Elderly Advocates Demand Long Term Care Center for Molokai

During a recent government meeting, community members from Molokai voiced urgent concerns regarding local services and safety, particularly focusing on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the need for improved healthcare facilities.

Irene and Judy, two kupuna (elders) from Olehua, expressed their distress over the staffing situation at the OHA office, highlighting that the recent layoff of an employee has left the office with only one staff member. They described the environment as unsafe, stating that the lone employee faces significant stress and challenges in serving the community effectively. They urged OHA to reconsider its staffing policies to better support the needs of the Molokai community.

The kupuna also criticized OHA for not adequately engaging with the community and for prioritizing grant funding over direct support for local needs. They emphasized the importance of having a \"heartbeat\" for the people, suggesting that OHA should return to more traditional methods of community engagement.

Doreen Galang, another testifier, shared a personal story about the lack of long-term care facilities on Molokai. She recounted the struggles her family faced when her daughter, who passed away, could not receive adequate care locally. Galang called for the establishment of a long-term care center on the island, noting that other islands have multiple facilities while Molokai lacks even one. She expressed her frustration with the healthcare system and the impact of airline delays on accessing necessary medical appointments.

The meeting underscored a growing sentiment among residents that their voices are not being heard and that essential services are lacking. Community members are calling for OHA to collaborate more closely with the Department of Hawaiian Homelands and to prioritize the establishment of local healthcare facilities to better serve the needs of Molokai's residents.