In American society, we are often anxious and afraid to look directly at death and accept it as a mysterious, important and integral aspect of our living. So, we ignore death and do not explore, discuss and plan for our end-of-life care.
We are too often unprepared when the time comes and we are told we have a serious progressive illness. We may not have prepared our loved ones for the time when we can no longer make decisions on our own, leaving them anxious without knowing what we want during our end-of-life journey. Because we are unprepared, we are overwhelmed with strong feelings, including fear and anxiety bringing negative thoughts, concerns and questions flooding into our life. What now?
With assistance and honest discussions with loved ones before a health crisis occurs, plans can be created and shared, which can reduce fears and can become the catalyst for healing of long-held pain from wounds which we have been carrying within.
This healing is the process of becoming whole and balanced, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, discovering life’s meaning, allowing the emergence of our genuine, authentic selves. In most situations with the right care, physical pain can be treated and made manageable.
Why not plan for this ahead of time, before we are told we are dying? Part of this process of healing is clearing up relationships through honest dialogue. Granting forgiveness and asking for forgiveness can help to set things right, releasing long-held pain. Who might you need to do this with?
Telling others “thank you” and expressing your gratitude for their role in your life provides meaningful affirmation for both you and them. Who do you need to thank?
Exploring resources and developing your support community can help you to answer the question, “Who will take care of me and my affairs?”
Sharing love is healing. Who do you love? Have you told them so lately? Is there someone you love, but haven’t told them?
It’s about talking to your loved ones about what you or they want for end-of-life care. Honest conversations with loved ones about what you would like to have happen at the end of your life help you to self-reflect on what is important and will let loved ones know your wishes. These conversations can happen at any time — even if you are not seriously ill.
Use the information below to learn about starting “the conversation,” advance care planning and resources to bring peace at the end of life.
In American society, we are often anxious and afraid to look directly at death and accept it as a mysterious, important and integral aspect of our living. So, we ignore death and do not explore, discuss and plan for our end-of-life care. We are too often unprepared when the time comes and we are told…
“We’re not in charge anymore” is the phrase I find myself repeating over and over again to my husband, Bill. The first time I heard myself say that to him was when he complained about waiting for our son and his partner to choose a date in September to move some of our furniture from the three-bedroom townhouse in ‘Ahuimanu to the newly renovated one-bedroom unit downstairs in Kailua, where we will live out the rest of our lives. They chose the Labor Day holiday.
PC: iStock / Jacob Wackerhausen
I should explain that Bill suffered a stroke the summer of 2020 during the pandemic. I realize now that Bill’s stroke was a mild one. He only spent one week at Kaiser. I was not allowed to visit. I remember being allowed to see him on the hospital grounds before he was transported by ambulance to the rehab facility in Nu‘uanu. He spent four weeks there and during that whole time, I never got to see him because of COVID-19.
The first time I saw him there was when I picked him up to bring him home to ‘Ahuimanu. At home a physical therapist worked with him enough so that he was only on a walker for one week, graduating to a cane after that. He’s been walking with the cane ever since then. So it’s been hard for Bill to realize that he is not able to do a lot of what he was able to do before his stroke, such as lifting heavy furniture and moving heavy items easily.
After my sister died last year and her partner cleared out of the space downstairs in the house we’d built in Kailua, we had the space renovated with new kitchen cabinets, new appliances, a walk-in shower (replacing the whirlpool tub), new flooring and bright off-white paint on all the interior walls. After the house was finished in 2006, we lived upstairs until 2015, but arthritis in my right knee made it impossible for us to stay there. That’s when we moved into our daughter’s townhouse in ‘Ahuimanu and she moved upstairs in the Kailua house. We’ve been helping her with her mortgage ever since.
Now it’s time for us to move back to Kailua so we can be taken care of in our declining years.
As I said, we’re not in charge anymore. The kids are in charge now even, though the kids are in their 50s now. When the kids were little/younger, we were in charge. We placed them in our neighborhood schools, paid for their hula and piano lessons, drove them to and from practice sessions, and when it was time after their elementary years, helped get them into Kamehameha and paid their tuition. We did much the same with drama, hula and band practice sessions there. We paid tuition for college and helped with car insurance.
Not it’s their turn to be in charge. If that means waiting until they have time in their busy schedules to move furniture or appliances, so be it. Complaining won’t help, patience will.
The more my husband complains, the more often I have to remind him and myself. We’re not in charge anymore.
It meant we had to wait weeks — or a whole month — until we finally moved into the downstairs space the first week in October — where we’re still not in charge.
Bill power-washed the area on the lānai and wanted to move the fridge from ‘Ahuimanu to be plugged in there for his beer and my daughter’s wine weeks ago, but it had to wait until she and her husband had time last weekend.
Because, we’re not in charge anymore.
Anita ‘Ilima Stern is a retired elementary school teacher and writer who taught hula for 33 years. Her students liked learning hula and chant from her and appreciated the positive feedback they received. She lives in Kailua on O‘ahu.
If you have thoughts or a story to share, email the editor: debra@generations808.com. It may be published in Generations Magazine, Facebook or our website.
“We’re not in charge anymore” is the phrase I find myself repeating over and over again to my husband, Bill. The first time I heard myself say that to him was when he complained about waiting for our son and his partner to choose a date in September to move some of our furniture from…
Strength and balance are essential to staying independent as we age. But fall prevention isn’t just about exercise — it’s also about confidence. To that end, McKinley High School’s occupational therapy students recently partnered with kūpuna at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, guiding them through exercises designed to improve stability and mobility.
McKinley High School occupational therapy students Jason Lin and Shirley Yang assist a kūpuna with a single-leg exercise to improve balance and stability.
Coached by a professional occupational therapist, students (many aspiring healthcare professionals) put their knowledge into practice by assisting kūpuna with fall prevention techniques. They measured vital signs, led stability exercises and shared strategies to help maintain mobility, while determining whether kūpuna could safely continue daily activities or if further care was needed.
EXERCISES FOR FALL PREVENTION
Single-Leg Stance Tests: Holding this position for at least five seconds helps build balance and ankle stability.
Seated Leg Lifts: Strengthening the quadriceps and hip flexors enhances walking ability and reduces instability.
Guided Walking Drills: Focusing on posture and step control helps kūpuna move with greater confidence and safety.
Regular practice of these exercises can significantly reduce fall risk, making them essential for long-term health and mobility. However, if any kūpuna experienced difficulty with the exercises or showed signs of instability, further medical evaluation was recommended.
Beyond the physical benefits, the event brought generations together through mutual experiences. Kūpuna a shared their commitment to staying active, while students gained valuable hands-on experience in patient care. “I felt very safe during the exercises and it gave me the confidence to keep moving,” says a kūpuna participant.
“It was a wonderful experience. I learned so much from working with them,” says Shirley Yang.
Kūpuna left with valuable techniques to maintain independence. Students gained a deeper understanding about how small, consistent efforts can positively impact someone’s well-being. Together, both generations took steps — both literally and figuratively — toward a stronger, safer future. The collaboration has inspired interest in future partnerships between McKinley High School and local senior centers.
Strength and balance are essential to staying independent as we age. But fall prevention isn’t just about exercise — it’s also about confidence. To that end, McKinley High School’s occupational therapy students recently partnered with kūpuna at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, guiding them through exercises designed to improve stability and mobility. Coached by a…
Dr. Takashi Manago is one of six known living veterans of the mostly Hawai‘i-born, Japanese American unit — the 100th Infantry Battalion (the 100th). At age 101, Dr. Manago is an active member of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization, affectionally called “Club 100” and tirelessly makes public appearances to represent those killed in action during World War II and those who have since passed. With the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT), the 100th became the most decorated in US military history for its size and length of service.
Dr. Takashi “Taka” Manago was born on Jan. 20, 1924, in Captain Cook, Kona, Hawai‘i. He is the son of Kinzo and Osame Manago, the founders of the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook.
Taka was a 17-year-old student at Konawaena High School when Pearl Harbor was attacked. In 1944, he was inducted into the Army with the 442nd RCT and later joined the 100th Infantry Battalion – Company A, as a replacement. The boat trip from Hawai‘i to the mainland was seven days of seasick torture.
After basic training at Camp Hood, Texas, Taka was deployed to Italy in April 1945. He served as a litter bearer in Northern Italy. His assignment was bringing the injured soldiers from the front line under the cover of night. He remembers the “ack-ack” sounds and 88mm shells whizzing overhead.
After a few weeks in combat, they got word that the Germans had surrendered, and on May 8, 1945, the war in Europe was over.
Taka’s next assignment was receiving and processing the German prisoners of war. He decided to reenlist and continued to serve in Florence, Italy, where he took medical classes at the Army training school. He married Italian sweetheart Silvana Cozzi and later had a daughter, Rita.
Taka was discharged in 1948 as a staff sergeant. After the war, Taka attended Creighton College and the Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine. He established a successful dental practice in Honolulu. Taka married Jane Toyoko Iida and had three children: Jennifer, Beverly and Jeffrey. He enjoys watching sports, eating out and helping to perpetuate the legacy of the 100th Infantry Battalion.
In a previous article, I wrote about elders staying healthy by being social and purposeful. Dr. Manago is a great example of how young a 101-year-old mind can be. Thank you, Dr. Manago, a Hawai‘i-born veteran, who helped liberate Europe while spreading the seeds of aloha.
Dr. Takashi Manago is one of six known living veterans of the mostly Hawai‘i-born, Japanese American unit — the 100th Infantry Battalion (the 100th). At age 101, Dr. Manago is an active member of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization, affectionally called “Club 100” and tirelessly makes public appearances to represent those killed in action…
I found my perfect niche when I met Director Kimberly Itagaki, who launched her “RSVP Newsletter” in 2020. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nationwide volunteer program for people ages 55 and over who are passionate about sharing their time and talents with their community. For me, RSVP opened a whole new world of service.
I work alongside exceptional individuals who have taught me what service involves — time, helping others one-on-one, maintaining a garden and other special projects that promote different cultures and customs.
Two volunteers I work with are distinguished for their outstanding service. Linda Dyer, a stage designer at church functions, shared Japanese customs, diverse perspectives and critical thinking with Leeward students.
Ed Tagawa, on his bent knees and with his bare hands, pulls weeds weekly to keep the Ho‘ola ‘Aina Pilipili Garden (UH College of Education) green and flourishing for the community.
Linda and Ed exemplify true volunteerism — service starting from the heart along with time, effort and a spirit of selflessness.
Blessed with fellowship and friendships, I have found purpose as an RSVP volunteer.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (RSVP) 925 Dillingham Blvd., #200, Honolulu, HI 96817 eadrsvp@honolulu.gov
I found my perfect niche when I met Director Kimberly Itagaki, who launched her “RSVP Newsletter” in 2020. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a nationwide volunteer program for people ages 55 and over who are passionate about sharing their time and talents with their community. For me, RSVP opened a whole new…
Project Dana proudly welcomes Maria Raiza Morales as its new executive director. Honored to uphold the organization’s mission, she builds on the vision of its founders, Shimeji Kanazawa and Rose Nakamura. With gratitude for the mentorship of Rose and former Executive Director Cyndi Osajima, Maria steps into this role with a strong commitment to their legacy, supported by a dedicated team and community.
Project Dana continues to serve Hawai‘i’s kūpuna and caregivers by providing companionship, transportation, errands and respite support. Its Caring for the Caregiver program offers public presentations, training, support groups and counseling. To enhance these efforts, Project Dana recently introduced Mon Ami, a software platform improving volunteer coordination and client services. With Hawai‘i’s aging population growing, these services are more critical than ever.
Together, Project Dana and our community ensure that kūpuna and caregivers receive the support they need. We invite you to join us in this mission — through service, volunteerism and community connection.
To learn more, visit our website, or contact us by phone or email if you are interested in volunteering or need assistance.
Project Dana proudly welcomes Maria Raiza Morales as its new executive director. Honored to uphold the organization’s mission, she builds on the vision of its founders, Shimeji Kanazawa and Rose Nakamura. With gratitude for the mentorship of Rose and former Executive Director Cyndi Osajima, Maria steps into this role with a strong commitment to their…
Even before the Lahaina fire of August, 2023, Evelyn Lane, 67, was concerned about what would happen if a natural disaster struck the Kahuku Elderly Hauoli Hale senior and disabled low-income housing project that she lives in.
Who will help them if a fire broke out in the forested area near the complex? What if there’s a tsunami? Who would help residents in wheelchairs and those who have difficulty walking?
“All of these people could be left behind and I worried that would include me,” Evelyn said.
The complex is developing an emergency plan with help from neighbors, local community groups and an AARP Community Challenge grant.
The grant helped the neighboring Hui O Hau‘ula community organization purchase satellite internet system communication devices that provide internet to populations with little or no connectivity. The grant also provided training on emergency preparedness, and the use of Wi-Fi and the internet during a disaster to the Hau‘ula community and neighboring valleys in Northwest O‘ahu.
Hui O Hau‘ula President Dotty Kelly-Paddock notes that the communities between Ka‘a‘awa and Kahuku could be cut off if Kamehameha Highway is damaged in a disaster. She used the AARP grant to buy three internet devices. She used a grant from the Castle Foundation to buy two more devices for all of the Ko‘olauloa communities in Northeast O‘ahu, and helped Lane and other community activists get training so they could help organize their neighbors to become disaster resilient and prepare for emergencies.
Lane is organizing meetings with residents, the Kahuku Community Association, churches and other neighbors.
“You have to be really resilient to live on the North Shore of O‘ahu,” Evelyn says, adding that internet system and the disaster resilience plan “are going to be a real benefit to our community.”
As hurricane season approaches in June, AARP Hawai‘i encourages you and your family to have a personal disaster plan in place — especially if you are a kupuna or a caregiver for one. AARP also encourages community leaders to talk to neighbors about creating a disaster resilience plan so everyone can know what to do before the next one strikes. For more information, search online: “AARP How to Prepare for Natural Disasters” and “AARP Disaster Resilience Tool Kit.”
Even before the Lahaina fire of August, 2023, Evelyn Lane, 67, was concerned about what would happen if a natural disaster struck the Kahuku Elderly Hauoli Hale senior and disabled low-income housing project that she lives in. Who will help them if a fire broke out in the forested area near the complex? What if…
Do I need a trust?” This is a common question I am asked when meeting with a client who is unfamiliar to estate planning. My usual response is, “It depends.” It depends on the client’s intentions or wishes, the client’s goals and concerns, the types of assets the client has, the age/maturity of client’s beneficiaries and whether there is a high risk of conflict.
Generally, a trust is beneficial for anyone who owns real property, has liquid assets of cumulative value of $100K or more and growing, has children or beneficiaries, has children or beneficiaries who have disabilities or are minors and/or children or beneficiaries who are not mature or responsible.
A trust is necessary for anyone who wants to prepare for incapacity, ensure a smooth transition of wealth, avoid probate, reduce conflict between the beneficiaries and reduce potential estate taxes.
A trust is a very important and flexible tool that can assist you throughout life and that extends through death.
Please understand that there are many different types of trusts. For the purposes of this article, consider revocable trusts or passthrough trusts, generally. You will want to meet with an estate planning attorney to see if a trust is suitable for you.
Do I need a trust?” This is a common question I am asked when meeting with a client who is unfamiliar to estate planning. My usual response is, “It depends.” It depends on the client’s intentions or wishes, the client’s goals and concerns, the types of assets the client has, the age/maturity of client’s beneficiaries…
Your revocable living trust (RLT) is a vehicle to deliver your assets to your beneficiaries — including you, if you become incapacitated. Think of your RLT as a little red wagon. In order for your wagon to do its job, you must load it up with your stuff. Anything you do not put into your wagon may not reach your intended beneficiaries without being subjected to an expensive, time-consuming public court proceeding.
If the proceeding is required in order to allow your assets to be spent on you while you are incapacitated, it is called a “conservatorship.” If the proceeding is required in order to allow your loved ones to receive their inheritances, it is called a “probate.” Either way, going to court can be costly and take a long time. Court proceedings can also draw unwanted attention.
You can spare yourself and your loved ones from having to go to court by transferring (called “funding”) all of your stuff into your RLT.
There are a few assets (most notably, life insurance policies, annuities and retirement plans), that do not need to be transferred into your RLT during your lifetime. Often, the most effective way of transferring these kinds of assets is through beneficiary designations. Another item you might not want to put into your RLT is your automobile, but you should discuss it with your attorney.
Your revocable living trust (RLT) is a vehicle to deliver your assets to your beneficiaries — including you, if you become incapacitated. Think of your RLT as a little red wagon. In order for your wagon to do its job, you must load it up with your stuff. Anything you do not put into your…
Children often learn their first lessons about money from the adults they’re closest to. Whether it’s listening to parents discuss a purchase or watching them pay bills online, kids are observant and their relationship with money is often shaped by what surrounds them. If you are a parent looking to instill financial wisdom in your children, here are some ways to get started.
◆ Set a good example. Kids often model what they see. Be intentional about the example you’re setting. Proactively discuss money with your children. Talk about what’s important to you moneywise and use everyday moments to bring it to life, such as bringing them along when you speak to a financial advisor or consider an expenditure.
◆ Share knowledge. You can give your kids important life skills by building their foundation of financial knowledge. Shape good habits with simple lessons about how to track spending or saving up for something special. Why wait until they’re on their own to talk about the value of good credit or to explain how compound interest can make savings grow? Talk about the rewards (and challenges) of delayed gratification and the perils of debt. As they get older, emphasize the importance of financial security and the value of professional guidance.
◆ Encourage goal setting. Instill the habit of goal setting early. Discuss your own goals — such as paying for a family vacation or saving for a new car — and how you follow through on them. Encourage your children to set a goal or two of their own.
◆ Reinforce the value of work. Children learn the value of a dollar sooner when they are exposed to the effort that goes into earning each one. Consider whether you want to provide an allowance or pay them for helping with chores. When they start a part-time job, talk through the various ways they can allocate the money earned. It’s human nature to be more careful when spending your own versus someone else’s money.
◆ Introduce the concept of budgeting. A spending plan can be empowering because you know exactly what money is going to meet each need and goal. Start explaining this concept early. Kids should understand that you impose limits on your own spending and why it’s important to live within your means. A trip to the grocery store can be an opportunity to share why you make the choices you do.
◆ Model philanthropy. If you donate to causes important to you, it can be impactful to show your children the power of giving. You might suggest they apply a save-spend-share philosophy toward their own money. The idea is to set aside a portion of their allowance or earnings for future wants or needs, spend another portion on today’s wants or needs and give a portion to causes they care about. Whether it’s enacting a spending philosophy or having a conversation with your child about how you use your money to give back, passing down your philanthropic values can be a rewarding experience for both parties.
◆ Be a resource. Most kids make a few financial mistakes as they mature into adulthood. So let them know they can turn to you for guidance. Encourage them to continue to build smart money habits and remind them they don’t have to navigate their financial journey alone.
Children often learn their first lessons about money from the adults they’re closest to. Whether it’s listening to parents discuss a purchase or watching them pay bills online, kids are observant and their relationship with money is often shaped by what surrounds them. If you are a parent looking to instill financial wisdom in your…
Hawai‘i’s unique housing landscape relies heavily on condominium and community association laws, which manage shared living spaces, properties and the intricate relationships within them. Governed by specific statutes, these laws include HRS 514B for condominiums, HRS 421J for community associations, HRS 421I for cooperatives and HRS 514E for timeshares. Of these, condominium laws stand out for their comprehensiveness, detailing everything from a developer’s responsibilities to the finer points of house rules. On the other hand, statutes for other housing types are strikingly thin, often leaving owners with little guidance in case of disputes.
This imbalance becomes even more apparent in properties that combine housing models. For example, a condominium might house timeshare organizations or rental pool groups within it, creating a complicated web of governance. These associations function as hybrid entities: They resemble corporations with directors and shareholders (owners), operate like families with close living arrangements that foster interpersonal conflicts, and act like governments with the authority to create rules and collect fees. Each aspect presents opportunities for friction and dysfunction, making their efficient operation critical for residents’ quality of life.
Hawai‘i’s Invisible County
The importance of these laws extends beyond their governance structures. Hawai‘i’s condominiums and community associations represent over $100 billion in real estate value. Condominiums alone make up more than 31% of the state’s housing units, the highest percentage in the US. About 420,000 people — nearly 30% of Hawai‘i’s population — reside in these communities.
To put this into perspective, this population is larger than the combined populations of Kaua‘i, Maui, and Hawai‘i Counties. These associations form Hawai‘i’s “invisible second-largest county,” and their influence on housing and the economy is undeniable.
Beyond housing, these associations help drive Hawai‘i’s economy, supporting contractors, landscapers, property managers and numerous service providers. As new housing developments increasingly adopt these models, the reliance on condominium and community association laws will only grow. These associations are not only residential communities but also economic ecosystems, ensuring jobs and livelihoods for thousands of workers who support their operations.
Despite their pivotal role, these associations often go unnoticed until governance issues erupt into public disputes. Disputes can arise from disagreements over shared expenses, misuse of funds, or lack of communication between boards and residents. These problems underscore the importance of proactive attention, improved transparency and ongoing reforms to make the system more equitable for all involved.
Hierarchy of Governance
To understand the structure of these associations, it’s essential to examine their hierarchical governance system. At the federal level, statutes like the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set broad protections to ensure equal access and non-discrimination. State laws, particularly HRS 514B and HRS 421J, provide detailed regulations governing everything, from how condos are developed to how they are marketed and managed. These state laws work in conjunction with community-specific documents: declarations (the “mini-constitutions”), bylaws (operational rules) and house rules (everyday guidelines). Meetings are governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, which help maintain procedural order and promote fair participation.
Inconsistencies in Governance
Despite this framework, the system is far from perfect. Condominium laws are significantly more detailed than those for cooperatives or timeshares, creating inconsistencies in governance. Judges often rely on condominium laws to resolve disputes in other association types, which can lead to misapplication of the statutes. This tendency can create further confusion and exacerbate tensions between owners and boards. Moreover, developers and management companies have historically played a significant role in drafting these laws, often prioritizing their interests over those of the residents. This influence can result in regulations that favor financial expediency or development goals at the expense of fairness or long-term sustainability. However, growing owner activism has resulted in notable reforms, including the anti-retaliation provision (HRS 514B-191), which protects residents who raise concerns from being targeted by their boards. Those dealing with condominiums are also required to act in good faith (HRS 514B-9). These requirements are a significant step forward but highlight the ongoing need for balance and equity in the governance structure. While the governance structure of community associations is designed to promote fairness and efficiency, several practical challenges arise.
■ Misuse of Executive Sessions. One persistent issue is the misuse of executive sessions. These private board meetings are intended for sensitive topics, such as personnel matters or potential litigation. However, boards frequently abuse this power to obscure discussions and decisions that should be made publicly. This lack of transparency undermines trust and leaves owners uninformed about critical matters affecting their community. For example, major decisions like approving large-scale renovations or reallocating shared expenses are sometimes made behind closed doors, leading to frustration and disputes among residents.
■ The Voting Process. Another common problem is the voting process. Boards often control proxies and voting timelines, giving incumbents a significant advantage. This kind of manipulation allows them to campaign more effectively than challengers, leading to imbalanced governance outcomes. Some boards also engage in practices such as targeting voters who have not yet participated, using direct outreach to sway results. Quite often, incumbents have the email addresses of owners via the management company which are not shared with challengers. These tactics undermine the principle of democratic representation and create divisions within communities.
■ Financial Planning. Financial planning also poses significant challenges. Hawai‘i’s reserves law mandates that condominiums set aside funds for future repairs and maintenance, but compliance is inconsistent.
Many associations neglect this requirement, resulting in sudden special assessments that burden owners with unexpected costs. This lack of planning is particularly problematic in aging buildings, where deferred maintenance can lead to significant safety risks and expensive emergency repairs. Ensuring adequate funding for reserves is critical to maintaining the long-term viability of these properties. The recent insurance crisis also is putting a significant strain on condominiums across the state.
■ Gender Disparities. Gender disparities further complicate the governance dynamics of community associations. Women, especially single women, frequently face harassment or discrimination from male board members or neighbors. This issue underscores the need for greater inclusivity and respect within community associations.
Advocacy and education are crucial to addressing these inequities, creating an environment where all residents feel empowered to participate in decision-making processes.
In the May-June issue, Part 2 of this two-part series will continue to cover how to navigate challenges in the complex world of condominium law and how to pave the way for reform.
Hawai‘i’s unique housing landscape relies heavily on condominium and community association laws, which manage shared living spaces, properties and the intricate relationships within them. Governed by specific statutes, these laws include HRS 514B for condominiums, HRS 421J for community associations, HRS 421I for cooperatives and HRS 514E for timeshares. Of these, condominium laws stand out…
The amount of unwanted medical waste has risen considerably in recent decades. But did you know that unused or expired medicine should be properly disposed of when it is no longer needed? But proper disposal does not mean throwing it in the trash or flushing it. Proper disposal by the proper authorities during Drug Take Back Days reduces the risk of prescription drugs entering the human water supply or potentially harming aquatic life.
Why proper disposal of expired or unused medication is important, according to government officials and law enforcement agencies:
Expired medicines may lose their effectiveness.
Improper use of prescription drugs can be as dangerous as illegal drug use.
Having unused or expired medicine in your home increases the risk of accidental poisoning — especially in homes where children or the elderly live, as they are especially vulnerable.
People may mistake one type of medicine for another, as pills can look very similar.
Children may mistake medicine for candy.
Plus, the drug overdose epidemic in the US has become a clear and present public health, public safety and national security threat.
The main goal of the program is to fight the opioid epidemic, which medical professionals say can stem from the easy access to such medicines in homes everywhere. Removing unneeded medicine helps to prevent misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting and is also intended to help reduce drug-related violence.
For the public’s safety, the Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General has partnered with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Hawai‘i Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement Division, and other local law enforcement agencies to participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. Results of these take-back events have been substantial, “with thousands of pounds of unneeded and potentially dangerous medications being collected and safely destroyed,” the DEA says.
National Take Back Initiatives (NTBIs) are conducted every spring and fall and are free and anonymous services to the public — no questions asked. Anyone with expired or unused medications is encouraged to bring them to the collection sites located on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i Island on April 26 and Oct. 25, 2025, from 10am to 2pm. The majority of the take-back locations will be drive-through. So, if you’ve got a bottle or patch of medicine, or a vaping device you no longer use, drive to one of these centers for safe disposal.
Tablets, capsules, liquids, and other forms of medication will be accepted. Everything can be kept in its original container. Labels do not need to be removed. But batteries must be removed from vaping devices before dropping them off. New or used syringes will not be accepted.
Visit manoa.hawaii.edu/c3od2a/take-back for a list of take-back locations in Hawai‘i. To find your nearest take-back location, visit dea.gov/takebackday#resources (enter your zip code). If you are unable to participate in the take-back event, there are several year-round medication drop-off sites across the state. Any police or fire station will accept medication. Many CVS stores and all military pharmacies also have anonymous drop-off boxes that look like large mail boxes. Ask your pharmacist for help locating a box.
The amount of unwanted medical waste has risen considerably in recent decades. But did you know that unused or expired medicine should be properly disposed of when it is no longer needed? But proper disposal does not mean throwing it in the trash or flushing it. Proper disposal by the proper authorities during Drug Take…
