AARP Online Community: AARPhi - My Journals & Blogs

Older Residents Want Safer, People-Friendly Transportation

Nearly nine out of ten Honolulu residents age 50+ say they support transportation policies that ensure public roadways are designed not only for motor vehicles but for all users—including pedestrians, bicycle riders and those using public transportation. The findings are part of an AARP survey of Oahu residents age 50 and older revealing widespread public support for “Complete Streets” policies that are safer, offer more mobility choices, and enable seniors to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

People-friendly transportation policies like Complete Streetsare significant in view of Hawaii’s rapidly aging population . Over the next two decades the number of residents age 65 and older is projected to swell to about 327,000. For a state already identified as one of the most dangerous in the country for pedestrians over the age 65, there’s a pressing need for plans to take into account the dangerous mix of people and cars on Hawaii’s roads.

AARP Hawaii is part of a coalition of pedestrian and bicycling advocates pressing for safer, multi-modal transportation options. Known as One Voice for Livable Islands, the group is calling for the passage of SB 718 – which would require state and county transportation departments to adopt a Complete Streets policy promoting greater safety and access for all modes of transportation, including walking.

“Oahu’s proposed rail project is a great leap forward in establishing a more balanced transportation system for Honolulu residents,” said AARP Hawaii Associate State Director Jackie Boland. “When combined with Complete Streets design, the investment in rail becomes even more valuable in terms of getting more people to transit stations safely. An effective Complete Streets policy would also extend the benefits of balanced transportation to rural communities and neighbor islands not served by rail. We’re asking the community to support SB 718 as an intelligent first step in a transportation planning process that will account for the needs of all people.”

The survey, “Getting From Here to There: The Opinions of Hawaii Residents 50+ on Complete Streets,” is based on a random sample of 800 Oahu residents interviewed by telephone. Nearly half (46 percent) of those interviewed were retired. Other findings:

Four in ten (40 percent) said heavy traffic is a big problem.
A third of those surveyed (33 percent) said Oahu streets are in need of repair.
Seven in ten residents (70 percent) say it is extremely or very important for them to remain in their community as they get older.

Added: March 25, 2009
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AARP's Real Relief Web Site - A Resource for Hawaii Residents

As the dismal economic news continues, families across Hawaii are losing their jobs, savings, health insurance, and even their homes. At 6.1 percent, Hawaii’s unemployment rate in January was the highest it has been since 1983. Many residents are looking for answers to help weather the storm.

Real Relief at www.aarp.org/realrelief is a one-stop online portal that offers information on programs and interactive tools for anyone struggling to make ends meet, seeking employment or job training, worrying about retirement, trying to cut back on expenses, or working to safeguard investments.

Updated regularly, content on the Real Relief Web site offers a host of tools and resources to help people stay focused on long-term financial goals while providing immediate solutions and assistance. Look for tips on job searching – to free programs for tax preparation – and up-to-date news about the economy. Also, visitors to the site can check state-specific information about receiving public benefits programs that help cover the costs of food, utilities, health care, and medicine.

Added: March 17, 2009
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Community Workshop on Transit Oriented Development in Kapolei

Kapolei-area residents are invited to attend a community workshop on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) on Wednesday March 18.

Transit-Oriented Development can increase mobility options by creating a safe environment that encourages walking, biking, and other forms of transportation to and from station areas. It also promotes mixed-use development that allows people to live near services like doctors and pharmacies - and encourages people to stay independent and engaged in their communities as they age.

Honolulu's rail transit system has three stations planned in the East Kapolei area, bringing exciting opportunities for TOD. The station areas at Ho'opili, UHWO and East Kapolei (Kroc Center) will provide unique destinations for local residents and visitors and help improve the overall transporation network of the region.

EAST KAPOLEI
NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PLAN
COMMUNITY WORKSHOP 1

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009 - 7:00-9:00 PM
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
Hale Pono'i Building (Conference Facility)
91-5420 Kapolei Parkway

Community Workshop 1 will build on the efforts of the East Kapolei Task Force and includes a presentation and discussion of Plan Principles and Refined Plan Alternatives for each station.

Need more information? Visit: www.honoluludpp.org/planning
Contact: Adam Rosa (Van Meter Williams Pollack)
(415) 974-5352 x222 adam@vmwp.com
Dean Uchida (D.R. Horton, Schuler Division)

For more information on AARP's support and position on Transit Oriented Development or to get involved contact Jackie Boland at jboland@aarp.org.

Added: March 16, 2009
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Resource Fair to Shine Light on Challenges Facing Caregivers

HONOLULU—Up to 169,000 family caregivers of elders in Hawaii help loved ones with everyday tasks such as bathing, eating and dressing—quietly and without fanfare. More than 14,000 grandparents in the state are raising their grandchildren. The spotlight shines on caregivers themselves next week when the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition sponsors the Family Caregiver Awareness Day and Resource Fair at the State Capitol on Thursday, March 12 (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.).

The purpose of the event is to educate legislators about informal caregiver issues and challenges, and to provide caregivers with the resources they need to support friends and family members. More than 50 exhibitors will be on hand to showcase products and services that can help caregivers assist the frail elderly and persons with disabilities.

“Family caregivers of elders provide a range of services—everything from personal hygiene to meal preparation and managing finances. Grandparents raising grandchildren have set aside their own retirement to raise another set of children. The work of both of these groups is rarely acknowledged and is generally without compensation and at great personal sacrifice,” said Jackie Boland, associate state director of AARP Hawaii and board member of the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition. “This event recognizes the needs and contributions of caregivers in Hawaii and gives legislators a better understanding of the support they need to take care of their friends and loved ones.”

Family caregivers are the backbone of Hawaii’s long-term care system, and the economic value of the unpaid services they provide is estimated at $1.45 billion annually. Their role is especially significant given the prohibitively high cost of nursing care in Hawaii and the fact that most people will require some form of elder care assistance at some point in their lives. According to national figures, two-thirds of 65-year-olds (69 percent) will need some long-term care as they get older.

In Hawaii, providing care for grandchildren is a cultural norm for many of our resident grandparents—one that they gladly accept. However, those whose family circumstances force them to assume primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren often encounter challenges. “Many grandparents raising grandchildren have trouble making ends meet. And, they often they come up against barriers – like accessing health care for their grandchildren, registering them for school, or even staying in their home if they live in housing that is designated for seniors only,” said Jackie Chong, president of the NaTutu Coalition, a member organization of the Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition.

As the number of people age 65 and older nearly doubles over the next two decades, greater pressure will fall on Hawaii caregivers—many of whom struggle with the physical, emotional and financial challenges of caregiving. The ‘typical’ elder caregiver is a 46-year-old female who is employed outside the home and spends more than 20 hours per week caring for her mother. One in six of these caregivers says their health is fair or poor. In addition, family caregivers frequently report having trouble finding time for themselves, balancing work and family responsibilities, and managing stress.

The Family Caregiver Awareness Day and Resource Fair is open to the public. If you would like to be part of an organized effort to visit legislators and brief them on aging and caregiver-related issues call 956-3585 or email aishizu@hawaii.edu.

Added: March 6, 2009
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Workshop to Help Residents Navigate Maze of Elder Care Services

HONOLULU—Hawaii’s population is aging, and the demand for elder care services is on the rise. But how many of us know where to turn for help that will allow loved ones to stay in their homes and communities as they get older? And how much it will cost?

Answers to these and other questions will be the focus of a public workshop sponsored by AARP Hawaii and the Elderly Affairs Division of the City and County of Honolulu at Mission Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, March 7 (9:30 – 11:30 a.m.). The workshop is free and open to the public, and is intended for residents of all ages who need help in planning for the long-term care needs of themselves of their loved ones.

Titled Navigating Community Resources for Long-Term Care, the workshopis provided as a public service for caregivers or anyone who has ever been confused or frustrated in getting information about community resources and how to pay for them. The featured speaker is Lei Shimizu, a veteran social worker and current coordinator of Honolulu’s Elderly Affairs Division Information & Assistance Services. Shimizu will share her knowledge of Hawaii’s long-term care service system and how to make the most of what’s available.

At any given time in Hawaii, up to 169,000 family caregivers are assisting loved ones with everyday tasks such as bathing, eating and dressing. They are the backbone of our long-term care system, and the economic value of the unpaid services they perform has been estimated at $1.45 billion annually. But they can’t do it alone.

Surveys show that Hawaii residents are concerned about their ability to stay in their homes and communities as they get older. Last year, an AARP survey of local residents age 18 and older revealed that 88 percent of those surveyed wanted to remain in their homes, but that three out of four people are worried about their ability to get in-home care and how to pay for it. Those concerns are likely to become magnified as the number of Hawaii residents age 65 and older nearly doubles over the next two decades.

AARP believes that as people live longer, they deserve affordable options so that when they can no longer live without assistance, they and their families can choose the living environment that best meets their needs. This workshop is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that all Hawaii residents have that option.

Call 768-7700 to reserve a seat. Walk-ins will be accepted if space is available.

Added: March 2, 2009
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Driver Safety Program Helps Hawaii Motorists Sharpen Their Skills

Contact: Bruce Bottorff

808-545-6006

bbottorff@aarp.org

HONOLULU – Hawaii motorists looking to sharpen their driving skills and keep our roads safer are invited to turn to the AARP Driver Safety Program (DSP) on all islands. Over the last 30 years more than 10 million people across the country have taken the Driver Safety class for the most current driving information and safety tips available.

The program promotes safer driving habits. In a recent national survey of more than 5,400 people who took the course, nearly all participants (93 percent) said they had changed at least one key driving behavior. The most common behaviors changed were always checking blind spots (73 percent), following distance and space cushion (65 percent), and paying more attention when entering or existing highways (60 percent).

Available to residents on all islands, the course is designed to help you:

1. Tune up your driving skills and update your knowledge of the rules of the road.

2. Learn about normal age-related physical changes, and how to adjust your driving to allow for these changes.

3. Reduce your traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries.

4. Drive more safely.

The four-hour course is geared for drivers age 50 and older, but is open to people of any age. AARP membership is not required. There is no final test to pass and everyone attending the course is given a certificate of completion. The course fee is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. It can also be taken on-line.

The in-person Driver Safety class schedule varies by island. To find a course listing in your area go to www.aarp.org/families/driver_safety. To register for a class on Oahu, residents can also call the Oahu Information Center at 843-1906. For telephone assistance on Maui, calltheKaunoa Senior Services at 270-7308, and ask for the AARP Driver Safety scheduler. On the Big Island, call the Kona Information Center at 334-1212. For assistance on Kauai, call the Kauai Information Center at 246-4500.

Added: February 23, 2009
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AARP Tax-Aide Offering Free Filing Assistance to Taxpayers

Contact: Bruce Bottorff

808-545-6006

bbottorff@aarp.org

HONOLULU – Now that tax season is under way, Hawaii residents can count on AARP Tax-Aide volunteers to help keep the stress of filing returns to a minimum. From now through April 15, AARP-trained and IRS-certified volunteers are available at 48 locations throughout the state to help taxpayers prepare basic federal and state forms.

AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service to low and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Last year in Hawaii, Tax-Aide counselors helped 13,489 Hawaii residents file their taxes, including those eligible to file for economic stimulus checks. The resulting tax returns put more than $1.5 million in the pockets of those who need it most.

Anyone interested in meeting with an AARP tax preparation counselor should check site listings posted at AARP Information Centers on Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island. The Oahu Information Center (808-843-1906) can answer questions about locations and times on the island of Maui. Taxpayers can also find the site closest to their home by calling toll-free 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visiting www.aarp.org/taxaide.

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers also provide counseling services to people who are unable to leave their homes. In Hawaii last year, volunteers visited home-bound residents, including individuals in nursing homes. One-on-one, on-site tax counseling is available now through April 15.

AARP Tax-Aide is a service of the AARP Foundation, AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.

Added: February 17, 2009
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Key Vote: Stimulus Passes with Hawaii's Support

Contact: Bruce Bottorff

808-545-6006

bbottorff@aarp.org

AARP Hawaii: Stimulus Is First Step Toward Restoring

Long-Term Financial Security for Older Americans

AARP Tracks “Key Vote” on Government Watch for 40 Million Members

In a historic and critical vote, Congress last week passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Designated as a “key vote” by AARP on behalf of its 40 million members—including nearly 160,000 members in Hawaii—the elected officials’ votes will be posted on AARP’s Government Watch site so that individuals across the nation can see how their elected official voted on this legislation. For more information go to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch.

Hawaii’s entire congressional delegation voted in favor of the stimulus package:

HAWAII	VOTED YES FOR THE AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT
Akaka, Daniel	X
Inouye, Daniel	X
Abercrombie, Neil	X
Hirono, Mazie	X

Barbara Kim Stanton,state director for AARP Hawaii, released the following statement:

“AARP Hawaii is pleased and grateful that Hawaii’s congressional delegation unanimously supported this legislation. The bill contains many provisions that we believe are essential to promoting economic growth, assisting those most affected by the economic crisis, and providing the foundation for meeting critical needs, such as health care and the development of livable communities.”

In a recent letter from AARP CEO Bill Novelli to House and Senate leadership outlines the most important issues for older Americans in this legislation:

· A $250 economic recovery payment for older persons, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who are ineligible to receive a Make Work Pay credit.

· A significant increase in Medicaid spending that will help to stimulate the economy as the current economic downturn causes caseloads to rise while revenues plummet.

· Essential building blocks for health care reform, including support for health information technology that includes critical privacy protections, health care comparative effectiveness research, and nurse and primary care training. These changes are critical because we cannot fix our economy if we do not address our broken health care system.

· An increase in funding for the Social Security Administration at a time of significant caseload increases.

· Affordable health insurance via subsidized COBRA for those who have lost health coverage along with jobs.

· An extension and increase in unemployment benefits. Over the past twelve months the number of unemployed aged 55 and older has risen by 65 percent.

· An increase in Food Stamps and other nutrition support. Fixed and low-income individuals face unacceptable choices as food costs increase along with the price of medicine and health care.

· An increase in the Weatherization Assistance Program to help low-income and older couples reduce their energy costs.

· A substantial increase in funding for transportation infrastructure projects that expand mobility options, including mass transit, rural and para-transit programs, and improved coordination of human services transportation programs.

· An increase in the loan value limit for FHA-insured reverse equity mortgages that would allow greater numbers of older homeowners to safely tap the equity in their homes to refinance unaffordable mortgages, obtain more suitable housing, pay medical bills or just meet daily living costs.

Added: February 16, 2009
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AARP Foundation Offers Scholarships for Older Women

HONOLULU – The AARP Foundation has announced a call for applications to its Women’s Scholarship Program. The scholarships provide funds to women age 40+ who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program is available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources.

“AARP Foundation is committed to providing opportunities for older women,” said AARP Hawaii State Director Barbara Kim Stanton. “Last year in Hawaii, we were able to provide resources allowing three deserving women to pursue their professional goals.”

To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must be:

Women age 40 or over by March 31, 2009
Able to demonstrate financial need
Enrolled in an accredited school or training program within six months of the scholarship award date

The AARP Foundation will award up to 100 scholarships nationally. Scholarship awards will range from $500 to $5,000, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program. Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.

Applications may only be submitted on-line, and the deadline is March 31, 2009. To submit an application or for more information visit http://www.aarpfoundationwlc.org .

The Women’s Scholarship Program is made possible by a donation from AARP to the AARP Foundation, the organization's affiliated charity, with generous support from Bank of America and the Women's Leadership Circle Cabinet.

The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.

Added: February 13, 2009
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AARP's Priority in 2009: Defend and Restore Critical Safety Net

AARP Hawaii's priority this year is to defend and restore critical safety net services. The Association is also seeking to raise awareness of and support for systemic health and long-term care reforms that address issues of cost, access and quality of services. As of February 11, testimony has been provided in support of the following bills:

SB 423 – Relating to Health: Appropriates money to match federal funds for Medicaid. These are challenging times financially for the state and for the people of Hawaii. As programs and services get cut, AARP is concerned about the health and welfare of people of all ages, especially those who are most in need of these services and those who are most vulnerable.

HB 703 – Relating to Health: Maximizes the availability of the federal disproportionate share hospital allowance to the State.

SB 417 – Relating to Health: Provides fair compensation to: 1) acute care hospitals for the service they provide to Medicaid patients who have been treated for acute illnesses and injuries and who have recovered sufficiently so that they may be transferred to long-term care, but for whom long-term care is not available, and 2) LTC facilities for patients in acute hospitals with medically complex conditions when their level of care changes from acute to long-term care.

SB 1679 – Relating to the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund: Appropriate moneys from the emergency budget and reserve fund (commonly known as the “Rainy Day Fund”) to maintain levels deemed to be essential to public health, safety, welfare, and education.

SB 824 – Relating to Long-Term Care: Appropriates funds to support the development of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) statewide.

SB 415 – Relating to Home Care Agencies: Protects consumers of home care services by requiring home care agencies to be licensed by the Department of Health, and appropriates funds for a position in the Department of Health to assist with licensure and monitoring of home care agencies. (HB 704)

SB 817 – Relating to Senior Centers: Appropriates funds to support the operations of senior centers named in this bill (Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, Kapahulu Senior Center, Moiliili Senior Center and Waikiki Community Center) so that they may continue to enhance the quality of life for seniors in their respective communities. (HB 324)

HB 982 – Relating to Family Leave: Extends the applicability of the family leave law to companies that employ 50 or more employees (The current application is only for employers with 100 or more employees) and; 2) Creates a family leave data collection for family leave at the UH Center on Aging.

HB 1378 – Relating to Advanced Practice Nursing: Increases access to healthcare by supporting and allowing full utilization of advanced practice registered nurses. This would allow nurse practitioners to be included by payers as primary care providers.

SB 718 – Relating to Transportation: Directs the state Department of Transportation to adopt a Complete Streets policy regarding future transportation projects. (HB 306)

SB 259 – Relating to Jury Duty: Lowers the age at which an individual may claim exemption from jury duty service from age 80 to 70.

Added: February 12, 2009
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