2011 will be a year of change for most of us, especially if you’re a senior. Some things are out of our control, such as changes in Medicare enrollment, health care reform, the country’s (and our family’s) financial stability. That is why it’s important for us to affect change when and where we can.

Are you at a place in your life where you want to do something to affect change? Are you a retired union member? If so, we have just the place for you to volunteer and start to affect change in our state.

The Hawai‘i Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) is the state affiliate of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), a national advocate on senior and aging issues with more than 3 million members. ARA ensures social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens so we may enjoy lives of dignity, security and personal and family fulfillment. The alliance believes that all older and retired persons have a responsibility to create a society that incorporates these goals and rights. The alliance encourages seniors to take advantage of their retirement and use it as an opportunity to pursue new and expanded activities with their unions, civic organizations and communities.

Founded in 2001, HARA consists of 10 organizations with shared goals. HARA ensures that our state is a good place to retire and age. It supports the aspirations of seniors to remain healthy and lead a full and productive life, while aging in place at home.

HARA is a strong voice for Hawai‘i’s retirees and seniors; a diverse community-based organization with national roots; a grassroots organizer, educator, and communicator; and a trusted source of information for decision-makers.


To learn more about HARA or to join, please email Al Hamai, HARA president, he will get you involved in advocacy work here in the Islands; hamaia001@hawaii.rr.com. For more information, please visit www.retiredamericans.org.

Our Mission: HARA strives to better the health, economic security and quality of life for Hawai‘i’s seniors and retirees.

Our Vision: That Hawai‘i’s seniors and retirees enjoy “choices,” which result in an improved standard of living and a better, higher quality of life.

Our Legislative Agenda: Some issues that ARA/HARA are now engaged in include: Expand the Kupuna Care Program; protect and expand Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; urge people to take advantage of the benefits under the new health reform act; safeguard pensions and other retirement benefits; provide adequate, accessible and affordable housing and transportation services; and educate members about issues affecting its members and families.