The Kupunawiki's Podcast

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 05/09/26 | Jason shared his journey of becoming a Certified Financial Planner and building his own financial planning firm over the past 14 years. He explained the important role financial planners play in helping individuals and families navigate complex financial decisions while staying current in an ever-changing industry. He also discussed the high cost of living in Hawai‘i, especially rising medical expenses and long-term care costs, and how proper planning can help families make informed financial choices. He emphasized the importance of simplicity, budgeting, maintaining liquidity, and preserving assets to create long-term financial stability. Jason also highlighted how the ability to continue working and saving can greatly support retirement and help families stay financially secure while living in the islands.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 05/02/26 | Travis shared his journey with Andrews Advisory Associates and what inspired him to serve the kupuna community. Driven by a passion for helping others, he focuses on guiding clients through financial planning with care and clarity. He emphasized the importance of working with an experienced financial planner who can address a wide range of needs, especially as financial challenges continue to evolve. Travis also highlighted the value of having a solid plan, building emergency funds, and being prepared for the unexpected to achieve peace of mind. His approach centers on offering thoughtful options while helping clients choose the best path for their individual goals.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 04/25/26 | Dr. Cullen shares his long journey in the medical field, starting in Ohio and continuing his work in Hawaii since 1978. He has dedicated his life to helping the community and finds deep meaning in serving others. He also talks about his book, which focuses on active aging and how people can continue to grow and live a full life as they get older. He shares how some may lose interest in caring for themselves, but with the right mindset and support, healthy aging is possible. Dr. Cullen also discusses the growing aging population in Hawaii and how it is shaping long-term care, while encouraging kupuna to stay active, connected, and supported.

Gary shares how he started a caregiver foundation after seeing a big need for support in Hawaii. His journey began at a young age when he helped care for his grandfather. For the past 19 years, the caregiver foundation has grown into a trusted resource for kupuna. He explains how having a trustworthy caregiver and a third-party support system can help families manage care and finances with less stress while aging with dignity. Gary also shares simple tips on planning ahead and avoiding scams, and talks about the challenges of caregiving in today’s generation.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 04/11/26 | Dr. Wee shares how she reached 10 years with Walk With A Doc Oʻahu and the hard work it took to get there. Her life experiences helped shape her passion to serve families and kupuna in Oahu. She focuses on guiding the community through simple, healthy habits like walking and better daily living. Every week, she educates and supports others in living a healthier life. She also shares her work as an author and her mission to help people manage obesity through simple steps, including following a new food pyramid for a longer, healthier life.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 04/04/26 | Rachel shares her journey as a gerontologist who serves communities across the country and was invited to support kupuna in Hawaii. She began her work in dementia care in 2013, which grew into her passion to help and guide others. She is also an author and writes the blog “Dementia by Day,” where she shares real stories from her experiences. Rachel started her consulting practice in 2016, helping families better understand and care for loved ones with dementia. She explains the importance of being gentle, patient, and understanding each person’s reality, especially when they experience confusion over time.

Mark and Clifton share their background and how they started working at ʻIlima at Leihano. They talk about how the community supports kupuna by promoting aging with aloha and making everyone feel welcome. They highlight the Heirloom Program, which helps residents live with dignity, purpose, and joy while staying healthy, active, and engaged. They also explain how their memory care is designed based on each resident’s needs and interests. They share activities like gardening, games, and crafts, and how they keep residents active and involved every day.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 03/21/26 | Darlene shares her journey of serving kupuna in Hawaii, starting as a nurse and now becoming the CEO of a care home. She has been with Palolo Chinese Home for 23 years, after first working as an administrator. This year, they are celebrating 130 years of caring for the community. She explains how they started by helping elderly men and grew to serve all kupuna in Oahu. Darlene also talks about their services, facilities, meal-to-go program, volunteer efforts, and upcoming events.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 03/14/26 | Marian explains that EAH Housing is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing for kupuna in Hawaii. The organization has been serving communities for 57 years and began operating in Hawaii in 1996. Their mission is to support kupuna, especially during important life transitions. Marian also shares her personal reason for continuing to serve the community in her role as Vice President. She talks about how EAH Housing adapts to changes today by partnering with financing programs and highlights their new housing community, Aloha Ia Halewiliko, which opened in August and is currently leasing units.

KupunaWiki Radio Show Episode 02/28/26 | Kathy shares how she pioneered her own Adult Day Care after seeing the growing need among Kupuna facing aging and disability. She explains that Adult Day Care is an important and more affordable part of today’s long-term care system in Hawaii, especially as the senior population continues to grow and some facilities closed during COVID. Kathy also highlights that many caregivers are not fully aware of the resources available to support Kupuna. She talks about how her center adapted through life transitions, what families can expect, and what a typical day looks like in her Adult Day Care. She also announces her new location in Aiea.