The Kupunawiki's Podcast

12/20/2025 | Geoff J. Sogi - Bonner Sogi & Associates, A Law Corporation

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 12/20/25 | Geoff talks about his work at Bonner Sogi & Associates, A Law Corporation, where he has been since 2017. He shares how family conflicts can happen during estate planning and what steps can help prevent them. He explains that every family is different and that understanding each person’s personality is very important, and talks about where these conflicts often start and how he helps all family members understand the process. He also explains why keeping original documents safe is important, and shares how misunderstandings and unequal financial needs can cause more conflict if they are not addressed early.

12/13/2025 | Kevin Shiinoki - Legacy Works

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 12/13/25 | In this episode, Kevin shares how he got into trust administration and why he decided to go to law school. He talks about how he works with families and why the community trusts him with these matters. Kevin explains why it is important to read and understand the whole trust before starting the process. He shares real examples of challenges and how he helps families both emotionally and practically. Kevin also talks about common problems, especially poor communication, and how long the process usually takes. He explains what a trustee can do and makes sure all taxes and responsibilities are handled properly.

12/06/2025 | Scott Makuakane - Est8Planning Counsel LLLC

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 12/06/25 | Scott shares how he has been practicing since 1983 and how he started his own estate planning firm. He explains the importance of understanding the problem, knowing what you can do about it, and getting correct and helpful information. Scott talks about how estate planning covers many parts of life and why it should not be ignored. He also shares how he works through challenges by finding solutions instead of avoiding them. He reminds listeners that estate planning is a process, not a destination, and planning early can help you avoid pitfalls. He also shares stories of how he helped people get back on track through proper estate planning.

11/29/25 | Gale Lee - Central Pacific Bank

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 11/29/25 | In this episode, Gale gives a simple overview of what a reverse mortgage is and how it works. She explains how this type of loan can be used for your home and how to make the most of it, while also sharing how cash flow planning and long-term care can support aging in place. She works closely with people in the community, helping them manage their mortgage and understand their options, and also talks about line of credit choices and the age requirements for getting a reverse mortgage. Gale reminds listeners that starting early can lead to a more secure future.

11/22/25 | Jason Shimoda - Morgan Stanley

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 11/22/25 | Jason shares his 15 years of experience helping the community with financial planning. He explains how his team guides people to feel safe and confident about their money, and talks about the importance of discipline in retirement planning. He also highlights how emotional intelligence helps you make better financial decisions. Lastly, he gives tips on preparing for rising healthcare costs in retirement.

11/15/25 | Daniel Peters - Chinen & Arinaga

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 11/15/25 | Daniel shared that 19 years ago, a financial planner approached him and changed his life. He talked about how passionate he is about his work and how he helps people manage their finances. He explained how they build multigenerational relationships that start with clients and often grow into lasting friendships. Daniel also discussed how inflation and the rising cost of living affect people, and how the right investments can help support and maintain their lifestyle over time. He shared strategies and ideas on how to stretch investments for the long run, assist people with fixed incomes, and help them plan for retirement.

11/08/25 | Tamara Pedrojetti - Health Insurance Specialist

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 11/08/25 | Tamara shared how this practice has shaped her life over the past eight years and how she eventually moved to Hawaii. She talked about Health Markets, a platform that provides different insurance options. She explained how the eligibility process works and the services people can access. Tamara guides clients from beginning to end to help them get the best Medicare support. She makes the insurance process easier to understand, especially during emergencies. She also highlighted the importance of aging in place, how care may change in the next 20 years, and how Guaranteed Life Insurance continues to support the community.

11/01/25 | Jason Segawa - Certified Financial Planner

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 11/01/25 | Jason shared about his 20 years of experience in finance and how he started his own practice 14 years ago. He helps people with finance, real estate, tax, insurance, and investments, putting everything together to build a strong plan. He shares why long-term care planning is important, especially for our Kupuna, and how it can support both health and finances. He also shares how advisors and government programs can help families prepare for a more secure future.

10/25/25 | Dr. Marian Miller - Psychologist

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 10/25/25 | Dr. Miller shares her inspiring journey of more than 30 years as a psychologist and private practitioner in Hawai‘i, helping people navigate life’s many changes. She talks about her work with Kupuna and how she uses the “tail of the comet” analogy to guide families in supporting their loved ones, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to life transitions and addressing challenges with awareness and care. She also shares how she helps clients open up, especially when denial becomes a barrier to progress. Through her compassionate approach, Dr. Miller encourages families to focus on understanding, balance, and the brighter side of every situation.

10/18/25 | Kingsada Hanashiro, Bristol Hospice

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 10/18/25 | Kingsada shares her journey from social services to joining Bristol Hospice, where she supports families through compassionate care. She explains how palliative and hospice care help Kupuna and their loved ones during life’s most vulnerable times. She highlights the difference between both services, with hospice focusing on person-centered care and palliative care offering comfort at any stage of illness, and shares how social workers play a key role in guiding patients and families through this process. Her insights remind us that true care goes beyond physical needs, touching the emotional and spiritual well-being of each person and family.