Fall Updates

November is in full swing and with that comes more than a change in temperature and holiday decorations. Between preparing for HIPHI events, counting what we’re grateful for, and tracking election results, there’s a lot that has happened since our last e-blast!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we hope you get to spend quality time with your ‘ohana and are able to express what you are thankful for. We are grateful for your support and participation in our programs, and the collaboration we’ve had with many new partners!

One of those new partnerships established this year is Keiki Heroes, a community empowerment initiative that provides Hawaii’s keiki with fun and engaging ways to encourage habits that keep them healthy and safe. If you didn’t get a chance to use this Keiki Heroes Thanksgiving placematlast year, you can download it for a fun family activity!

This year’s election saw many changes in our Hawaiʻi state Legislature and some races have yet to be finalized. See more information on local races still in limbo by clicking here. At a federal level, the democrats managed to retain power in the Senate and the House has several races yet to be called, but it appears the Republicans will have the majority.

We saw major changes in our state House with the highest number of newcomers in two decades after some incumbents retired, some ran for higher office and some lost their seats. There will be 16 new representatives out of the 51 seats and the 25-member state Senate will have five new members. We are excited to work with the Legislature on public health issues in 2023.

• Josh Green will be the ninth governor of Hawaiʻi.
• On Maui, Judge Rick Bissen defeated incumbent Mayor Mike Victorino, while on Kauaʻi, incumbent Mayor Derek Kawakami will serve a second term after defeating Michael Roven Foai.

View the statewide and county summaries at elections.hawaii.gov/election-results.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has a series, Information for Caregivers, that has a plethora of resources on Oral Health and Aging. Share infographics that include tips on brushing, flossing, and finding low-cost dental care in English and in Spanish.

Talking to your loved ones about the importance of getting a flu shot isn’t always easy. These helpful tips on Communicating the Benefits of Influenza Vaccine During COVID-19 provides talking points and timely, accurate, and factual information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. To download or print the infographic, click here.

The Meals with Aloha program supports kūpuna with weekly meal sets and supportive services.

• Participants must be 62 years of age and over and have an ID or driver license to verify the age requirement. If someone is eligible they can complete an initial application form.
• To sign up a kūpuna or sign up as a volunteer, email Soleil Fusha at soleil@touchahearthawaii.org or Lauren Oakland at lauren@alohaharvest.org.

Check out community events on our calendar! Add events by clicking here.