Aging well means more than just living longer. It means staying connected, supported and empowered in our communities. Whether it’s access to affordable housing, healthcare or caregiving services, kūpuna face unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions.
The Kūpuna Caucus is a group of state legislators focused on creating and advancing policies that improve the quality of life for Hawai‘i’s aging population. The caucus meets monthly on the first Friday of the month at 2pm. Meetings are held virtually via Zoom and are open to community members. During these sessions, lawmakers provide updates on bills related to housing, healthcare, caregiving and other kūpuna issues. The caucus also hosts guest speakers, including doctors, health experts and social service providers who share insights and answer questions. Members coordinate with community organizations to address ongoing challenges. All meetings are livestreamed and recorded on the Kūpuna Caucus YouTube channel (youtube.com/@kupunacaucus).
These efforts align with the Hawai‘i State Plan on Aging 2023–2027, a strategic framework developed by the Executive Office on Aging that focuses on improving long-term care services, supporting caregivers and promoting programs such as the Kūpuna Care Program, which helps seniors live safely and independently in their homes and communities.
During the 2025 legislative session, the Kūpuna Caucus advanced bills to support kūpuna:
- HB 703 –Kūpuna Rent Supplement Program Extension extends the rent supplement program through June 30, 2028. It provides rental assistance to income-eligible kūpuna, ensuring statewide support for affordable housing.
- HB 705 –Medi-Medi Project establishes a pilot program to coordinate benefits between Medicare and Medicaid. It streamlines enrollment and improves access to healthcare services and subsidies by reducing administrative barriers.
Additional actions supported by the caucus include funding for long-term care ombudsman specialists, expansion of health insurance assistance programs and pilot projects addressing homelessness among kūpuna.
Staying connected with the Kūpuna Caucus ensures kūpuna voices continue to be heard and their needs prioritized in Hawai‘i’s policymaking. Seniors can stay informed and play an active role in shaping the policies that affect their lives by participating in meetings and following legislative updates:
- Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 977 2103 3988 | Passcode: 004105 - Listen by phone
Dial: 1-253-215-8782
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