplified and refined principles of the Japanese martial art of aikido, adapting its techniques into a class format to teach kūpuna how to avoid falls and minimize injury if they do fall. Therefore, Bill was selected for his remarkable service which has greatly benefited the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission and inspired other volunteers.

    If you know of someone like Bill who should be recognized for their community service, AARP Hawai‘i is accepting applications for the 2026 award. Eligibility requirements and a nomination form for AARP Hawai‘i Andrus Award for Community Service nominees can be found at aarp.org/volunteer/andrus-award-nominations. The award also comes with a $1,000 donation to the charity of the recipient’s choice.

    For more information contact AARP Hawai‘i Outreach Director Jackie Boland at 808-545-6003 or email her at jboland@aarp.org.

    To sign up for classes in safe falling, go to the Kupuna Aikido website at kupunaaikido.org.

    AARP HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    1001 Bishop St., Ste. 625, Honolulu, HI 96813
    866-295-7282 | hiaarp@aarp.org
    aarp.org/hi | facebook.com/aarphawaii

    AARP Hawai’i recognized Bill Doi, Kupuna Aikido co-founder and former president,with its 2025 Andrus Award for Community Service, our most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. Bill and his fellow aikido instructor friends simplified and refined principles of the Japanese martial art of aikido, adapting its techniques into a class format to…