Category: Date

Timeshares Pt. 2: Scam or Investment?

It’s not uncommon to see advertisements promoting timeshares, as well as promotions for timeshare cancellation programs. The contradictory nature of these ads begs certain questions:

What is a timeshare?

Timeshares grant percentage ownership of a vacation unit for periods of time during the year. The ownership is shared with other clients who use the unit. Another way to stake an interest in a timeshare property is through the “lease” option, where the developer holds the title to the deed and the owner holds a leased interest in the property.

How does it work?

The way that a timeshare is sold in promotional campaigns makes it seem like a great investment. They have nice kiosks at Ala Moana Center and various exhibition halls. There are promises of cheaper vacations along with graphs seemingly showing a cost analysis of how it pays for itself and will only appreciate in value. Realize, however, that all the caveats, fees and associated, ongoing, allowable fee increase percentages will be in the middle of the dense, ironclad contract. By not mentioning these added costs with the same enthusiasm as they do the great views, the message to any prospective consumer is that this investment is doable and affordable.

Why is there a market for timeshare cancellation programs?

It is important to remember that there is no federal body of law or agency regulating the timeshare industry. The rule of law with regard to timeshares varies upon the location where a particular timeshare is purchased. Therefore, it cannot be stressed enough that those interested in purchasing a timeshare need to study and completely understand the sales contract before it is signed. The contract should state the withdrawal period of the purchase.

In Hawai’i, this period is seven days. Getting out of a timeshare after the rescission period has passed can be extremely difficult and payment will still be required. However, if it is suggested that you stop making payments for the timeshare, it is important to know this will limit potential timeshare exit options.

In the next issue, we will explore options for exiting your timeshare.

If you suspect elder abuse, call these numbers:
– Police: 911
– Adult Protective Services: 808-832-5115
– Elder Abuse Unit: 808-768-7536
If you have questions about elder abuse, call or email:
808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov

It’s not uncommon to see advertisements promoting timeshares, as well as promotions for timeshare cancellation programs. The contradictory nature of these ads begs certain questions:..
Meaningful Estate Planning

As with many issues, to those who know, no explanation is necessary. To those who don’t know, no explanation is sufficient.

In medicine, there is cure and care; in finance, there is worth and value. In estate planning, there is wealth and meaning. Most people see the estate planner’s role as writing a document that transfers wealth at death. Just as significant is our role to communicate our client’s meaning clearly. This meaning is the foundation for estate planning.

The vast majority of estate plan failures occur because there was not a clear transfer of meaning. Clients who know that meaning serves as the foundation of the plan need no explanation; but there is no sufficient explanation for those who view the plan merely as transferring of property. And that is OK, if that is truly what they want.

Clients sometimes think that they start estate planning when they see the lawyer. But the estate planning process starts long before that as each person begins to fashion a life of meaning and accumulate wealth. The result of one’s life is revealed at death. If one dies well, they lived well, with meaning, and passed meaning on as the underlying foundation for wealth. This challenging time offers an opportunity for us to choose what matters to us — what is meaningful; what is not.

STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

In medicine, there is cure and care; in finance, there is worth and value. In estate planning, there is wealth and meaning. Most people see the estate planner’s role as writing a document that transfers wealth at death. Just as significant is our role to communicate our client’s meaning clearly. This meaning is the foundation…
Preparing for Death… Now

If nothing else, recent events have brought us face-to-face with mortality. Although none of us knows when death will overtake us or a loved one, we know that someday it is going to do exactly that. We can deny the inevitable, or we can prepare for it. By preparing for death, we can make that transition much easier on ourselves and our loved ones.

Talk with your family members about what you want done with your body after you pass, and find out what their wishes are for theirs. Keep notes of those conversations, since “the dullest pencil is sharper than the sharpest memory.”

If you have specific wishes about who will be in charge of your funeral arrangements and what will be done, you can put these directives into a legally enforceable document. As long as the document is notarized, your wishes are lawful and your estate can pay the bill, your instructions will be carried out. Most estate planning attorneys can advise you about preparing your written “Directions for Disposition of Remains.” Let your loved ones know about your directions and keep a copy with your estate planning documents.

Review your estate planning documents to make sure they reflect your current wishes. Your Advance Health-Care Directive sets out who can make what kinds of medical decisions (including end-of-life decisions) for you if you cannot speak for yourself, so it is particularly valuable for your peace of mind and your family’s harmony. Having a clear line of authority and clear instructions can alleviate family stress and conflict.

You also need to make sure that the documents that dispose of your assets are clear and state your precise wishes. If there is a conflict between your documents and the words you say to your loved ones, the documents will control what happens. So it is important for you to understand what your documents say and update them if your wishes have changed.

Doing these things can be uncomfortable, but they can also go a long way toward giving you peace of mind and helping your loved ones move forward in harmony and with sweet memories of you and your life.

SCOTT MAKUAKANE, Counselor at Law
Focusing exclusively on estate planning and trust law.
www.est8planning.com
808-587-8227 | maku@est8planning.com

If nothing else, recent events have brought us face-to-face with mortality. Although none of us knows when death will overtake us or a loved one, we know that someday it is going to do exactly that. We can deny the inevitable, or we can prepare for it. By preparing for death, we can make that…
COVID-19 and The Market

Historic market volatility has washed over the globe in recent weeks. The spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus) has precipitated a record drop in the stock market and a sharp plunge in bond yields, sending the U.S. into its first bear market in over a decade. People around the world are facing a health crisis that’s driving an economic crisis, which are leading to high levels of anxiety for families and individuals regarding their well-being and financial situation. Unfortunately, it’s too soon to tell just how long this environment will last. So, what can you do to cope with market volatility in the meantime? And what can we learn from past global pandemics?

Virus Outbreaks and Stock Market Performance

There is no doubt that this pandemic is different and has caused a larger dislocation than past virus outbreaks. However, it’s still encouraging to note how financial markets have historically rallied following major health crises. The S&P 500® Index reveals that markets have generally delivered positive returns in the six to 12 months following the peak of a virus outbreak.

This isn’t to say that investors should stick their heads in the sand and pretend the downturn isn’t happening — this is a very serious and difficult situation. Eventually though, markets should return to some level of normal and slowly, the economy will come back to life. Of course, the past is no guarantee of future results, but historically, even the worst markets have been temporary dips in a general march higher for stocks.

What you can do during this time of volatility:

■ Remember the power of diversification:
Instead of selling your stocks in an attempt to cut losses, review your portfolio to see if it is properly balanced between stocks, bonds and cash that align with your goals, time horizon and ability to manage risk. While a diversified portfolio can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can greatly reduce the impact of volatility.

■ Stay focused on your long-term goals:
Remember, your investment strategy is based on your goals, not headlines. While it’s important to be aware of the news related to COVID-19, particularly from a health perspective, don’t let your emotions affect your investing. Keep your portfolio on a steady course. Volatile periods in the market can create good opportunities to either invest more or to adjust your portfolio. Ensure that any investment decisions you make are in line with your long-term interests and financial objectives.

■ Revisit your views on risk:
A significant market downturn serves to remind you that investing involves risk. Market swings provide an opportunity to reassess your portfolio’s risk level and determine whether that amount is appropriate for your circumstances. The level of comfort (or discomfort) you feel when the market fluctuates substantially is a good way to assess whether your portfolio reflects your current risk profile.

■ Meet with a financial professional:
If you are concerned about the recent performance of the markets, contact your financial advisor. Together, you can talk about your financial goals for the future and what steps you can take next to start on the path to achieving them.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ® is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 35 years. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise

Financial Services Inc., a registered investment advisor.
Ameriprise Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2020 Ameriprise Financial Inc. All rights reserved.

Historic market volatility has washed over the globe in recent weeks. The spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus) has precipitated a record drop in the stock market and a sharp plunge in bond yields, sending the U.S. into its first bear market in over a decade. People around the world are facing a…
Using Hawaii Relay Conference Captioning

Communication access is critical to stay connected for our health and overall quality of life. As we age, hearing loss may affect our lives, making it more difficult to understand what is happening during in-person meetings, community services, safety workshops and many other events. Struggling to hear and understand what is being said in our daily activities may cause us to feel a loss of independence and dignity, and may even cause us to withdraw socially.

There’s a service available that can help you feel empowered and stay engaged with individuals or co-workers. Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) is a free* service available to Hawai‘i residents who are deaf or hard of hearing that enables them to actively participate in multiparty teleconference calls or web conferences. The service enables you to participate in teleconference calls or webinars by reading live captions through a web browser on your computer or mobile device. Saving a copy of the RCC transcript is one of the available options.

If you or someone you know is challenged by group online discussions or meetings, encourage them to check out this innovative solution and help regain their confidence and independence.

HAWAII CAPTEL®
1-877-805-5845 (toll-free) | info@captel.com
www.hawaiicaptel.com
Relay Hawaii
844-882-3160 | relayhawaii@sprint.com
www.relayhawaii.com/rcc
* Relay Hawaii Equipment Program (RHEP) provides equal access to all of Relay Hawaii’s services. RHEP provides specialized equipment to the deaf, hard of hearing or speech-disabled individuals who are unable to use a standard telephone at no cost.

There’s a service available that can help you feel empowered and stay engaged with individuals or co-workers. Relay Conference Captioning (RCC) is a free* service available to Hawai‘i residents who are deaf or hard of hearing that enables them to actively participate in multiparty teleconference calls or web conferences. The service enables you to participate…
Solution for Loneliness & Housing Shortage

Ironically, while it seems that our response to the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to emphasize mandated self-quarantine and social distancing, it may also give many of us a greater awareness of what it is like to live in chronic isolation and what we can do to make our island population healthier when we come out of it.

At no time in human history have so many people lived alone. Recent studies show that there are significant negative health effects from social isolation and loneliness. Data also shows that there are positive health outcomes for those who share their homes and major economic benefits to home share homeowners and home share seekers (renters) alike.

Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general of the United States under Barack Obama, has been sounding the alarm for several years prior to the COVID-19 virus that the most prevalent health issue in the country is isolation. Studies of 3.4 million participants cited in the December AARP The Magazine concluded that people who live alone face an early death. An array of studies have also found that “loneliness is a killer.” It leaves us more likely to die from heart disease and makes us more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure and suicide. It’s more dangerous to our health than obesity. It’s the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The impact on people living in isolation adds almost $7 billion a year to the cost of Medicare.

In America, people are living longer and healthier lives, resulting in a growing older population in need of new models of housing arrangements. In Hawai‘i, it is common to find an elderly person who lives alone in their own home trying to maintain their independence, while at the same time, adjusting to abilities that are declining. No one wants to live in an institution. They want to live out their lives comfortably in their own homes. In Honolulu, there are approximately 67,000 seniors aged 60 years or older living alone. Over time, they tend to become more isolated, which results in a growing, serious negative impact on their mental and physical health.

In response to this epidemic of isolation, a strategy called “home sharing” has been implemented in many U.S. cities for over 40 years. Recently, the nonprofit Hawaii Intergenerational Network (HIN), with funding from the HMSA, Kaiser and Atherton Family foundations, began a project called “Homesharing Hawaii” to offer a similar program in the state that will help seniors safely age in place and secure very affordable housing for low- and moderate-income renters. It is also a cost effective program because it doesn’t require building new housing or providing ongoing rental subsidies.

Home sharing is a simple idea — two or more people share a home to their mutual benefit. Basically, home sharing is about two pools of people: those with an extra bedroom in their home and those needing an affordable place to live. Homesharing Hawaii brings both groups together through a proven matching process.

The home can be an apartment, condominium or a traditional, single-family house. A homeowner offers a private bedroom, access to a bathroom and shared common area in exchange for rent, help around the house or both. There is usually an agreement outlining the expectations of both parties.

Homesharing Hawaii staff generally provide support to help match a homeowner and renter. They conduct background checks, screening and interviews to help ensure the safety of both parties. Each home-sharing arrangement is tailored to the unique needs and interests of the people involved, but it is up to the participants to decide who they want to live with.

Matches can include a wide variety of combinations. Many matches are intergenerational, such as college students and seniors living together A perfect example is an intergenerational match between an older person who owned a car she couldn’t drive and a college student who could drive but didn’t have a car. As a result, the student drove the senior to appointments and grocery stores, and also had use of the car on his own. The home-sharing relationship lasted until the student graduated from Chaminade University.

Matches may also be of the “Golden Girls” variety,in which two or more older persons live their lives together. The Homesharing Hawaii project is benefiting from guidance and support from the National Shared Housing Resource Center (NSHRC), and two home-sharing programs with over 30 years of experience in Vermont and Oregon. Using collective experience gathered from the many mainland projects, the NSHRC developed a resource guide for establishing new home-sharing projects.

That guide has provided Homesharing Hawaii with comprehensive, detailed information that is specific to starting the state’s own home-sharing project. HIN didn’t need to invent anything. The guide includes setting goals, marketing, building trust, outreach and addressing difficult and important liability and compliance issues.

The guide also cautions that making matches is difficult. Although home-sharing match programs are deceptively simple in concept, they are incredibly difficult to accomplish. Not everyone is a good home-sharing candidate; it requires compatibility and flexibility.

The cumulative experiences of home-sharing projects has shown that most senior homeowners living alone are reluctant to get a housemate because they are afraid of being harmed physically or of being the victim of theft.

To help ameliorate that fear, Homesharing Hawaii has developed an enrollment process that includes interviews, acquiring multiple references, conducting extensive background checks on both parties, as well a trial period of living together. HIN’s thorough matching process is designed to support participation and address any concerns.

To be successful, this project needs a large pool of applicants. For that reason, Homesharing Hawaii is continuously recruiting new candidates through a strong outreach program. Most referrals for homeowners will come from family members and friends who are concerned about the well-being of their kūpuna who lives alone.

Participating in this project can increase health and wellness for the homeowner. It can also provide additional income to help fund home maintenance and reduce financial stress. For the home seeker, there is the financial benefit of having an affordable place to live.

Homesharing Hawaii is currently looking for potential homeowners and home seekers. It is also requesting volunteers to assist with outreach.

During this unprecedented pandemic period, HIN Homesharing Hawaii will be adjusting its policies, protocols and operations.

However, interested persons are still welcome to email or call the Homesharing Hawaii staff just to talk about options for the future.

HOMESHARING HAWAII
A project of Hawaii Intergenerational Network
1300 Kailua Road, Kailua, HI 96734
808-308-5291 | homesharinghawaii@gmail.com
www.homesharinghawaii.org
HIN is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996.

In response to this epidemic of isolation, a strategy called “home sharing” has been implemented in many U.S. cities for over 40 years. Recently, the nonprofit Hawaii Intergenerational Network (HIN), with funding from the HMSA, Kaiser and Atherton Family foundations, began a project called “Homesharing Hawaii” to offer a similar program in the state that…
Skilled Nursing Care After a Hospital Stay

Seniors who experience a fall or stroke, or undergo surgery may be surprised they can be discharged from the hospital fairly quickly. That’s good and bad news. Seniors may be happy to leave the hospital but may then be disappointed to learn they cannot return home.

They often must first receive ongoing, skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational or speech therapy. Depending on their condition and other various factors, this could be a short-term stay or a longer stay.

Family caregivers may want their loved one at home, but may not have the capability to provide the specialized care their loved one needs.

Seniors and their caregivers must make decisions quickly regarding finding a skilled nursing facility. Many may not know where to turn.

Since each of us will likely need long-term care at some point in our lives, we should identify potential facilities we prefer well before our actual time of need.

It is wise to do this homework in advance to help alleviate undue stress at an already stressful time.

KALĀKAUA GARDENS
1723 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-518-2273 | Ruth.Kawano@kalakauagardens.com
www.kalakauagardens.com

Seniors who experience a fall or stroke, or undergo surgery may be surprised they can be discharged from the hospital fairly quickly. That’s good and bad news. Seniors may be happy to leave the hospital but may then be disappointed to learn they cannot return home.
It’s Time to Hear Life

Hearing loss can have a huge impact on your overall health and well-being. It is just as important to take care of your hearing health as the rest of your body. Studies link untreated hearing loss to both depression and mental decline.

How can a hearing aid help?

A hearing aid will bring back the sounds you have been missing, putting you back into conversations and improving your relationships. It clarifies speech by boosting the sounds you need to hear so you are able to understand more easily. Conversation will go from muffled to sounding clear. Hearing aids enhance your quality of life by reducing the stress and frustration of hearing loss so you can be the sharpest version of yourself.

What if I have learned to live with my hearing loss?

Hearing loss is not just about you. If you have a hearing problem, those around you will also experience problems. In addition, those who have hearing difficulties may avoid social situations that they once enjoyed because of difficulty hearing. They may feel tired or stressed from straining to hear conversation and become annoyed or frustrated with others because they just can’t understand what they are trying to communicate.

Find out how a hearing aid may help you.

Hearing loss can have a huge impact on your overall health and well-being. It is just as important to take care of your hearing health as the rest of your body. Studies link untreated hearing loss to both depression and mental decline.
Exercise: A Panacea for Heart Disease

Exercise is the closest thing to a complete remedy — a panacea — for heart disease. The heart fuels the entire body. If the heart gets too weak, it cannot sufficiently provide nutrients to organs and the body slowly deteriorates. Unfortunately, this is quite common for people in hospice care. Thankfully, prevention is readily available.

Note that effective exercise may be tiring and straining.* The harsh reality is that the body — especially the heart — will not get stronger if not pushed past its comfort zone. Use it or lose it is one of the most universal laws of the body. Therefore, finding at least one enjoyable aspect is key. If the pros outweigh the cons, continued performance is more likely.

• Prevention of slowly starving the body and the variety of ailments/diseases that come with it is essential.
• Make it enjoyable! Play with the grandkids, make it social or involve one of your passions.
• Even the frail and elderly body is highly adaptable. It will respond to hard work and reach a point where strenuous exercise becomes the norm. It can and will become “a piece of cake” with no strain.

PRIME PHYSICAL THERAPY
600 Queen St., C-2, Honolulu, HI 96813
808-286-0194 | www.primepthawaii.com
* Please do not overdo any exercise. Exercise should be increased gradually, in moderation and not cause discomfort.

Exercise is the closest thing to a complete remedy — a panacea — for heart disease. The heart fuels the entire body. If the heart gets too weak, it cannot sufficiently provide nutrients to organs and the body slowly deteriorates. Unfortunately, this is quite common for people in hospice care. Thankfully, prevention is readily available.
Going to the Dentist After COVID-19

Hopefully, the COVID-19 virus is now under control and life is back to normal. Regardless, one of the lessons we learned through this pandemic is better personal hygiene.

Dentists were asked to help contain the spread if the virus by limiting their care to only emergency visits. The main concern was patients spreading it to each other while in the office. Just as concerning was the direct exposure of the virus to dentists and their staff — and possible spread to their families.

Once this crisis is over, it should be very safe to visit your dentist again. Dental offices have high infection control standards. Many place disposable plastic barriers on dental chairs and equipment that are used during treatment and are changed between patients. Surfaces are wiped down with disinfectant solutions. Gloves are changed after each patient and masks are worn during procedures.

Rest assured that dentists have been and will continue to ensure your safety at their offices.

DR. PAUL K. TANAKA, DDS
4747 Kilauea Ave., Ste. 113, Honolulu, HI 96816
808-737-6229 | office@paultanakadds.com
www.paultanakadds.com

Hopefully, the COVID-19 virus is now under control and life is back to normal. Regardless, one of the lessons we learned through this pandemic is better personal hygiene. Dentists were asked to help contain the spread if the virus by limiting their care to only emergency visits. The main concern was patients spreading it to…
Mindfulness & Memory

Mindfulness is something that when practiced throughout the day, can be beneficial but challenging. We often allow our minds to just wander aimlessly, which causes a disconnect.

To begin to reconnect, inform your brain of your intention. Pay attention to what you feel as you connect to your brain and talk to it as an old friend. This is a form of mindfulness meditation, since you are paying attention inwardly.

Check throughout the day where your mind is at and what it is doing, and if possible, just focus on being in the here and now. Experience everything you are doing in the moment with your senses and your breath. Make sure your breathing is calm and steady. This awareness activates different areas of your brain, making it healthier and more flexible.

Mindfulness has a cumulative effect. Do it regularly and often, and you’ll remember exactly why you went into that room.

BODY & BRAIN ENERGY HEALING CENTER, MĀNOA
2851 E Manoa Road, Ste. 1-207, Honolulu, HI 96822
808-691-9642 | www.bnbenergyhealing.com/manoa

If you have ever forgotten why you walked into a room or you find yourself making small mistakes, you’ve probably chalked it up to an aging brain. Age is only a minor contributor to this condition. The main factor is how you utilize your brain. Learn how to guide your brain instead of following or…
Working Out at Home

Due to the novel coronavirus, gyms and fitness studios closed, and many classes are completely canceled or available online only. Now, it is more critical than ever to improve your fitness to fight off COVID-19, as well as the common cold and flu.

A strong, healthy immune system is the best defense for fending off illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Walking is a great way to get moving, especially at a brisk pace. Add some resistance training and you’ll keep your body strong and fit.

Functional fitness becomes more important as we age in order to achieve or maintain a robust quality of life.

Functional fitness helps you feel better, makes you less prone to injury, improves balance and brain health, and builds and tone muscles.

Improving or extending your “doability” will enable you to continue doing what you love.

Activities such as taking care of grandchildren, traveling, gardening and socializing are all enhanced by improving your functional fitness so that your body can move freely and without pain.

Here’s a simple plan to follow that you can do in your own home without any fancy equipment. The plan can be modified to your fitness level.

20-Minute Workout — No Equipment

 Functional Warm-Up (5 minutes)
Do the following moves for 30 seconds. Repeat the entire sequence three times.

1. March in Place. Increase the height of your knee lift as you progress.
2. Jumping Jacks. Reduce impact by keeping one foot on the ground at all times.
3. Squat Reach. Feet hip width apart, squat down, keeping knees apart and chest up, then stand up and reach. Increase the depth of your squat and the height of your reach as you go.

 Functional Fitness Workouts (15 minutes)
Do each of these moves for 10 repetitions. Repeat the entire sequence three times. Rest as needed.

1. Chair Stands. Sit on a chair, then stand, using your hands if needed.
2. Stepping Over a Dog. Lift leg high and step in all directions; forward, backward and sideways.
3. Tandem Walking. Walk as if on a balance beam with one foot in front of the other.
4. Bridge. Lie down with feet flat on a mat. Raise and squeeze your butt, then lower.
5. Pushups on Your Knees. If you can’t get on the floor, use a wall or bench.

Cool down with a 10-minute walk.

FRAN PATOSKIE
CPT, GFI, Certified Fascianation Method Practitioner
808-349-5598 | franpatoskie@gmail.com

Due to the novel coronavirus, gyms and fitness studios closed, and many classes are completely canceled or available online only. Now, it is more critical than ever to improve your fitness to fight off COVID-19, as well as the common cold and flu.