Posted on: Sunday, December 12, 2004
The experts
Advertiser Staff
The experts (in alphabetical order):
Dick Freitas, a partner at Hedberg Freitas King and Tom and president of the Hawaii Society of Certified Public Accountants, can answer questions regarding taxes on retirement income. Cullen Hayashida, co-host of "Kupuna Connections," an 'Olelo TV program for seniors and caregivers debuting Wednesday on Channel 56, can answer questions about housing costs and government aid. Mel Hertz, a certified financial planner and chairman of the Financial Planning Association of Hawaii, can answer questions about planning for long-term care. Paul Higa, eligibility section supervisor for the state's Med-QUEST Division, which administers Medicaid, can answer questions about qualifying for Medicaid. Greg Marchildon, state director of AARP Hawaii, can answer questions about Social Security. James Pietsch, director of the Elder Law Program at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, can answer questions concerning the law, including general estate planning, long-term-care needs and preparations for death. Mary Rydell, Pacific area representative, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, can answer questions about Medicare. Pat Sasaki, executive director, state Executive Office on Aging, can answer questions about state services for seniors.
As for county services, the following county executives can answer questions about elder services: Karen Miyake of the Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division; Alan Parker of the Hawai'i County Office of Aging; John Tomoso of the Maui County Office on Aging; and Kealoha Takahashi of the Kaua'i Agency on Elder Affairs.
Have a question about the financial and legal issues of aging? We've assembled a panel of community experts who will field readers' questions. Answers will be published in the Dec. 26 Business Section. Please submit your questions to: David Butts, Business Editor, 605 Kapi'olani Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813, or call 535-2453, or e-mail dbutts@honoluluadvertiser.com and use the words "aging questions" in the subject line. We'll answer as many questions as we can.
