Category: Date

Eight Words That Saved My Marriage

by Pastor Russ Higa

Judy and I were married way back in 1979. She was just 26 and I was 25. While we were dating, I had her on a pedestal. She was my princess and I would buy her gifts and treat her as the most special woman in my life. Soon after we got married, we moved to Portland, Oregon, so that I could finish my last three years of seminary school.Is it please? Thank you? Yes dear? Those are great words but a different script saved my marriage. Here’s my story.

Will you forgive me? Yes, I forgive you.

I clearly remember the first night in our new apartment. She started cooking dinner at about 8:30 pm. By 9:30, my stomach was growling and so was I. Perplexed, Judy looked at me and asked, “Why are you so grouchy?” I responded, “I’m so hungry. When are we going to eat?” She responded, “Oh, I didn’t know. I eat whenever I feel like it.” Looking back, that episode was a sign of more stress to come. I quickly realized that my wonderful wife was creative, spontaneous and free-flowing. I, on the other hand, liked everything in order, like eating at the same time and being on time. I hated being late for anything.

So, who do you think got irritated? Not Judy! I’d grumble, “We’re late again. Don’t you know I don’t want to be late?!” “Judy, why do you leave your stuff on the dinner table? The table is for food, not storage!” Marriage to a spontaneous woman was quite an adjustment for me. We had wonderful times together, but I was often impatient and irritated.

Seeking a solution, I began praying, “Lord, please change my wife. Help her to get organized!” My repeated prayer got no answer. Then one day I sensed Father God’s answer. “Russell, Judy doesn’t have to change. You have to! You must become more loving and patient!”

In spite of my protests, I knew my Father was right. It was then that I learned the words that saved my marriage. “Will you forgive me? Will you please forgive me for my impatience, for being demanding and for acting unloving?”

When Judy responded, “I forgive you,” our marriage was revitalized. We’ve been married 37 years now and from time to time we still need to say those precious words.

“Will you forgive me?” Yes, I forgive you.”

Even in your golden years, practice forgiving and asking for forgiveness. Those eight words may save a precious relationship.

STREAMS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP
Manoa Elementary School Cafeteria
3155 Manoa Road, Honolulu HI 96822
808-554-4513 | www.streamsoflife.org
Services: Sundays, 10 am
Alternate site: Manoa District Park
2721 Ka‘aipu Ave., Honolulu HI 96822

by Pastor Russ Higa Judy and I were married way back in 1979. She was just 26 and I was 25. While we were dating, I had her on a pedestal. She was my princess and I would buy her gifts and treat her as the most special woman in my life. Soon after we…
Shining Light Awards Honor Senior Advocates

by Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans and Kokua Council

Beginning in 2008, the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) and Kokua Council present their Shining Light Awards to individuals and organizations who have been strong advocates for seniors, demonstrating an understanding of the important issues.

This year, the groups honored two men who represent very different advocacy traditions.

John Radcliffe has been a long-time labor leader and lobbyist for a variety of clients and causes. Recently, his personal struggle with a life-threatening illness transformed him into a passionate and effective advocate for Death with Dignity legislation. His frequent public testimony about his personal challenge is authentic and poignant.

(L–R) Felipe Tan, former EOA accountant; John G. McDermott; Serafin “Jun” Colmenares, former EOA planner.

John McDermott has been Hawai‘i’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman since 1998, protecting the state’s most vulnerable adults. Some of his major accomplishments include legislation requiring criminal background checks for those having contact with vulnerable adults, legislation requiring that annual inspection and complaint results for care facilities be posted on the state Department of Health website, and legislation restoring a fulltime ombudsman for O‘ahu and approving part-time ombudsman positions for other islands.

HARA and Kokua Council present these awards annually at their annual post-legislative session review called “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”

HARA and Kokua Council are part of the growing number of community-driven senior advocacy groups that pay particular attention to public policy, following important pieces of legislation, meeting with legislators and staff, and providing testimony on a wide range of issues.

The review provides an opportunity for legislators to remind us of the good they have done — but also provides advocates a chance to remind elected officials what still needs to be accomplished.

This year’s meeting was a candid, open and respectful review. Concerns about the legislative process, community program oversight, quality-control systems and effectiveness were also aired.

Both organizations are always seeking more members and participants in their activities.

HAWAI‘I ALLIANCE OF RETIRED AMERICANS
1953 S. Beretania St. Ste. 5c, Honolulu HI 96826
Justin Wong, President
808-395-9717 | wongj060@hawaii.rr.com
www.retiredamericans.org

KOKUA COUNCIL at Harris United Methodist Church
20 South Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu HI 96813
Jim Shon, Kokua Council President | 808-540-1928
www.kokuacouncil.blogspot.com/

by Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans and Kokua Council Beginning in 2008, the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) and Kokua Council present their Shining Light Awards to individuals and organizations who have been strong advocates for seniors, demonstrating an understanding of the important issues. This year, the groups honored two men who represent very…
It’s the Good Life!

by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “A Medicare Moment with Martha”

The 33rd Annual Good Life Expo is returning to your favorite spot, the Blaisdell Center, for first-class entertainment and fun. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to 89-year-old Tony Bennett as he astounded the audience with his greatest hits, including his classic It’s the Good Life and another showstopper, his a capella performance of I Left My Heart in San Francisco. Diana Ross, who also appeared at the Blaisdell, sang beautifully and wowed the audience with six full costume changes consisting of floor length gowns complete with feathers and sequins—all at 70 years of age. At age 69, Carlos Santana also recently performed his hits, including my favorite, Maria, Maria, as a video of his appearances in Hawai‘i from the 1960s screened.

32nd Annual Hawaii Seniors’ Fair–The Good Life Expo

What do these great performers all have in common — besides headlining at the Blaisdell? They are over 65, still working and may qualify for Medicare. If you or someone you know is 65 or will be soon, don’t miss this year’s Good Life Expo, where you can talk to experts, ask questions, find useful resources and enjoy stellar entertainment. The event is scheduled for Sept. 22, 23 and 24. I will be at the Kaiser Permanente table this year, booths 330 and 331, so please stop by and let’s talk about “The Good Life!”

by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “A Medicare Moment with Martha” The 33rd Annual Good Life Expo is returning to your favorite spot, the Blaisdell Center, for first-class entertainment and fun. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to 89-year-old Tony Bennett as he astounded the audience with his greatest hits, including…
Age Out Loud!

by Jim Cisler, Recognition and Awards Committee Chair

On June 2, 2017, the State Executive Office on Aging Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs hosted the 54th annual Older Americans Month Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at 15 Craigside Place in Honolulu.

Each year, the Federal Administration for Community Living provides a national theme to celebrate the accomplishments of our older citizens. This year’s theme — AGE OUT LOUD! — was meant to spotlight many important issues and trends.

This event was intended to recognize and
celebrate what “getting older” looks like today.

Increasingly, our kūpuna engage in their communities, strive for wellness, focus on independence and advocate for themselves.

(L–R, back row) MC Rep. Gregg Takayama, MCOA Deborah Stone-Walls, EAD Nalani Aki, Gov. David Ige, EOA Terri Byers, KAEA Kealoha Takahashi, HCOA C. Kimo Alameda, PABEA Joy Miyasaki, (front row) Maui – Cornelius Feenstra & Yaemi Yogi, O‘ahu – Anthony Baccay, Kaua‘i – James Jung & Sanae Morita, Hawai‘i Island – Anthony Ancheta & Doris M. Davis.

Doris “DD” Davis and Anthony “Tony” Ancheta were Hawai‘i County’s honorees. DD, vice president of the Pahala Senior Club, serves meals at the club’s nutrition center, helps delivered meals, and assists with sewing and art classes. She’s active with the Baha’i Faith Spiritual Assembly in Ka‘ū, Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries, and the Adopt-a-Highway program.

Tony is a volunteer van driver. He a board member and coordinator for “Da Guys,” the men’s group at the Waimea Senior Citizen’s Club. He served in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard for 30 years. He assisted Hamakua plantation employees in their transition to become landowners and farmers. He even learned their language so he could help them with tax and insurance issues.

Honorees also included Sanae Morita and James “Jim” Jung from Kaua‘i County. A retired elementary school teacher, Sanae has worked with the Kaua‘i Association for Family and Community Education for more than 50 years. She is a docent for the Grove Farm Museum, a greeter at the Kaua‘i Museum and a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council.

Jim is a retired public defender who volunteers at Kaua‘i Hospice and serves as an AARP driver safety instructor. The U.S. Coast Guard veteran is also an ocean safety educator with the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association. He is a professional storyteller at the Kaua‘i Museum focusing on Polynesian migration and ocean voyaging.

Anthony “Tony” Baccay from the City and County of Honolulu was also honored. Tony is a 21-year U.S. Air Force veteran who spent another 21 years working with the county’s Elderly Affairs Division. He volunteers for Project Dana, shops for the home-bound, transports patients to doctor visits and teaches seniors how to manage medical challenges. He is also a USO volunteer at the Joint Base Peral Harbor Hickam.

Maui County residents Yaemi Yogi and Cornelius Feenstra were also honored. Yaemi, 91, has volunteered at Kaunoa Senior Services and the Maui Adult Day Care Centers for the past 17 years. She helps also helps with office tasks.

Holland native Cornelius is a concentration camp survivor. After the war, he participated in relief efforts, human rights campaigns, blood drives and fundraising for war victims. He now volunteers with the Maui Medical Center Aloha Committee, the Good Neighbors Club and the Kīhei Adult Community Center.

by Jim Cisler, Recognition and Awards Committee Chair On June 2, 2017, the State Executive Office on Aging Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs hosted the 54th annual Older Americans Month Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at 15 Craigside Place in Honolulu. Each year, the Federal Administration for Community Living provides a national theme to celebrate…
Help a Loved One with Social Security

by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are nearly 57 million people living with disabilities. Thirty percent of America’s adults help provide care for a sick or disabled family member. Providing physical and emotional support is a demanding job with stresses and rewards, but it can also be a labor of love.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is committed to helping secure today and tomorrow for every American. This is especially true for people who need help managing their benefits. SSA works closely with caregivers through its representative payee program. A representative payee is someone who receives and oversees SS or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for anyone who cannot manage them on their own —child or adult.

A representative payee is usually a trusted family member or friend, but when they are not available, SSA looks for qualified individuals or organizations to represent the beneficiary. Learn more about becoming a representative payee by watching a new series of videos at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee.

The videos will enable you to help those who are unable to help themselves.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri:

1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are nearly 57 million people living with disabilities. Thirty percent of America’s adults help provide care for a sick or disabled family member. Providing physical and emotional support is a demanding job with stresses and rewards, but it…
Retired & Senior Volunteers Give Back…

by Lenny Fabro, Project Director, RSVP Oahu Volunteer Program

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), one of the largest senior volunteer networks in the U.S., is one of three Senior Corps programs funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that supports service and volunteering.

The mission of the Oahu RSVP is to enhance the lives of older adults and help prevent senior homelessness by meeting the community’s needs through volunteerism, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations and public agencies — including schools.

Volunteers encourage children by reading at the Next Step Shelter.

RSVP also addresses the mission of the Elderly Affairs Division of the City and County of Honolulu to strengthen the community by improving the quality of life for its citizens in need through delivery of essential, supportive services.

Program volunteers help provide health and nutrition services, and also provide tutoring for children and literacy programs for adults.

RSVP volunteers contribute to public safety and help provide advocacy for seniors. They also help promote and sustain local culture and assist with environmental restoration.

The benefits of RSVP are many. Isolated seniors feel less lonely as they develop close ties to volunteers; companionship is just a phone call away through RSVP. Many seniors are able to continue living in their own homes with the support they receive from RSVP volunteers. Seniors can receive nutritious meals through Meals on Wheels food delivery, or may even be able to do their own grocery shopping and errands with the help of RSVP volunteers. Transportation is also provided for trips to and from medical appointments.

More importantly, through RSVP, seniors have the opportunity to be linked with other services they may need.

A Lanakila Meals on Wheels volunteer delivers food… and a smile.

RSVP provides services to other family members, including respite for caregivers.

The program also serves underprivileged children by providing them lunch, and serves veterans and their families, as well as young military families.

The Volunteer Experience

Oahu RSVP strives to provide a high-quality volunteer experience in order to facilitate the program’s expansion.

Volunteers 55 and older are assessed, recruited and linked with opportunities that match their interests, and make use of their wisdom, skills and life experience to help social service agencies meet needs.

Volunteers are placed in nonprofits and public agencies, also known as “Volunteer Stations,” throughout the community.

The program offers prospective volunteers a wide array of placement choices from 38 nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools and support services.

The RSVP program can be accessed at City & County of Honolulu Customer Services Departments. Or contact the Oahu RSVP using the information below to either become a volunteer or to enlist some of its many valuable services for yourself or a loved one. n

RSVP OAHU VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
City & County of Honolulu DCS/Elderly Affairs Division
715 S. King St. Rm. 211, Honolulu HI 96813

The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), one of the largest senior volunteer networks in the U.S., is one of three Senior Corps programs funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that supports service and volunteering.
Living in a Community of Caring

by Kelika Ishol, Director of Sales and Marketing & Resource Development

Ever think about growing old? Even when we become caregivers for aging loved ones, or start to feel pain in our joints, or experience the “where did I leave my keys?” and “what was I gonna say?” moments, we may still not attribute them to aging.

But it’s inevitable. What we see our aging loved ones go through is a process that we all will eventually experience. When I think back about taking care of my grandmother who had Alzheimer’s disease, I reflect on one of the most challenging times in my life. My grandmother, a vibrant and beautiful woman who went beyond the call to care for everyone, now needed care. Her incontinence issues, assistance with bathing, meal prep, elopement situations and medication management were ongoing parts of my life 1998. While caring for my grandmother, I was also raising four young daughters. They called me “the sandwich generation.”

As a resident of a retirement community, you are a part of an ‘ohana, where together, you can discover the fun of aging, and feel safe and secure.

My beautiful and loving grandmother passed away in 2001 from a hemorrhagic stroke while she was living in an Alzheimer’s unit on the Leeward side of O’ahu. Placing her in that facility was at the same time the hardest and the easiest thing for me to do… Make sense? Of course it does. The guilt of placing my grandmother in an Alzheimer’s unit was hurtful and difficult, but the relief of placing her there surpassed the guilt. It truly was the best decision I made—for me, my family and most importantly, for her.

If I knew then, what I know about retirement communities now, I would have definitely educated my grandparents early enough so that they could have enjoyed their retirement years. And no one in our family would have to experience the guilt, pain or mixed emotions of placing a loved one in a care home or retirement community.

What You Can Expect

Retirement communities provide that peace of mind by providing meal options, socialization opportunities, 24-hour oversight, emergency call systems, transportation services and much more. It’s really a community where residents take the time to care for each other and share in the aging process.

So the next time you see a senior, think about your life. Do you want your children caring for you as I cared for my grandmother? Or do you want to enjoy your retirement years with others who share your interests, professionals that care for you, and having the opportunity for your family and friends to visit and enjoy your new life?

Retirement communities in Hawai‘i start at about $3,100 per month and include all your utilities, maintenance, housekeeping, landscaping, meals, transportation to medical appointments and shopping, social events, fitness centers and much more.

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY POHAI NANI
45-090 Namoku St., Kaneohe HI 96744

808-247-6211 | www.good-sam.com/pohainani

Ever think about growing old? Even when we become caregivers for aging loved ones, or start to feel pain in our joints, or experience the “where did I leave my keys?” and “what was I gonna say?” moments, we may still not attribute them to aging.
National Patient Safety Goals
by Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care GIVING CARE

Most seniors I meet say they prefer to age in place and live at home for as long as they can. Who wouldn’t want that, right? But living out your life safely at home may require a bit of help and experience. Home healthcare is particularly suited here; clients can manage their care with medical professionals to help make safer and more informed decisions.

Nursing supervisors specializing in home healthcare partner with individuals and family members to ensure that safety and quality care are achieved in the home as a primary goal. “When families need care for an aging loved one, regardless of the level of care, the discussions usually involve getting individuals from here to there and everywhere in between safely. A nursing supervisor can review your medications and care management, fall risks and other factors impacting a client’s ability to safely do their daily activities,” said Marjorie Gentilella, a Honolulu home healthcare nurse.

“Families want to know their loved one is being cared for in their home with safety as a top priority, and that providers have a solid track record in mitigating safety risks and hazards,” added Marjorie.

An overarching goal in providing home healthcare is to help individuals regain or maintain independence, and be as self-sufficient as possible, and to slow the advance of health-related problems so individuals may continue to live at home safely.

The Joint Commission, the standards-setting and accrediting body in healthcare, is considered the gold standard in accomplishing and evidencing these ideals. A home healthcare agency that is Joint Commission accredited uses National Patient Safety Goals set by the commission as a higher standard for safety and client care.

As with major hospitals in Hawai‘i, Joint Commission-accredited home healthcare agencies must establish and meet National Patient Safety Goals on an annual basis. To verify that these safety goals are established and met, trained medical professionals conduct on-site surveys of the agency on safety, including how well staff:

Provides a safe environment for your loved one

Educates you about the risks and options for your diagnosis and treatment

Protects your rights as a patient, including your privacy rights

Evaluates your condition, before, during and after diagnosis and treatment

Protects you against infections and ways to control infection

Plans for emergency situations

Individuals and families are almost always overwhelmed with the task of searching for and choosing a home healthcare agency for a loved one. But knowing an agency is Joint Commission accredited and committed to safety and quality can make the task easier. An agency held to National Patient Safety Goals is required to evidence, and continuously improve upon safety and quality care for all clients. And this means better care outcomes for our beloved kupuna.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission

1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com

AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program to provide resources for seniors and their families, instructed by a registered nurse, who covers a different aging process each month. For class information on Parkinson’s disease and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.
Most seniors I meet say they prefer to age in place and live at home for as long as they can. Who wouldn’t want that, right? But living out your life safely at home may require a bit of help and experience. Home healthcare is particularly suited here; clients can manage their care with medical…
Are Your Affairs in Order?

Does someone know where you keep your important documents? Do your loved ones know what your last wishes are should something happen to you? Do you know what to do when a loved one is faced with an emergency?

There are many sad stories about people passing unexpectedly with no one knowing what that person’s wishes were or anything about their paperwork. Was there a will? Where might it be? What about a life insurance policy?

You can have peace of mind knowing you have protected your family and loved ones by taking the time to do a few important things.

What is appropriate for you? A will, a living trust or nothing? A will, at minimum, can name someone you trust to carry out your wishes. You can name a guardian for your underage children. A living trust does the same things as a will, but provides options for tax planning and avoids probate. In either case, consulting an attorney who specializes in estate planning will help you.

Everyone should have an Advance Health Care Directive, which informs your doctors and family about the medical treatments and life-prolonging procedures you want. This will help your family during a very difficult time and relieve them of the burden of guessing…

A Guide to Getting Affairs in Order organizes paperwork and makes wishes known.

GETTING AFFAIRS IN ORDER

808-782-3879 | Karen@gettingaffairsinorder.com
www.gettingaffairsinorder.com

Does someone know where you keep your important documents? Do your loved ones know what your last wishes are should something happen to you? Do you know what to do when a loved one is faced with an emergency?
Gregory Pai at Manoa Gallery

by Dr. Barbara Thompson, Art Historian

Tucked in a quiet corner in Manoa Valley, Manoa Gallery is a neighborhood gem where fine arts and crafts by senior Hawai‘i artists Gregory Pai, Russell Lowrey, Cora Yee, Richard A Cooke III, Dennis Morton and Barbara Thompson reveal that inspiration and creativity never get old.

“Sunset over Kualoa,” oil on canvas, by Gregory Pai

Winner of national art awards, Gregory (born in 1945) was trained as an architect before becoming the chief economist for First Hawaiian Bank and the special assistant for Economic and Policy Affairs under two governors. Inspired by the spiritual beauty of the islands, jazz musician Gregory turned his serious attention to drawing and painting around 2000, when studying at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and the Grand Central Academy of Art in New York.

Now on view at Manoa Gallery, Gregory’s paintings capture the sublime quality of the Hawaiian skies at dusk and dawn, the embrace of mist across volcanic highlands and serene reflections in sacred Hawaiian ponds.

MANOA GALLERY
2964 East Manoa Rd., Ste. 1, Honolulu HI 96822

808-468-2428 | info@manoagallery.com
www.manoagallery.com

Tucked in a quiet corner in Manoa Valley, Manoa Gallery is a neighborhood gem where fine arts and crafts by senior Hawai‘i artists Gregory Pai, Russell Lowrey, Cora Yee, Richard A Cooke III, Dennis Morton and Barbara Thompson reveal that inspiration and creativity never get old.
A New Cave for the Hawai‘i Men’s Shed

by Jerome S Taniyama, Secretary, Hawai‘i Men’s Shed Association

Back in late 2015 at a Rotary club meeting, I learned about the “men’s shed” program. To me, that term conjured up an image of an old workshop or storage building next to a residence. I was corrected by a fellow Rotarian who described the Men’s Shed as a club made up of senior men drawn by fellowship, and the desire to work on personal and group projects. In fact, over 10 years ago, the concept began in Australia through Rotary clubs that helped charter Men’s Shed to provide an opportunity for senior age men. There are now over 1,200 Men’s Sheds in Australia. The Australian government documented positive results in the mental and physical health of Men’s Shed members, and now provides funding subsidies to ensure their sustainability.

Men’s Shed members met to discuss the new location and a bike refurbishing project.

The Hawai‘i Men’s Shed Association officially chartered its shed on March 1, 2016, and filed legal paperwork with the state DCCA, tax office and IRS as a nonprofit. We saw no similar program or organization that would serve the social needs of senior men. Our Hawai‘i Men’s Shed is modeled after the Australian Men’s Sheds in regards to safety, daily operations and self governance. We run on a minimal budget with funds supplied by member donations and have no paid staff.

In January 2017, the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset adopted the Hawai‘i Men’s Shed as one of its community service projects. Our shed has also received recognition from and the support of Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, an advocate for ku¯puna services. We have also engaged in talks with Marlene Sai (at Na Ku¯puna Makamae Senior Center), the Waikiki Community Center and Kupu Hawaii regarding additional sites and programs.

A workday project at the Na Kupuna Makamae Senior Center.

Our first shed location was at the Makua Alii Senior Center. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we vacated that site. But on Feb. 28, 2017, we rolled out a new shed site located in a DOT-Harbors warehouse at 5 Sand Island Access Road, where we plan to restore 35 used bicycles for disadvantaged youth. We are also looking toward building benches and bookshelves for our neighboring schools.

Our advisory board is made up of very qualified individuals from banking, healthcare, engineering, education, insurance, retail and wholesale businesses, as well as radio media. They have laid out a doable growth plan that includes additional shed locations, doubling our membership, community support and capital improvement fundraising for a permanent location.

We are affiliated with the Men’s Sheds in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and the mainland, and network with them about how we can improve safety, and make our sheds more fun and viable in our community. n

HAWAI‘I MEN’S SHED ASSOCIATION

Glenn Sears 808-373-6140 | hawaiimensshed.org

Back in late 2015 at a Rotary club meeting, I learned about the “men’s shed” program. To me, that term conjured up an image of an old workshop or storage building next to a residence. I was corrected by a fellow Rotarian who described the Men’s Shed as a club made up of senior men…
Part II: Beware of Pretty Packages

by Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

In the last issue, I covered the lessons my mother-in-law, “Mary,” taught me through her encounters with various scam artists she has met over the years. Unfortunately, those incidents were only the tip of the iceberg.

Shortly after Mary’s run-in with the Y2K hucksters, she met a charismatic man who advertised seminars that would “make money for attendees.” His scheme was simple — don’t pay your taxes. He claimed paying taxes was optional; nowhere in the tax code did it say you had to pay. Despite my advice, she supported this man, went to his criminal trial in federal court when he was indicted and was there when he was eventually sentenced to prison. Naturally, he claimed his conviction was the government’s attempt to stop him from “exposing the truth.” The only truth he did expose, however, was that people will believe anything — if its packaged well.

After this man’s incarceration, my wife and I discovered that we were expecting a baby. Mary wanted to insure financial stability for my growing family. She did this by investing in a local company that was going to create a website bigger than Ebay or Amazon — according to the owner. She was encouraged to bring in more people wanting to invest thousands of dollars to get in on the ground floor of this no-lose, get-rich opportunity. The contract they had her sign obligated her to pay monthly fees for their “trainings.” Although nothing else was promised in writing, verbal promises made by the owner during his speeches were plentiful. Articulate, passionate and good looking, he had hotel ballrooms filled with people applauding his high-energy speeches. Then, the government came and closed him down for illegal business practices. I suspect this was all some sort of pyramid scheme disguised as an investment opportunity. It was probably around this time I first heard the phrase, “A pretty package can hide toxic contents.”

Another time, my in-laws were fixing up a rental property and hired a cash-only repairman. They knew a friend of a friend who was unlicensed but known to do side jobs. They gave him money; he did not do the work (no contract was written up). When they hunted him down (literally) for the return of the money, he made excuses as to why he didn’t do the job but couldn’t return the cash. Because of his relationship with the family, tangential as it was, the breach of trust was more painful than that from the slick-talking con artists previously encountered.

It was this experience that led me to join a working group with the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) to write legislation making it a felony crime for an unlicensed contractor to accept money for work.

In the next issue, I will conclude this series by sharing Mary’s encounter with a domestic terrorist group and how she invited a con artist into her home — literally.

_______________

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Unit at 808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov

In the last issue, I covered the lessons my mother-in-law, “Mary,” taught me through her encounters with various scam artists she has met over the years. Unfortunately, those incidents were only the tip of the iceberg.