Bruce Bottorff

With the general election right around the corner, AARP Hawaii has launched the 2014 online Voter Guide to inform members and the general public where candidates stand on key federal and state issues.

Over half (53 percent) of Hawaii residents age 45 and older say they are providing or have provided unpaid care for an adult loved one in their early eighties who is frail or who has a disability. This, according to an AARP survey of Hawaii registered voters on their experiences with family caregiving and their opinions of proposals to support family caregivers.

By Russell Nanod

AARP Hawaii will sponsor a live, televised debate on KHON2 with leading candidates in the general election for governor on Tuesday, October 7 (7 – 8 p.m.) The debate will feature Republican Duke Aiona, Democrat David Ige, and Independent Mufi Hannemann.

With the election getting closer, AARP has widely promoted its online Voter Guide which lets Hawaii voters see where candidates for state and federal office stand on issues important to residents age 50+. For daily information and opinions on the local election scene, check out Honolulu Civil Beat’s election page.

AARP national president, Jeannine English, is coming to Hawaii to deliver a keynote presentation at the Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society Conference on Monday, September 29 (8:45 a.m.) at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort.

Are you caring for an aging family member or planning for your own future care? AARP Hawaii and Wilson Care Group are hosting a free, half-day event at the Japanese Cultural Center on Saturday, October 4 (8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) The purpose of the Oahu Caregiver Conference is to support family caregivers and help make it possible for their loved ones to live independently and remain in their homes and communities where they want to stay. Government and non-profit service providers will offer free resources beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Two years ago, older voters in Hawaii went to the polls in numbers greater than any other group. According to Census data, voters age 45+ accounted for nearly seven in ten votes cast in Hawaii’s 2012 general election. Ninety percent of older residents who registered made their voices heard at the polls.

By Helen Altonn

Community leader Carl T. Takamura has been appointed to AARP Hawaii’s Executive Council. Takamura brings extensive service in the educational, legislative and business arenas to the all-volunteer advisory board that shapes the 150,000-member organization’s strategic direction in Hawaii.