In the US, a staggering 34.2 million grapple with diabetes, marking a critical public health concern, particularly for older adults. This chronic condition impacting blood sugar levels significantly threatens seniorsâ eye health. Elevated blood sugar can damage delicate retinal blood vessels, leading to diabetic retinopathyâa condition that, if left untreated, can result in vision impairment and possible blindness.
Beyond the retina, seniors with diabetes often face vision fluctuations due to the impact on the eyeâs lens, causing temporary blurriness or focusing difficulties, adding an extra layer of challenge to daily activities. Diabetes also heightens the risk of other ocular complications that commonly develop as we age, including cataracts and glaucoma, further exacerbating visual challenges.
Regular eye examinations are not merely recommended but are a critical aspect of comprehensive healthcare for seniors with diabetes or prediabetes. Early detection through these exams enables timely management, potentially preventing or minimizing the progression of debilitating eye conditions brought on by the condition. Prioritizing proper diabetes management and proactive eye care measures becomes paramount for preserving the well-being and independence of seniors, ensuring a fulfilling life with optimal health and vision.
In the US, a staggering 34.2 million grapple with diabetes, marking a critical public health concern, particularly for older adults. This chronic condition impacting blood sugar levels significantly threatens seniorsâ eye health. Elevated blood sugar can damage delicate retinal blood vessels, leading to diabetic retinopathyâa condition that, if left untreated, can result in vision impairment…
Just like itâs important to maintain your physical health by adopting an in-home exercise regime, it is important to maintain your mental health by engaging in challenging activities that promote cognitive function. Changes in cognitive function are a natural part of aging. With time, your brain loses agility and can deteriorate further if you donât take steps to maintain it. The changes are complex and varied. But aging doesnât have to mean an inevitable decline as individual factors like genetics, health and lifestyle come into play.
According to the Alzheimerâs Association, Alzheimerâs is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. Cases will almost double every 20 years. Due to the diseaseâs progressive nature, dementia symptoms gradually worsen over several years. Early signs of Alzheimerâs can include a decline in processing speed, working memory and long-term memory.
Although there is no cure, there are many activities that may help reduce the risk and support cognitive health in older adults. While they should not be seen as sole preventative measures, research has demonstrated that several lifestyle modifications and even participating in games and activities may lower your risk of cognitive decline to help keep your brain as healthy as possible as you age. Research has shown that activities that provide social engagement are the best in terms of boosting cognitive function.
Variety is Key
Taking proactive steps like maintaining a physically active lifestyle and engaging socially with others can significantly influence your cognitive well-being throughout life and may prevent the onset of symptoms of Alzheimerâs, according to the Alzheimerâs Association. Whether you are trying to retain or increase cognitive function, it is also important to remember that variety is key. Engaging in an interactive and diverse range of activities is vital to challenging different areas of the brain. Finding activities you enjoy and can stick with also allows you to form and maintain healthier and sustainable habits.
âTo keep your mind active, it is important to seek out stimulating activities that expose your mind to new topics,â says Ivy. âWhen these activities include loved onesâfriends, grandchildren, neighbors and other community membersâthereâs the added benefit of social engagement, which is associated with reduced rates of disability and mortality, and may also reduce the risk for depression.â
Activities and Apps
The following offer fun and engaging ways for families and grandchildren to train their brains together with their grandparents:
A person solving a sudoku puzzle
WORDLE is a word puzzle that gives players six tries to guess a five letter word. Each guess gives you color coded clues: green for correct letters in the right spot, yellow for correct ones in the wrong spot, and gray for ones not in the word at all. You use this feedback to strategize your next guesses. Thereâs a secret word each day, so everyone around the world is trying to guess the same one! Wordle is recommended for ages 14 and up, but statistically, older adults are the best Wordle players, with an average win percentage of 81%.
Wordle promotes working memory, logic and reasoning, vocabulary building and concentrationâ all things that help increase cognitive function. The Wordle Together function enables you to play with friends and family. There are different versions of Wordle available online and in app stores, all of which are free; many players prefer The New York Times Wordle.
SUDOKU is a brainteaser played on a grid. The goal is to fill the squares with numbers 1 through 9, ensuring no row, column or subgrid contains a duplicate number. It requires logical deduction.
Regular Sudoku practice can benefit your cognitive function because it strengthens working memory by keeping track of potential placements, and improves logic and reasoning as you analyze the grid and make deductions.
Usdoku lets multiple players play sudoku on the same board with their own devices simultaneously. Once you select the difficulty level, you take turns making moves on the grid. Sudoku and Usdoku challenge your brain and keep your cognitive skills sharp. Find free Sudoku and Usdoku online or purchase the puzzle books on Amazon or at your local bookstore.
LIFE STORY INTERVIEW KIT is a 150-question card deck created to help capture and preserve your stories or those of your loved ones. The conversation-based card gameâs questions/prompts are categorized by early life, midlife, and later life and reflection, sparking recollections of past experiences. It is a fun way to preserve memories, spend quality time with your loved ones, deepen your connection with them, and learn new things about them. Although maintaining brain fitness through challenging activities is important, activities that prompt human connection and interaction are bestâno matter the age.
The Life Story Interview Kit and similar card kits can be purchased on Amazon. Downloadable apps are also available, some of which are free.
LUMOSITY is a popular, free brain training app designed to target and improve various cognitive skills. It offers a variety of games and activities that challenge memory, attention span, processing speed, flexibility and problem-solving.
Lumosity promotes cognitive function in several ways. By regularly performing these targeted exercises, you can strengthen your working memory, improve your ability to focus and filter out distractions, and enhance your mental agility by tackling the gameâ challenges.
Non-apps
Legos, puzzles, board games and word searches are also activities younger children and grandparents who donât have or want access to electronic devices can participate in together.
Whatever game, activity or app you choose to enhance cognitive health, remember that âRemaining socially active supports brain health and may possibly delay the onset of dementia,â says Ivy.
Just like itâs important to maintain your physical health by adopting an in-home exercise regime, it is important to maintain your mental health by engaging in challenging activities that promote cognitive function. Changes in cognitive function are a natural part of aging. With time, your brain loses agility and can deteriorate further if you donât…
Frances H. Kakugawa, a Hawaiâi Island native, began writing poetry a half-century ago, then stopped for some years to work for the public school system. But when she became the primary caregiver for her mother, she found that writing poetry helped ease her stress.
Her multiple award-winning 2007 childrenâs book, Wordsworth Dances the Waltz, is dedicated to her mother, who was afflicted with Alzheimerâs disease. It is about families living with elders impacted by dementia. In this book, children are introduced to the concept that as grandparents age, they may behave differently and sometimes forget things.
The book illustrates aspects of dementia and how the disease affects the entire family through Wordsworth, a Hawaiian mouse, who remembers a time when he and Grandma danced around the room. But now, Wordsworth must walk softly as not to disturb her.
Because Wordsworth loves poetry, he finds comfort in writing verses that express his confusion over his grandmaâs changing behaviors, and by recalling memories of more vibrant days. His poems also help his family understand that Grandma is still his loving grandparent and an important part of the family.
If you are looking for an excellent tool to ease fears and explain changes in an elder loved oneâs behavior, this book may be helpful.
The book is illustrated by Melissa DeSica and available through Amazon. Call your nearest bookstore to purchase a copy locally. For children 9 and older.
Frances H. Kakugawa, a Hawaiâi Island native, began writing poetry a half-century ago, then stopped for some years to work for the public school system. But when she became the primary caregiver for her mother, she found that writing poetry helped ease her stress.
If your pet is healthy, is pet insurance still necessary? The American Veterinary Association suggests pet insurance to defray costs, which can be around $250 for a simple treatment to over $8,000 if the condition is more serious. The over 85 million pet households in the US spend a whopping $75 billion on pet care annually.
During the summer months, one of the biggest dangers for dogs is heat. They donât sweat like humans and can suffer from heatstroke. Signs to look for are fatigue and loss of appetite. In addition, seeds found in grassy areas during the summer can cause skin problems, such as hives or rashes. If your pet canât stop scratching, the area can become tender and an infection can set in, making matters worse, so itâs important to keep ticks and fleas under control, too.
A recent PetMD article notes that a new medication for canines with osteoarthritis is available. Without insurance, a course of treatment can cost around $100 monthly.
So do your homework regarding your particular furry or feathered friend. Closely review insurance coverage details for limitations and exclusions.
Always check with your veterinarian about insurance options in order to provide a financial safety net for your beloved family member.
If your pet is healthy, is pet insurance still necessary? The American Veterinary Association suggests pet insurance to defray costs, which can be around $250 for a simple treatment to over $8,000 if the condition is more serious. The over 85 million pet households in the US spend a whopping $75 billion on pet care…
Matcha is a powdered green tea that is rich in antioxidant compounds due to its special cultivation method. Traditionally, the tea bushes are covered with bamboo mats to shade the leaves from direct sunlight, therefore producing higher amounts of amino acids, chlorophyll and theanine. Matcha is known for its vibrant color and unique, bitter taste. Matcha is low-calorie and fat-free. Compared to other green teas, matcha is relatively high in caffeine.
Consumption of matcha green tea is regarded as an effective dietary intervention to promote cognitive function. Studies also suggest that it has cardioprotective effects. Matcha green tea may also aid in lowering blood glucose levels.
Try this matcha mochi recipe:
Ingredients:
1 box (16 oz.) mochiko flour
2 cups white granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
4 Tbsp matcha powder (ceremonial grade)
1 can (12 oz.) coconut milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups water
Directions
1) Preheat a conventional oven to 350 degrees.
2) Thoroughly coat a 9-by-13-inch pan with avocado oil spray or just line the pan with parchment paper instead.
3) In a mixing bowl, add the mochiko flour, sugar, baking powder and matcha powder, then blend well.
4) In another mixing bowl, whisk the coconut milk, vanilla extract and water together.
5) In the dry ingredients bowl, make a gaping hole in the middle of the ingredients. Pour the liquid ingredients in the hole, then incorporate everything together with a spoon spatula. Whisk well until smooth, then pour the batter into the well-greased pan.
6) Cover securely with foil.
7) Bake for one hour.
8) When done, a toothpick inserted into the mochi should exit dry with few to no crumbs.
9) Let mochi cool completely.
Optional: Sprinkle the mochi lightly with matcha powder for enhanced matcha flavor. Cut with a plastic knife when ready to serve. (Yield: 24 squares)
Do you have a favorite recipe and story to share? For consideration in the next issue, include a photo and mail them to Generations Recipe, PO Box 4213, Honolulu, HI 96812, or email them to Cynthia@generations808.com.
Matcha is a powdered green tea that is rich in antioxidant compounds due to its special cultivation method. Traditionally, the tea bushes are covered with bamboo mats to shade the leaves from direct sunlight, therefore producing higher amounts of amino acids, chlorophyll and theanine. Matcha is known for its vibrant color and unique, bitter taste.…
As a society, we have faced much grief over the last few years. When in the mode of navigating care for ourselves or others, we often run into misconceptions about what we should or shouldnât do.
Often, the confusing part is actually clarifying the differences between empathy and sympathy. An online search reveals that âEmpathy involves feeling what someone else feels, while sympathy doesnât. Sympathy, instead, involves understanding someone elseâs emotions, but from your own perspective.â Both are beautiful and healing for different reasons.
But there is a raw beauty in empathy. Itâs not about us trying to relate from our own lens, but rather, by stepping into the space or fear with the other person, hearing where they are coming from and connecting to that.
When stepping into otherâs grief or brokenness, itâs tempting to try to be optimistic and uplifting, and to start problem-solving. But what most of us need in times of sadness or grief is to feel heard, feel love and feel we are not alone. The gift of connection is healing.
As a society, we have faced much grief over the last few years. When in the mode of navigating care for ourselves or others, we often run into misconceptions about what we should or shouldnât do.
Most customers read online reviews before purchasing a product or service. But when was the last time you wrote one? Remember, when you write a review, you are helping others and yourself.
Expressing your gratitude for good experiences or sharing constructive feedback about less-than-stellar experiences both contribute to a companyâs online reputation. Writing an authentic and constructive review about a brandâs products or services educates other consumers and alerts the business about any issues with your purchase.
Donât use reviews for revenge. Instead, focus on productive ways to address shortcomings. Complaint processes like those used at the Better Business Bureau encourage positive change.
Where Should You Write a Review?
BBB reviews go through a verification process. Businesses are always encouraged to respond, which helps paint a more balanced picture. When you read or write a BBB review, know that itâs hosted on a platform committed to authenticity and responsiveness.
Your voice matters, so share your experiences and help others by contributing to a better shopping environment for everyone.
Most customers read online reviews before purchasing a product or service. But when was the last time you wrote one? Remember, when you write a review, you are helping others and yourself.
It has been nearly a year since wildfires fueled by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora destroyed the town of Lahaina and parts of Kula. The wildfire that killed at least 101 people is the deadliest in the US in more than a century, and the most lethal natural disaster to occur in Hawaiâi since statehood in 1959.
The Lahaina fire has caused extensive damage and significant financial losses. The fire affected 2,719 structures in the areaâ86% of them residential, leaving thousands displaced. The estimated cost to rebuild Lahaina is $5.52 billion.
It makes sense that studies, assessments, evaluations, action plans, advisory committees, and planning boards mindful of history and culture will all be required to tackle the complex, monumental task of reconstructing an entire town.
But what can one person do that would have a positive impact in the aftermath of such devastation? Plenty. There are still many opportunities to lend a hand or open your pocketbook to those in need and help with the expiation of this disaster and the mitigation of future occurrences. MÄlama Kula
In Kula, Kyle Ellison, who nearly lost his own home to the Upcountry fire, has emerged as a changemaker in his community. A big eucalyptus tree was blown down and fell on some power lines, which started a fire in the gulch near his home. While much of the focus has understandably been on Lahaina, sparks from the August fires were still flaring in Kula months later. Despite his own plight, or maybe because of it, he continues his battle on the front lines.
Kyle founded MÄlama Kula, an action-oriented, results-driven nonprofit organization, in order to provide disaster relief in response to the Kula fire, but he also aims to address many other challenges facing his community.
Based in Kula, MÄlama Kula helps provide programs, funding and services for community cleanup, and disaster relief and mitigation.
âFrom day one of the Kula fire, our team had boots on the ground and rallied to help serve our neighbors,â says Kyle. âPeople donated whatever they had and rose up to help at a time when the community needed them most. During the Kula fire, we all became firefighters.â
Twenty Kula homes were lost, Kyle says. In the days that followed, Kula residents rallied and gathered by the hundreds, helping to save properties and homes, and coming to the aid of neighbors, family and strangers dealing with what was left… and what was lost.
âThe Kula community is not going to wait until the next time we hear the crackling of burning trees 200 yards behind our houses to suddenly start thinking itâs time to do something,â says Kyle. âWe need to make the changes now and take action to prevent what is threatening us. That is my mission and commitment. Weâre not going to wait around for studies or a grant or the government. Instead, we will get up, put our boots on and go out and fix the problem ourselves. That has really been the silver lining in all of thisâthat the community has really banded together to fix our own problems and take care of ourselves.â
Thanks to the ensuing Kona storms, the fires were finally doused, but the heavy rains brought their own set of problems. Without proper vegetation and watersheds, the rains caused landslides, rockslides and erosion hazards, with debris-tainted runoff flowing into gulches and eventually into the ocean via Kealia Pond and Maâalaea Bay.
âWe are scattering wood chips from the downed trees on the burn zones to mitigate erosion and help the soil retain moisture,â says Kyle. âWe also are working with the Kula Community Watershed Alliance to replant with native vegetation before invasive species can reestablish themselves. Weâre turning back the hands of time by planting things that will create a thriving native watershed and keep moisture in the ground.â
They are also working to establish an Upcountry green waste facility, clearing fire fuel from gulches and pushing for better infrastructure.
Kyle has created tools, solutions and a structure for success. So roll up your sleeves and get out your walletâthere is still much we all can do.
âShow up with a chainsaw or your checkbook. Either means we are going to get work done.â Get updates on workdays via email or Instagram.
MÄLAMA KULA (nonprofit)
A program of Ka âIke Mau Loa O Ke Kai Hohonu
PO Box 1134, Kula, HI 96790 MalamaKula.org | malamakula@gmail.com
instagram.com/malamakula
It has been nearly a year since wildfires fueled by powerful winds from Hurricane Dora destroyed the town of Lahaina and parts of Kula. The wildfire that killed at least 101 people is the deadliest in the US in more than a century, and the most lethal natural disaster to occur in Hawaiâi since statehood…
My mother and father lived to 92 and 94, respectively, and as the years passed, it was sometimes difficult to choose gifts for them, so I had to be creative. For Motherâs Day and Fatherâs Day, I want to share some special gift ideas for seniors like my parents.
Our smart phones are capable of storing thousands of photos, but scrolling through the memories brings us only fleeting satisfaction. How about a printed photo of the grandchildren in a special frame, on a mug, a key chain or even a blanket? Handmade cards with pictures could be placed on a table, shelf or dresser; many of mine are in my home office and I look at them often.
I have heard that digital photo frames are also a great way to share multiple photos and videos, which can be loaded and updated remotely. This is a perfect gift for parents who are far away.
Some of the best gifts I have received are professionally bounded books of photos of our family vacations, given to me by my daughter. Everyone in our family enjoys reminiscing about the good times we had as they pore over these books filled with photos, funny captions, stories and very precious memories.
If you have a story youâd like to share or know of someone celebrating their centenarian year, contact Sherry Goya at 808-722-8487 or email sgoyallc@aol.com.
My mother and father lived to 92 and 94, respectively, and as the years passed, it was sometimes difficult to choose gifts for them, so I had to be creative. For Motherâs Day and Fatherâs Day, I want to share some special gift ideas for seniors like my parents.
A fireproof safe may not be 100% effective, as evidenced during Mauiâs wildfires last year. In parts of Lahaina, the heat was so intense that safes were found melted.
The Molokaâi Public Health Nursing staff worked with the Kupuna Care Program and the community to create the Book of Life or NÄ Palapala Koâikoâi, a portable organizational binder for important documents. The binders, sheet protectors and cardholders were distributed to 200 senior families during a senior baseball tournament on Maui just before the fire. But families who werenât prepared lost everything, including vital documents.
Families can better expedite services for their kĆ«puna who have all their important documents in one place. Therefore, the Molokaâi Public Health Nursing staff encourages the public to use the NÄ Palapala Koâikoâi binder, or an accordion folder or a bag to hold important documents that is kept in an easily accessible location.
It is highly recommended that everyone start a similar portable binder in which to keep important documents. Documents can include but are not limited to legal, tax, medical and insurance records. This grab-and-go binder could be invaluable in lessening the stress during an emergency that forces you to flee from your home quickly.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Molokaâi Public Health Nursing
P.O. Box 2007, Kaunakakai, HI 96748 808-553-7882 | F: 808-553-7888
A fireproof safe may not be 100% effective, as evidenced during Mauiâs wildfires last year. In parts of Lahaina, the heat was so intense that safes were found melted.
Rick and I winning silver medals in the sanctioned 2023 Pickleboo Pickleball Tournament in Richmond, VA
Having previously worked as content coordinator for Generations Magazine from 2020 to 2021, I returned when my daughter-in-law, Cynthia Arnold, took ownership.
I believe Cynthiaâs vision, compassion and connections will make the magazine an even more valuable resource for Hawaiâiâs current and future generations of kĆ«puna. I was also excited to again work with many familiar Partners and the talented team of professionals creating the magazine.
My background includes 28 years as CEO of statewide professional nonprofit organizationsâ 10 of those with my association management company. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University and earned the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. I have served as president of state and national associations.
Cathy and I winning bronze in 2023 tournament, playing against 30 to 50 year olds!
Retired in 2020, I reside in Virginia Beach, Va., and enjoy the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from my condo while watching cruise ships pass by. I love pickleball and play almost every day. I will visit Hawaiâi twice this year to meet Generationsâ Partners at the popular Aging in Place Workshop in August, and attend the Partner breakfast in December.
My son, Trey Arnold, and daughter-in-law Cynthia are the proud parents of 13-year-old Alexis. My daughter Christy lives in Chesterfield, Va., with daughters Emma, a senior at James Madison University, and Penelope, a high school junior.
Having previously worked as content coordinator for Generations Magazine from 2020 to 2021, I returned when my daughter-in-law, Cynthia Arnold, took ownership.
Did Manuel Nobriga know when he began crafting ice cream from scratch at Maui Soda & Ice Works in Wailuku in 1932 that he would be leaving an enduring legacy that would be perpetuated and celebrated for many generations?
Well, as it turns out, Manuelâs ideas, formulas and methods have become the blueprint for a cherished family recipe that would expand to more than 70 flavors over time. âRoselaniâ was to become a household name on Maui and their familyâs delicious dessert would become an integral part of special occasions across the islands for nearly a century. Through four generations of hard work, consistency, integrity and heart, Maui Soda & Ice Works, LTD, remains a truly remarkable family business.
A Rose by Any Other Name
Strolling the frozen food aisle of your local grocer, you canât miss the iconic, bright pink Lokelani Rose on the carton of Roselani Ice Cream. The Lokelani Rose, or âheavenly rose,â is the official flower of Maui. âRoselaniâ is the combination of âLokelaniâ and âRose.â
âIt honors my grandfatherâs and my fatherâs identity,â said Catherine Nobriga Kimâor Auntie Cathy, as many called herâ the late company leader and beloved granddaughter of Manuel, when receiving Honolulu Magazineâs Hale âAina Award.
It remains a premier accolade in Hawaiâiâs food industry and one among many honors this family business holds dear. Cathy, her four brothers and her cousins ran and expanded this division of Maui Soda & Ice Works after her father and respected business pioneer, David âBuddyâ Nobriga, retired in 2000.
âA rose is the best you can give for every special occasion,â said Cathy. âItâs the queen of perfection.â
The Nobrigas continue to create their recipe for success through time-honored traditions, quality ingredients, loyal relationships and local revenues.
Manuel Nobriga laid the foundation for his familyâs legacy
A Family Tradition of Excellence Begins
Loyal fans of this sweet staple will find comfort in knowing this is a true local business, crafted with aloha on Maui, right on Lower Main Street in Wailuku, with radiant âÄȘao Valley as a backdrop. The family has spent millions of dollars on renovations, including a facelift and expansion of the factory and grounds where rice paddies existed over 100 years ago.
The foundation of the business was built with blocks of ice 140 years ago. Iceboxes were our first refrigerators. The blocks of ice that filled them were big business in the tropics. Kahului was the portal through which this revolutionary good was delivered throughout the middle of the Pacific. Maui Soda & Ice Works was birthed from a business model focusing on being the ice company, delivering blocks by horse and cart from what is now Kahului Harbor.
Manuel started working at Maui Soda & Ice Works in 1922, and over the next decade, he would plant the seeds that his family would grow over the next century. Maui Ice Cream leased space at Maui Soda in 1931 when Manuel was working there. Maui Soda & Ice Works bought it the following year.
âThe Wadsworth family brought refrigeration to Maui and it was a total gamechanger,â says Cathyâs brother, James Nobriga, vice president of distribution and
facilities at Maui Soda & Ice Works.
The Nobriga family acquired the Maui Soda & Ice Works company and property from the revered Wadsworth Family in 1946. The Wailuku headquarters continues to grow successfully under their careful watch.
âWe fortunately got their equipment for making ice cream and were able to keep it going,â says James.
David âBuddyâ Nobriga expanded business and connected with the community.
Manuel and son David, James and Cathyâs father, researched ice cream and experimented for many years, but it was Auntie Cathy who was known as the Nobriga with the best hand at ice cream making and tastebuds for creating flavors. In 1972, they introduced the Roselani Ice Cream brand name, using the same methods and base recipe Manuel crafted in that facility 40 years prior.
Their commitment to excellence and tradition, along with being in the right place at the right time, has provided tasty opportunities for the Nobrigas.
The Maui Soda & Ice Works of today is comprised of three divisions: ready-to-drink beverages, food service beverages and frozen fare. Locally owned and operated since 1884, the company just commemorated 140 years on Maui and a century with Coca-Cola.
The ice cream division is in its 92nd year. Presently, Maui Soda & Ice Works distributes 463 items, including 42 flavors of Roselaniâs premium ice cream and sherbet.
Coca-Cola Connection & Centennial
If you have enjoyed a fountain Coca-Cola on Maui, say mahalo to Maui Soda & Ice. But without its relationship to Coca-Cola for the last century, the âCoca-Cola True, Roselani Proud!â companyâs ice cream may have not been widely distributed.
Coca-Cola came to town via the harbor during WWI and WWII. Maui Soda & Ice Works was its official bottling manufacturer from 1924 until the end of the 1980s. Since then, the business model with Coca-Cola has been both manufacturing and distribution. The Nobrigas are responsible for keeping the bubbly beverage flowing across Maui.
Inside the facility are display cases full of Coca-Cola artifacts, plaques and ribbons.
Buddy James Makana Aloha Nobriga, aka, âBuddy,â Jamesâs son, is the fourth generation to steer the ship, serving as operations manager of Roselani, and the director of sales and marketing for Maui Soda & Ice Works, so he oversees Coca-Cola distribution, as well.
The key to growth is in its retail and foodservice business while maintaining the authenticity of their original ice cream. Ice cream is not as big of a business as soda and beverage distribution, and Buddy shared how difficult it can be to find refrigeration and frozen storage on Maui. âIt makes business sense, so we also store and distribute bigger brand names since we are already delivering,â he explains.
âWeâre looking forward to a gala this year for our 100 years with Coke, which will be held on Nov. 16, with Coca-Cola presenting us with a 100 Years plaque,â says Buddy.
Steered by Stewardship
The Nobrigas believe in taking care of its people and the community that supports them. Those cherry-red refrigeration trucks with the classic Coca-Cola logo cruising the Valley Isle are integral to Maui Soda & Ice Works. They rolled right into action following the tragic fires in Lahaina in August 2023, delivering cold goods and donations, doing what they could at hubs distributing food and supplies for those affected.
Before that, during the struggles of COVID, the company donated products and gave back to the community in any way it could, even while dealing with supply and workforce issues of its own.
âGrowing up, my grandfather really instilled in us community stewardship,â said Buddy. âWe understand we wouldnât be here without those people in the community that support us. We take it seriously in our company culture and family culture. Giving back isnât in questionâit is part of our framework.â
Everyone in the family extends their alohaâ from serving the community to sitting on school boards. Buddy served as board chair for the County of Maui Department of Water Supply. He took his shot at a Maui County Council seat a few years ago, but in reality, there may not have been enough hours in the day to accomplish that goal. He focuses on family and business operations, and of course, being the head taste tester at Roselani. âI got ice cream to test,â he says.
Generations of Goodness
Roselani Ice Cream, a family business founded on flavor, celebrations and history, has a motto that is printed on each carton of ice cream: âDriven by legacy, crafted with Aloha, one batch at a time.â For 92 years, powered by four generations, the Nobriga family continues to create âMauiâs Own Ice Cream,â slow-cooked to perfection in their historic plant, utilizing Manuelâs template for making a one-of-a-kind ice cream with velvety texture and rich flavor.
Catherine Nobriga Kim remains the heart and soul of Roselani
Manuelâs flavor formulas were so well received on Maui from 1932 onward, that he continued to create his recipes for ice cream parlors and wholesale alike until he retired in 1971. He passed the apron onto his son David âBuddyâ Nobriga, who assumed the leadership roles of running the cattle ranch and the trucking company. He worked tirelessly to make his dadâs ice cream more accessible. By the mid-1980s, Roselaniâs ice cream was being produced in half-gallon âbricksâ to be sold in mom-and-pop grocery stores on Maui.
David later appointed his daughter (Catherine Nobriga Kim, Auntie Cathy) as vice president of the company and operations manager of Roselani. She elevated and diversified Roselani during her time, including developing the renowned Roselani Tropics line in 1989 and starting neighbor island distribution in 1999 with Oâahu. In 2019, she helped lead the introduction of a new retail carton for the Tropics line, a 48-ounce carton more compliant with industry standards and a more practical size for consumers.
She appointed Buddy, her godson and eldest nephew, as operations manager in 2017, and he remains the driving force, taking Roselani into a new era for the next generation.
Never sacrificing quality by cutting corners is one of the reasons Roselani is also known as âMauiâs Best Ice Cream,â as evidenced by the array of accolades gracing their headquarter walls and spilling across tabletops.
Buddy James Nobriga keeps the recipes safe for the next generation
One of their many awards is the prominent 2015 TASTE Award, the Governorâs Lifetime Achievement Award from Hawaiâi Food Manufacturers Association for Roselani Ice Creamâs history of distinguished service, industry inspiration and lasting contributions.
âIn a world of corporate consolidation, itâs pretty tough to keep going, but we do,â says Buddy. âAs my grandfather said, âFor the Portuguese, sometimes that stubbornness works out.ââ
Keeping It Local
Although the notion of mom-and-pop business gets thrown around a lot across the Aloha State, year after year, more of them are either disappearing or expanding so rapidly that they lose their essence by forfeiting control.
The Nobrigas are committed to keeping local families and individuals employed for many years. Maui Soda & Ice Works employs just under 80 employees, all on Maui and LÄnaâi, with 40% employed 25 years or more.
âFor me personally, it has been a family standard in all our businesses,â says Buddy. âI take great pride in being a locally owned business with all of our staff from here or living here, and the revenue generated staying here. Thatâs so important. In these unprecedented times of transition and rebuilding, we owe it to one another, but moreover, to those who worked so hard. We have an opportunity to keep making this magic happen on Maui.â
Maintaining relationships with suppliers is also part of their model, but it has been challenging at times. COVID and the recent fires have closed a variety of small businesses, including one they worked with for over 35 years. âItâs really tough. Our hearts go out to the businesses and the people whose lives were forever changed. We need to be here for them and stand strongâonipaâa. All will be better as we honomuaâmove forward together as one Maui Strong for all generations.â
âWe source locally as much as possible, but sometimes that can get you into trouble,â said Buddy. They honor the recipe and ingredients as true to the original as possible. âIf I canât get the exact same ingredients, our customers will notice. They will call and hold you accountable.â
âWe are very ingredient sensitive, and our customers will let us know if there is even a slight difference,â said Buddy. âOur customers have always had a voice, and we listen⊠I think itâs one of the reasons we stay successful.â
Buddy is not only the main ice cream taste tester, he also tends multiple email inboxes of customer inquiries and answers phone calls. âIâm never afraid to talk to a customer⊠weâre the kind of business where they talk to the source.â
Three cartons of Roselani Ice Cream
Family Matters
From the 1970s through the early 2000s, multiple siblings from multiple Nobriga families worked at Maui Soda & Ice Works at the same time, plus in-laws. âThey laid the foundation for what we have today,â says Buddy.
âHalf of our company have been here over 20 years, and some people I work with nowâmy aunties and unclesâ have been here 40-plus years,â says Buddy. âThey knew me when I rode my bicycle around the Wailuku site. This was our playground.â
James and his siblings also grew up there. Nobriga keiki were always part of the business.
Today, Buddyâs father, James, has an office across the hall from him. Buddyâs cousin and brother also work within the company.
And now, Buddyâs keiki are running around the lot and completing homework onsite. Buddy fell for an Oâahu girl and they have four beautiful keiki under the age of 12 who consider themselves âofficial taste tastersâ for Roselani Ice Cream.
Although his children are still young, he hopes they will eventually continue the family legacy. The future of its growth will be in their hands.
A Godmotherâs Legacy
Auntie Cathy
Auntie Cathy diligently studied how to make their ice cream. She created their Tropics lineâ a go-to for residents and visitors alike. Favorites include the Banana Mac Crunch, Chocolate Mac Nut, Kona Mud Pie and the most sought-after flavor, Haupia, a coconut pudding creation.
Buddy took the reins of the ice cream division âby default and choiceâ in 2017. His godmother, Auntie Cathy, had to take on a bigger role in the company. âShe took me under her wing,â said Buddy. âSheâs still the heartbeat of the business.â
Cathy worked at the plant since she was 15, later leading as president and general manager. Brian Fevella, who has been with the company for 46 years, took over after Auntie Cathy suddenly passed away from cancer in 2020. The Nobrigas are forever grateful for Brian and the âohana who dedicate themselves to this business.
Lokelani Rose bushes bloom outside the Wailuku home of Roselani Ice Cream, and Auntie Cathyâs bright spirit and incredible work continue. One of their latest and most special flavors honors her with a pink rose lei gracing the cartons, in support of breast cancer awareness. Aloha Cherry Truffle is black cherry ice cream with fudge swirl and black cherriesâa fantastic flavor developed by Cathy. The lei honors their company angel, whose spirit can still be felt within the walls of the teamâs historic plant on Lower Main Street.
âMy grandfathers and aunt shine down on us,â says Buddy. âShe is missed, but it is a privilege to carry on. Itâs much more than prideâthe word âprideâ is not enough.â
Auntie Cathy created many of the recipes, so Buddy is now in charge of them. He works hard to keep each and every flavor as true as possible to the original.
His first creation was ube, purple sweet potato goodness, which has been going over well.
The Nobriga family has crafted something so special and shared it with so many, their customers and supporters develop a sense of pride and appreciate its dependable consistency.
The variety of flavors offered by Roselani
Whatâs the Scoop? Modern Moves & Future Plans
Buddyâs idea of the pint line was a welcome addition to the company, attracting a whole new group of fans. COVID had halted its release in 2020, but Roselani was able to launch pints in May 2023, after four members of the Nobriga family from Buddyâs generation collaborated with designers to give the packaging a fresh facelift.
âIt was a drastic change from the original packaging, but we made it through,â says Buddy. âI swing for the fences. I donât have time to bunt.â
The company completely overhauled its production facility to make it a reality. The pint allows a new group to taste the flavors they normally wouldnât, as many were only available through wholesale outlets.
As with any artisanal, quality product made from scratch on Maui, the price point is higher than many mainstream brands.
âWe could definitely bring down the price by making it on the mainland, but it wouldnât be the same,â says Buddy. âNot everything is about the dollar, but rather, keeping quality.â
Roselani is distributed statewide for now, with a dream of going national. They are always exploring opportunities and vowing to never sacrifice taste.
A Recipe for Success
With a goal to be Hawaiâiâs best ice cream for generations to come, itâs vital to protect precious recipes.
âWe hold our recipe secrets close, including our traditional process for creating the ice cream,â says Buddy. âI like to say we make it just how great-grandfather made
it 92 years ago.â
They honor the game plan, maintain the great taste and keep the same high standards since the beginning. Three generations of their family have studied physics. Crafting Mauiâs favorite ice cream for over 90 years takes brilliance.
Itâs the unique way that the butterfat is crafted that gives Roselani its silky texture and smooth finish. Because of the butterfat content, it is best to place your carton in the refrigerator for a half-an-hour before scoopingâ or pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds, the Nobrigas advise.
Whatever you are craving, Roselani can satisfy. With this rainbow of flavors, you may think Buddy would have an exotic favorite, but he is in love with Gourmet vanilla. Buddy was taught everything starts with how a good vanilla is made. âAs a fourth-generation ice cream maker, I have to have that palate,â he says.
Hawaiian Vanilla Bean is his other favorite. The vanilla has come from a family farm on Hawaiâi Island for the last 20 years. The farmâs orchids, the source of the vanilla beans, is so vital to the recipe, that Roselani cannot produce the flavor without them. Thankfully, this iconic flavor is available via retail sales.
Mauiâs Ice Cream
Roselani Ice Cream is not just about a dessert. The stories of celebrations are what itâs all about for the Nobriga âohana.
âIt is a part of their lives⊠thatâs what it is to me,â Buddy shares with emotion. âYeah, itâs an ice cream, but also a part of their fondest memories.â
James Nobriga (Cathyâs brother and Buddyâs dad) is a strong but mild-mannered man who serves as vice president of distribution and facilities. âPeople allow us to be a part of their celebrations, inviting us to being a part of their lives and their childrenâs lives,â he says. âItâs humbling.â
Destiny
Buddy played seven sports growing up, doing his best to keep busy so he âdidnât have to workâ at the plant in Wailuku. âI tried really hard to avoid it when I was younger, and came back here after attending business school on the mainland,â he says. âNow, Iâm in the right place.â
Buddy realizes the pressure of heading operations of a company, but also says that in a family business, job titles donât mean anything. He understands what âhas to be done, has to be done and this is a team effort on every level.â
âItâs my job to steward this, so the next generation has the opportunity,â says Buddy. âItâs not mine, I didnât start it, I can only add to it, make it better and make sure itâs there for whoever is willing to take it forward.â
Ice, soda and ice cream stand the test of time within the ebb and flow of small business, and the Nobrigas have achieved a historic level of success by walking their talk, staying true to their ancestors and leaders before them, and running a company with ingenuity, a strong work ethic and true aloha.
Buddy loves to be a part of the process. He walks the entire property once a day he when he is not traveling.
âFor me, I was raised that kuleana is not a responsibility; it is a gift,â Buddy says, while tearing up. âWhen things get tough here, I just remember it is a gift. It is special.â
Find markets across the Aloha State that carry Roselani Ice Cream by visiting roselani.com.
Did Manuel Nobriga know when he began crafting ice cream from scratch at Maui Soda & Ice Works in Wailuku in 1932 that he would be leaving an enduring legacy that would be perpetuated and celebrated for many generations? Well, as it turns out, Manuelâs ideas, formulas and methods have become the blueprint for a…
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