What's Being Discussed

The Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) is holding its monthly meeting on Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon, both in person in Honolulu and via Zoom.

• Affordable housing presentation: Leaders from Lanakila Pacific and Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation will present on the 130 S. Beretania Project, a proposed affordable rental housing development designed for people with disabilities and workers, where residents can safely age in place.
• Federal budget updates: Staff will share news about bipartisan support for Older Americans Act programs and federal budget developments.
• State legislation: The board will discuss proposed changes to the Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act (SB3077 and HB2577), which is moving through the current legislative session.
• 2026 priorities: The board will continue discussing its focus areas for the year, including:
  • Rising rent and insurance costs for vulnerable seniors
  • Home modifications to support aging in place
  • Food access (SNAP, community-supported agriculture, community gardens)
  • Safety concerns such as falls prevention, mental health, transportation, emergency response, and rising Medicare/Medicaid costs
• Committee and agency reports: Updates from state departments (Health, Transportation, Education, Human Services, and others) and county aging agencies from Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai.

Decisions Expected

The board will likely approve minutes from the January 9, 2026 meeting. Discussions about the 2026 focus areas and legislative issues may lead to recommendations, though no major votes are specifically listed.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Older adults and kupuna across Hawaii
• People with disabilities seeking affordable housing
• Caregivers and families of seniors
• Community organizations serving elderly residents
• Anyone interested in state and federal aging policy