Kaunoa Grant Among Expanded Senior Services for Maui

Mayor and Housing Director Jo-Ann Ridao receive donation from
A&B’s Meredith Ching (second from right) and Rick Volner. Photo courtesy: County of Maui / Ryan Piros.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa announced the receipt of a $20,000 grant from Alexander and Baldwin for the county’s Kaunoa Senior Services’ Nutrition Program.

The funds will help to facilitate the program, which provides nutritious meals for seniors at several satellite centers, county officials said in a press release.

Funds will also support special activities and events for people 60-years-of age and older.

According to data contained in the last Census, and detailed by county officials, Maui County had 32,000 people age 60 and older, a number expected to grow to 54,000 by the year 2020, translating to a third of the island’s population.

The grant award was presented to the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns during Kumiai Day, a cultural celebration of early plantation life.

Mayor Arakawa also announced several service expansions for seniors during his remarks at the 41st Aloha Kupuna Luncheon held in July.

Programs identified by the mayor for expansion include: the Community-Based Care Transitions Program; the County EnhanceFitness Program; and Kupuna Care.

County officials say the mayor addressed the crowd saying, “You worked all your lives to make this community what it is. It is only fair that we provide you with as much help and support for the highest quality of life in your senior years.”