#Kupuna

As demand for senior care continues to rise at one of the fastest rates in the nation, Ho‘okele Home Care celebrates 20 years of helping kupuna age safely and comfortably at home with dignity, independence and compassion.

Maui Economic Opportunity is accepting table sponsorships from candidates for public office for the 54th Kūpuna Aloha Luncheon, set for July 25 at the Grand Wailea.

Federal Trade Commission received 8,665 fraud complaints last year resulting in $79.6 million lost by Hawai‘i consumers compared with $63.7 million lost in 2024 and 8,932 reports.

Hale Makua is inviting the community to register for its 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at The Dunes at Maui Lani.

ʻOhana Care Maui will present “Path to Peace: Organizing, Caring and Planning for Seniors and their ʻOhana,” for the upcoming April Speaker Series workshop on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The event at at Kalama Heights (101 Kanani Road in Kīhei) runs from 5 to 5:45 p.m. and will be followed by a question and answer session.

Kaunoa Senior Services, a division of the County of Maui Department of Human Concerns, is holding new and ongoing classes and activities this month in West Maui for kūpuna ages 55 and older.

Ahead of the First Decking deadline on Friday, March 6, 2026, the committee passed priority bills focused on public benefits, social assistance, Medicaid, food security, and support for service providers assisting vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, kūpuna and keiki.

In addition to the existing standard deduction, filers who are age 65 and older can qualify for a new senior bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for married couples. This deduction is targeted to lower- and middle-income retirees and will help tens of millions keep more of their income.

The 52nd Maui County Senior Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center in Kahului.

The SNAP-Ed program could end without federal funding on Sept. 30, ultimately impacting community well-being and food security.

Maui County’s Community Action Agency, Maui Economic Opportunity, was praised as a “second government” for its far-reaching work assisting county residents in need by Maui County Council members, who declared May as Community Action Month.

The club has been through a lot since the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires, which claimed the life of one member and the homes of 40 members. While the December gathering last year was subdued and a reunion of members scattered across the island, this year’s event was a more traditional, festive holiday gathering.

“We’re all kind of maneuvering through our grief differently,” said Trixy Nuesca-Ganer, who lost her uncle David Nuesca Jr. in the fire. “Some have been able to move on and let him be at rest and peace. I think collectively we just try to remember the good things and not focus on the loss.”

AARP Hawaiʻi is empowering longer lifespans through a series of free one-hour webinars that help people plan for retirement. These webinars will be happening via Zoom each Saturday starting June 22 through July 13.

More than 1,300 kupuna 60 years and older who met the income requirement have or will be receiving 10 $5 coupons, totaling $50, to exchange for unprocessed locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from an authorized farmer or farmers market.

Maui seniors who have health, mobility or memory challenges can now take advantage of an assisted transport program being offered by Vivia by Hoʻokele Home Care.

AARP Hawaiʻi and Kaunoa Meals on Wheels will hand deliver about 500 roses and handmade Valentine’s Day cards to kūpuna on Maui. It’s part of the national Cupid Crew effort to deliver more than 170,000 roses and 35,000 cards to older adults, fostering intergenerational connections with those who may be at risk for social isolation. 

Maui Economic Opportunity will be signing up kupuna for the Red Card discount program, assisting with transportation applications and offering other information at the Maui County Senior Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at The Maui Mall Village.

AARP Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Public Health Institute created the Kūpuna Digital Resource Directory as part of a larger effort to bridge the digital divide and help more kūpuna go online.

Pacita Asuncion, a former client in a kupuna employment program, has been named the Employee of the Month at Maui Economic Opportunity.