Kupuna Aloha Luncheon set for July 26; RSVP deadline approaching

Radio personality Kathy Collins and Lahaina Honolua Senior Citizens Club President Hedy Udarbe will be honored as Kupuna Advocates of the Year at the 53^rd annual Kupuna Aloha Luncheon on July 26.

The event is sponsored by the Maui County Planning & Coordinating Council, an umbrella organization made up of kupuna club officers countywide, with assistance from Maui Economic Opportunity. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Grand Wailea.

Collins’ career on the airwaves spans decades as a radio DJ and TV news reporter. She also has won acclaim as a pidgin English storyteller and stars on the streaming series “Moku Moku.” But kupuna have a special place in her heart, having worked at Kaunoa Senior Services and bringing her emceeing talent to events such as the Kupuna Aloha Luncheon and the Maui County Senior Fair.

Udarbe leads one of the island’s historically active senior clubs, the Lahaina Honolua Senior Citizens Club, and follows in the footsteps of past presidents Mae Fujiwara and Arleen Gerbig. The club has been a critical network in the kupuna community on the west side following the August 2023 wildfires, which claimed the life of one member and destroyed the homes of more than 40 others. The club has assisted members impacted by the fires and gathered them, many scattered across the island, for fellowship at meetings.

Kupuna are invited to attend the event that has recently drawn more than 400 people. 

The cost is $55 per person, which includes a lunch prepared by the Grand Wailea. Payments may be made by credit card by contacting Executive Assistant Lauren Amano at 808-243-4306 or at lauren.amano@meoinc.org. Check can be made out to Maui Economic Opportunity, and checks or cash may be dropped off at MEO Wailuku office at 99 Mahalani St.

The deadline to make a reservation and to make payment is 4 p.m. June 27. Call 808-877-7651 to RSVP for the event. No late payment will be accepted. 

Transportation to and from the luncheon is available for kupuna club members and MEO clients. To schedule a ride contact MEO Transportation at 808-877-7651 to make arrangements no later than June 27.