Category: June – July 2014

Art on the Zoo Fence

Artist Lavonne Baldwin at the fence with her art.

Since 1953, some of Hawaii’s best local artists have displayed and sold their art on the fence of the Honolulu Zoo along Monsarrat Avenue across from Kapiolani Park.

Many artists have come and gone; including young artists just getting started in the art world, older artists that picked up art as a hobby after retirement, artists that have become very successful and a few artists that have been regular members for many years.

The artists gather every Saturday & Sunday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, rain or shine under the beautiful trees along Monsarrat Avenue, offering shade, a welcome reprieve from sunny Waikiki beach across the street.

As you stroll along the zoo’s fence line, you will find these artists showcasing a wide variety of art and photography; you are sure to find something you will like.

Visitors come from all over the world to view and purchase art from these artists, and many have customers who return each year.

Currently there are about 25 regular artists and spaces available for stand-by artists as well. The organization is non-profit, and each year a donation of art supplies is given away to schools and other groups.

If you are interested in displaying your art or would like more information, visit our website, www.artonthezoofence.com. And “like” us on our Facebook page, Art On The Zoo Fence.

We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Waikiki!

Since 1953, some of Hawaii’s best local artists have displayed and sold their art on the fence of the Honolulu Zoo along Monsarrat Avenue across from Kapiolani Park. Many artists have come and gone; including young artists just getting started in the art world, older artists that picked up art as a hobby after retirement,…
Editor’s Note

It is with great honor and a privilege to welcome all of you to a new season — summer! It’s a time where most of our seniors enjoy their time with friends and family. Summer months are always the busiest for family time, even our city’s Parks and Recreation will close all the Senior Clubs during the summer. However, for the kids and the ‘ohana, July is Parks and Recreation month and I am sure there are tons of activities to keep everyone busy.

June is Elder Abuse month worldwide. Here in Hawaii we need to protect our kupuna. Every year, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone whom they depend on for care or protection. It can happen anywhere and to anyone. But most of all, it does happen; and it is happening here in Hawai‘i.

Unfortunately, elder abuse is a grossly under-reported crime. It is estimated that for every case that is reported, another 25 cases remain unreported. Just as there are many reasons elder abuse is committed, there are also as many reasons why it is not reported.

If you know of someone being physically abused or merely suspect that this crime is occurring, call the Police and Adult Protective Service immediately! Also, look for our recurring article from Deputy Prosecutor Scott Spallina from the Elder Abuse Unit by clicking here.

Everyone has the right to live free of abuse, and it is up to us to come together to fight these crimes.

Finally, I want to thank retired Chief Justice Ronald Moon for graciously accepting my offer to be our cover story in Generations Magazine. His story about coming from a third generation Korean family in rural Wahiawa, then becoming our Chief Justice of Hawaii’s State Supreme Court, is not only impressive, but a display of the honor and integrity that is Ronald Moon. And yes, his daughter is one of our business partners, physical therapist Julie Moon. He is also a fellow MPI alumni along with art director Wilson Angel, myself and the late Reverend Osumi, whom you can read about it this issue’s article by clicking here.

Live well this summer!,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

PS — Don’t forget about our 8th Annual Aging in Place workshop on August 23rd at the Ala Moana Hotel (click here for a complete list of presentations). It’s FREE and no reservations required — just show up. Parking is at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

It is with great honor and a privilege to welcome all of you to a new season — summer! It’s a time where most of our seniors enjoy their time with friends and family. Summer months are always the busiest for family time, even our city’s Parks and Recreation will close all the Senior Clubs…
From Father to Son; Son to Father

Rev. Paul S. Osumi, 1905 – 1996. “Today’s Thought” Who was that man behind those simply inspired messages, written in the daily newspaper column of the Honolulu Advertiser and published for over three decades for all of Hawai’i to read?

Norman Osumi, the youngest son of the late Reverend Paul Osumi, received many inquiries about publishing a new collection of “Today’s Thought.” But, Norman felt any new collections would need more since his father had already published three small volumes one in 1966 and the other two in the 90’s. With the labor of love, Norman took a decade to complete his research on his father’s interesting life.

In the Hilo Tribune, Norman states, “I started reading his journals, as well as letters he wrote and received from my mother, military authorities, Christian leaders, friends and church members. The more I read, the more interested I became in my father’s past, which he rarely talked about. He almost never mentioned the war years, when he was interned and encountered many disappointments and much hardship and disgrace. Many people told me it was common for the older generation, especially fathers, not to tell their children about their lives.”

Norman completed his research and published his book in 2013, Today’s Thought — Rev. Paul Osumi, The Man & His Message, a book inspired by his father’s life; a biography from his perspective.

He writes of his father’s childhood life living on O‘ahu and how he earned his academic scholarships in order to continue his studies. His father’s life in ministry and the ordeal of being wrongly accused as an enemy agent, arrested and imprisoned then shipped to a prisoner-of-war camp. He was then reunited with his family as they lived in Gila Relocation Camp located in Arizona for the remaining four years during World War II. Still with his father’s faith, he gave hope to the many with his inspirational messages.

Beyond the words of wisdom, the late Rev. Paul Osumi messages were written about life, giving words of encouragements and hope to the lives of many.

To the conclusion of the book, Norman included over 300 selected “Today’s Thought” inspirational sayings that were printed in the Honolulu Advertiser. One of them is this:

The Way to Love — Rev. Paul Osumi

“‘The way to love anything is to realize it might be lost.’ As we mediate over it we will come to see its truth. A good way to love the members of our family is by remembering that they might be lost. A good way to love our country is by realizing that its blessings might be lost.”

Inspired by his father’s life and sayings of God, love, peace and humanity, Norman Osumi chronicled his father’s life.

You may find this inspiring book, Today’s Thought — Rev. Paul Osumi, The Man & His Message by Norman Osumi online and stores near you:

Legacy Isle Publishing

www.legacyislepublishing.net

Logos Bookstore

www.logosbookstorehawaii.com

Amazon Prime

www.amazon.com

Barnes & Noble

www.barnesandnoble.com

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i (JCCH)
2454 South Beretania Street
808-945-7633 or email at info@jcch.com

Mail Orders for autographed book, contact “Today’s Thought”, 808-595-4676

Rev. Paul S. Osumi, 1905 – 1996. “Today’s Thought” Who was that man behind those simply inspired messages, written in the daily newspaper column of the Honolulu Advertiser and published for over three decades for all of Hawai’i to read? Norman Osumi, the youngest son of the late Reverend Paul Osumi, received many inquiries about…
Backwards Planning
Moving on in life, there are a lot to think about and questions to consider when passing down assets to loved ones.

Are you married?

Is your marriage a partnership?

Are your children from the same marriage?

Do you have separate trusts?

Do you own a home?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, consider a Joint Legacy Trust.

With the new $5.34 million estate tax exemption, only about 0.14% of us will pay an estate tax. Owning a home and passing it on could cause a capital gains tax. Having a joint trust not only reflects and mirrors your life as a partnership, but other benefits include: simplicity, flexibility, and reducing capital gains tax.

The Joint Trust offers simplicity in that it eliminates the need for obtaining a Federal Identification Number and filing a trust income tax return when the first spouse dies; flexibility to accommodate change after the first spouse’s passing; and reduces capital gains tax by taking advantage of a “step-up” in basis, coined “freebasing” by Forbes Magazine.*

Separate Trusts were prepared when the estate tax exemption was $600,000 per spouse and helped to reduce estate tax. With an exemption of over $10 million per couple, most of us will not pay an estate tax, and our children may pay capital gains tax unless we change to a Joint Legacy Trust.

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | 2054 S. Beretania St., Hon. | (808) 524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

* Forbes Magazine, March 2014: “Freebasing Your Estate”. If you would like a free copy of this article, please call me and I will be happy to send you a copy.
Moving on in life, there are a lot to think about and questions to consider when passing down assets to loved ones. Are you married? Is your marriage a partnership? Are your children from the same marriage? Do you have separate trusts? Do you own a home? If you answer yes to any of these…
Medicare and The Working Individual

Are you going to stop working when you are 65 years old? If you are like some people in Hawaii — you love your job and you aren’t ready to stop working just because you are eligible for Medicare. What happens then? Do you have to sign up for Medicare? Will you be penalized if you don’t enroll?

These are some common questions that we receive at the Hawaii SHIP Program (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). We will try and walk you through the common factors, but again, you need to check with your current employer and any other insurance that you are eligible for to see how they all fit together.

First, we suggest that you contact the benefits administrator at your current job (or your spouse’s job if you are covered by their plan) to find out how Medicare may change your coverage or what you need to do for them. This is usually the Human Resource department.

Second, call Social Security Administration (or best to create an account with them so you can check it online) and see if you are eligible for “premium free” Medicare Part A (for most people they have worked 40 quarters (10 years) and paid payroll taxes). If you don’t have to pay for Part A — enrolling will usually be secondary to your employer group health plan and you will also receive the Medicare & You Handbook in the mail each fall.

The decision to enroll in Medicare Part B & Medicare Part D is a personal decision, but you want to make the right decision at the right time so that you will have the coverage when you need it and won’t incur higher costs through penalties.

If you are able to delay enrolling in Part B (Medical Insurance) and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) then you will have a special enrollment period when you (or your spouse) stop working and are no longer covered by the active employer group health plan. The special enrollment periods are eight (8) months for Part B and 63 days for Part D. Best to start investigating your options about 6 months before you plan to retire.

Again, Medicare unlike your Social Security, full retirement begins at 65 and you should begin looking at what your options are about six (6) months prior to your 65th birthday. If you need assistance the Hawaii SHIP provides counseling, pre-retirement webinars and presentations to help you look at your options.

Contact our certified Medicare counselors if you would really like to learn more about Medicare and help your community, or becoming a Hawaii SHIP Volunteer.

Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program):
1-888-875-9229 | help@hawaiiship.org
www.hawaiiship.org
For 2014 Medicare updates: www.medicare.gov

Are you going to stop working when you are 65 years old? If you are like some people in Hawaii — you love your job and you aren’t ready to stop working just because you are eligible for Medicare. What happens then? Do you have to sign up for Medicare? Will you be penalized if…
Hawai’i’s Original Pioneer of Aging

Shimeji “Shim” Kanazawa
1915-2014

In this issue’s category of Seniors Of Service, we spotlight someone of community involvement and inspiration. Shimeji Kanazawa or “Shim” as she was fondly called graced our cover in April 2011. In this issue, we would like to honor her again, as a senior of service.

Shim was an advocator to numerous programs and services for the elderly, disabled and youth. She was best known for being the “founder” of Project Dana, although she credited its development and growth to the many contributing volunteers.

In this following concept for Project Dana, she stated, “For the project’s next phase, I’d like to propose a partnership between the youth and elderly. Together, they could share their talents and resources, supporting each other in relationships that benefit both the individuals and the community.” At the time of our interview, Shim continued to be a leading visionary of character and heart.

Shim’s continued commitments and dedication awarded her an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from the University of Hawai‘i for her public service of over six decades and a Lifetime Honorary Kupuna member of the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA). She was chosen as the first to receive the honors in the recognition for her decades of achievement in advancing policies and programs that enhanced the lives, safety and welfare of Hawai’i’s elders and their caregivers.

Shim helping Japanese civilians and internees during WWII.

She had been appointed and commissioned by many of our leading Governors from being chairperson for Family Life and Law Committee to being the driving force behind the State of Hawai‘i Executive Office on Aging. In 1981, Shim became the first female director and chairperson of the Board of Kuakini Medical Center.

In 1961, 1971 and 1981, Shim led a delegation of approximately 12 community leaders to Washington, D.C. discussing current issues facing the aging population. She was selected to serve on the National White House Aging Committee in Washington, D.C. under the administration of President Jimmy Carter. Here, it allowed her the opportunity to share the plight and success of eldercare in Hawai‘i as an advisory to our President and Senate Committee regarding current matters and trends of the older Americans.

Her sitting in the Governor’s press chamber.

Since 1986, Shim served on the Board of Directors for Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center (MCC), participating in their various committees and chaired the annual membership meeting committee. She appreciated the multi-generational and cultural component MCC provides to the community.

In the article done in April 2011, Shim was asked, “What should people in retirement do with their lives?” She said, “keep up a healthy lifestyle, keep busy, pursue hobbies, do things for others, focus on volunteerism, and keep families together.”

She will be missed!

In this issue’s category of Seniors Of Service, we spotlight someone of community involvement and inspiration. Shimeji Kanazawa or “Shim” as she was fondly called graced our cover in April 2011. In this issue, we would like to honor her again, as a senior of service. Shim was an advocator to numerous programs and services…
Welcome to the Generations808.com

Main navigation menu: Use these topics to navigate to the various pages in our site. As you run the cursor over the word, it’ll become bold. These topics will always exist on every page. Throughout the homepage, there are also various other buttons that’ll take you to any one of these topics.

Home is the main page.

This Issue will take you to the current issue’s table of contents with live\ links to individual articles.

Resources will take you to resource guide archives.

AIP Videos show a list of the Aging In Place Workshop speakers.

Events: contains the events calendar.

Advertising contains all of our advertising and marketing information.

About Us is just a little background.

Contact Us via mail, phone or email.

Subscribe provides a subscription form so you can enjoy Generations Magazine delivered to your door every other month.

Main navigation menu: Use these topics to navigate to the various pages in our site. As you run the cursor over the word, it’ll become bold. These topics will always exist on every page. Throughout the homepage, there are also various other buttons that’ll take you to any one of these topics. Home is the…
Bedroom & Bathroom Safety

Two of the rooms you spend the most time in — the bedroom and the bathroom — are also the most important rooms to look at if you’re considering renovations to your home.

For seniors, one of the most dangerous rooms in a home is the bathroom. Investing in enhancements here can pay huge dividends in significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries later. Even what can seem like simple changes, such as creating even, single-level entry into the bathroom or installing grab bars, which offers a dual function as a light, can reduce that risk for family members of all ages.

One change that homeowners don’t often think of, is moving the bathroom faucet volume control from its typical location at the back of the sink to the front of the sink, or even installing touch-censored faucets. This can be a little more work, but allows the faucets to be more easily accessed — from both a wheel chair as well as young keiki. Installing a lighted mirror with pivots can also be an added convenience.

In the bedroom, don’t let the dangers of trip and falls keep you up at night. Installing low energy lighting along the floor and bed frame is not only quick and easy, but keeps the floor and your path visible in the dark. The best part, you’ll sleep more soundly knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep every member of your family safe.

Ventus Design | 1441 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1115
ph 808-356-5622 | c 808-358-9135
rlewis@ventusdesignhnl.com
www.ventusdesignhonolulu.com

Two of the rooms you spend the most time in — the bedroom and the bathroom — are also the most important rooms to look at if you’re considering renovations to your home. For seniors, one of the most dangerous rooms in a home is the bathroom. Investing in enhancements here can pay huge dividends…
Qualifying for Medicaid is Unpatriotic?

Some people question whether Medicaid planning might be unpatriotic. After all, Medicaid is a “welfare” benefit funded by our tax dollars. Is it “wrong” to put yourself in the position to have the taxpayers pay for your long-term care? Let us begin by considering what it means to be a taxpayer.

Everyone knows that it is immoral and illegal (and unpatriotic) to cheat on your income taxes. But does that mean any of us has an obligation to pay more taxes than the law requires? Of course not. The Internal Revenue Code allows us to take various kinds of deductions when we file our annual income tax returns. As long as we deduct no more than the law allows, we are engaging in the noble practice of tax avoidance. However, if we knowingly take a tax deduction in an amount or of a kind that we are not entitled to take, the terminology changes to tax evasion. For tax avoidance, a person is praised, for tax evasion, a person goes to jail.

In the 1916 U.S. Supreme Court case of Bullen v. Wisconsin, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote “when the law draws a line, a case is on one side of it or the other, and if on the safe side is none the worse legally that a party has availed himself to the full of what the law permits. When an act is condemned as an evasion, what is meant is that it is on the wrong side of the line.” Taking economic advantage of what our law allows—staying on the “safe” side of the line—is both legal and patriotic.

Justice Louis Brandeis, whose tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court overlapped that of Justice Holmes, famously stated this same principle another way: I live in Alexandria, Virginia. Near the Supreme Court chambers is a toll bridge across the Potomac. When in a rush, I pay the dollar toll and get home early. However, I usually drive outside the downtown section of the city and cross the Potomac on a free bridge. If I went over the toll bridge and through the barrier without paying the toll, I would be committing tax evasion. If, I drive the extra mile and drive outside the city of Washington to the free bridge, I am using a legitimate, logical and suitable method of tax avoidance. For my tax evasion, I should be punished. For my tax avoidance, I should be commended.

Knowing the alternatives that are available to you is the essence of wise planning. You cannot make a choice that you do not know you have. So if paying for long-term care is an issue for your family, learn about Medicaid qualification so you can plan your and family’s financial future wisely. Availing yourself of a benefit that the law allows and intends cannot be unpatriotic.

Scott Makuakane, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
Watch Scott’s TV show, Malama Kupuna
Sundays at 8:30 p.m. on KWHE, Oceanic channel 11
www.est8planning.com
O‘ahu: 808-587-8227
Email: maku@est8planning.com

Some people question whether Medicaid planning might be unpatriotic. After all, Medicaid is a “welfare” benefit funded by our tax dollars. Is it “wrong” to put yourself in the position to have the taxpayers pay for your long-term care? Let us begin by considering what it means to be a taxpayer. Everyone knows that it…
Senior Games 2014

Above, Mayor Kirk Caldwell gives his best, while outdoor activities are enjoyed.

The games continue on: The City & County of Honolulu’s Parks and Recreations’ 25th Annual Senior Classic Games 2014. The games were created for seniors by Herbert Yasuhara, a retired Halawa Park director.

This year there were over 270 participants (not including spectators) and a total of 88 teams from 20 senior clubs entered in 4 different games: Tunnel Vision, Peg Ball, Pin Ball and Nine Gates, with age divisions: Seniors 55 – 69 and Masters 70+. There were over 40 staff members from the Department of Parks and Recreation helped with management and execution, even the Honorable Mayor Kirk Caldwell stopped by to play a few games with the seniors.

Generations Magazine sponsored the event and presented each division’s participants with certificates of achievement and medals for outstanding performance. For information and to join next year, contact Recreation Specialist, Garrett Iwai at 808-768-3030 or email, giwai1@honolulu.gov.

Garrett Iwai, Shirley & John Macadangdang and Harrry Mizushima

The games continue on: The City & County of Honolulu’s Parks and Recreations’ 25th Annual Senior Classic Games 2014. The games were created for seniors by Herbert Yasuhara, a retired Halawa Park director. This year there were over 270 participants (not including spectators) and a total of 88 teams from 20 senior clubs entered in…
Don’t Stress Over Fraud
April is Stress Awareness Month, but one thing that should never cause stress is doing business with Social Security.

However, if you fall victim to fraud, it can really stress you out, not to mention damage your credit score and wallet. We encourage you to be cautious of suspicious email, letters, and phone calls or any time someone asks for your personal information.

What Social Security Does Not Do

Generally, Social Security will not call or email you and ask for your personal information, such as your Social Security number or banking information. If someone contacts you and asks for this kind of information and claims to be from Social Security, do not give out your personal information without first contacting us to verify the validity of the request. It could be an identity thief phishing for your personal information.

When making a report, please include as many of the following details as possible of the alleged suspect(s) and victim(s):

Names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers

Description & Location of the fraud

When & How the fraud was committed

Why the person committed the fraud (if known)

Who else has knowledge or witness of the potential violation.

Stealing Your Identity

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America. If you or anyone you know has been the victim of identity theft, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.idtheft.gov, or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

False Advertising

Misleading advertisers may victimize people who receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Such companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though the same services are available directly from us free of charge. Especially upsetting are ads that make it appear as though they came directly from us. By law, such advertisements must indicate that the company is not affiliated with Social Security.

If you see, what you believe is misleading advertising for Social Security services from a company that fails to say it is not affiliated with Social Security, report it to us at:

Office of the Inspector General
Fraud Hotline
Social Security Administration
P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
This goes for advertisements in print, online, or on television or radio. Also, advise your state’s attorney general or consumer affairs office and the Better Business Bureau. You can visit the Office of the Inspector General online at www.oig.ssa.gov and select the “Fraud, Waste or Abuse” link.

Learn more about identity theft and misleading advertising by reading our publications on the subjects at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

You may have enough stress already. Don’t get stressed over fraud.

Questions, online applications, or to make an appointment to visit a Social Security office, contact:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov
April is Stress Awareness Month, but one thing that should never cause stress is doing business with Social Security. However, if you fall victim to fraud, it can really stress you out, not to mention damage your credit score and wallet. We encourage you to be cautious of suspicious email, letters, and phone calls or…
We Live in the Greatest Country

Has Patriotism become passé? Are people looking at me today when I stand and show respect for the flag, are they shaking their heads in disbelief thinking, I’m old fashioned? Am I out of step with the majority?

Back in the days, we used to place our hand over our heart and recited the, “Pledge of Allegiance” every morning before school started, even during a parade, as our flag passed. We took our hats off and stood silent while our flag was being raised or the, “National Anthem” was being sung.

My dad taught me to respect our flag and that it should never touch the ground. I even learned how to march as my dad used a broomstick in place of a rifle, placing it over his right shoulder marching in the living room … hup, hup, … at our Kapahulu house.

I am a World War II baby born in 1947, lived through the Korean War, Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crises, and the Vietnam Conflict. I joined the Army in 1966, which influenced my perspective on what it is to live and serve in a country dedicated to freedom and democracy.

Today, I don’t see the same vigilance of patriotism from our younger generations. I don’t believe our places of learning are emphasizing the same patriotism and respect for our country that I was exposed.

I felt, and will always feel; we live in the greatest country in the world, USA … Ten Hut!

Tune in to The Baby Boomer Show with Frank B. Shaner, AM690, every Saturday, 4 pm – 5 pm. Experience his art online through Facebook and at www.frankbshaner.com.

Home Boy – oil on canvas

Frank B. Shaner

Has Patriotism become passé? Are people looking at me today when I stand and show respect for the flag, are they shaking their heads in disbelief thinking, I’m old fashioned? Am I out of step with the majority? Back in the days, we used to place our hand over our heart and recited the, “Pledge…