Aloha,

As we just celebrated another anniversary of our nation’s independence, we find ourselves deep in the silly season of elections. With questions of “are these really our choices” and “why aren’t more people involved in the democratic process”, it is no wonder that participation in the election process is low. I am of course writing about the Senior Counsel Division’s (SCD) upcoming elections and the need for more candidates to apply for the vacate positions available next year. In the coming weeks, an email will be sent seeking additional active and inactive bar members to throw their hats in the ring for an opportunity to be an officer on the board for SCD. As a board member, one will have a direct impact on how the SCD will accomplish its mission of servicing those in the bar who are age 50 and older and assisting our kupuna in the community at large.

An example of this service to the community will take place on Saturday August 3, 2024, when the SCD will be manning an information booth at the Aging in Place Workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel. This all day event is free to the public and is a great opportunity for seniors to hear lectures from experts on over 20 subjects ranging from estate planning to adult daycare to navigating Social Security and Medicare. This is the second largest senior resource fair of the year, and there will be over 40 government and non-profit agencies that services to kupuna. For more information, please visit Generations Magazine's website.

Another opportunity to serve our community will take place on September 21, 2024, when the SCD will once again join others in helping the Hawaii Foodbank fill boxes for their Senior Food Box Packing event. The SCD has throughout the year assisted in packing thousands of boxes of food for low-income seniors. This will actually be SCD’s third time this year participating in this program. If you are interested in joining us or would like more information, please email our SCD Oahu Director Gilbert Doles.

Last month, SCD Secretary and former President Scott Makuakane shared his expert knowledge of estate planning on the Big Island by giving a training to the Seniors of the Big Island. It was very well received and appreciated by all those who attended.

Lastly, SCD’s monthly Coffee Hour for July featured Social Security Administration Public Affairs Specialist and Military Liaison Jane Burigsay. Jane has been with the SSA for over 28 years, and her knowledge and experienced clearly showed in her lecture. At the conclusion of her presentation, she was bombarded with questions from the audience about this very important subject. Given how this area is constantly changing, Jane’s presentation could not be uploaded to Youtube like SCD’s previous Coffee Hour presentations. However, SCD is planning on inviting Jane back next year for an update on Social Security and Medicare [note; the previously mentioned Aging in Place conference will have two separate presentations on this subject].

Our meeting next month will be on August 1, 2024, and will feature Jerry Clay who will be speaking on Partnering. Please be safe this summer outdoor time and try to enjoy everything that makes Hawaii “paradise."

Aloha.