What's Being Discussed
The Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs (PABEA) will meet on Friday, October 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at 250 South Hotel Street, Suite 406, Honolulu (Conference Room 410). The meeting is also available via Zoom.

Dementia training for businesses: An update on a new state law (Act 251) requiring the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to offer statewide dementia training.
Hurricane Lowell relief for kupuna: The Executive Office on Aging (EOA) submitted a funding proposal to federal partners to assist elders affected by the hurricane.
State Plan on Aging 2027–2031: Progress updates on Hawaii's upcoming multi-year plan for elder services.
Medicare changes: Updates on changes to Ohana Health Plan and distribution of the Medicare and You handbooks.
Caregiver Conference: A brief update on the Hawaii Caregiver Conference.
Emergency preparedness for elders: Board members will share reports on condominium emergency preparedness and natural disaster readiness.
Reports from county aging agencies on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, and Kauai, plus updates from multiple state and federal agencies.

Decisions Expected

Approval of the September 4, 2026 meeting minutes.
Consideration of a proposal to reduce the required number of annual board meetings (currently set at a minimum of 12 per year by state law).
A planned change to remove the "Announcements" section from future agendas starting in November 2026.

Who Should Pay Attention

Older adults and kupuna across Hawaii, especially those on Medicare or affected by Hurricane Lowell.
Family caregivers and those who support elderly residents.
Businesses that may be subject to dementia awareness training requirements.
Anyone interested in Hawaii's elder care policies and services.

To testify, email eoa@doh.hawaii.gov or attend in person. Accommodations for disabilities or language needs are available by calling (808) 586-0100.