The day was filled with reverence and joy towards the center’s mission to serve our senior community. In the Hawaiian language, “Nā Kūpuna Makamae” means “the beloved seniors.”
A group of dignitaries and staffs gathered and shared their aloha on the grand opening.
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center opened its doors on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2016, after 12 months of restoration of the 116-year-old pump station in Kaka‘ako on Ala Moana Boulevard. Over 100 invitees were welcomed by Pacific Gateway Center Executive Director Dr. Tin Myaing Thein (right photo), who manages the new senior center. Kahu Wendell Silva began with an aloha chant followed by music and hula by the Hiwa class of Halau Ika Wekiu. A traditional Hawaiian blessing of the historic landmark led attendees into the building, where photos from before and after, stories from kūpuna, and music by Sen. Brickwood Galuteria and Mike Seda were enjoyed by all (above).
The center’s list of program activities promote: active aging with various stay-well exercises, nutrition, music, dance and art; a focus on inter generational training, in which youth exchange and learn from elders, and educate seniors through “Kūpuna Power;” a platform that seeks to educate and empower Hawai‘i’s elderly.
Program Coordinator Marlene Sai and Marketing Coordinator Valery O’Brien invite you to visit and become a member of Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center. The free-parking entrance is off of Keawe Street; TheBus bus stop is conveniently located just out front on Ala Moana Boulevard.
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center
653 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu HI
(corner of Keawe Street & Ala Moana Boulevard)
808-773-7047 | nakupunamakamae.org
