| Areas we serve Office locations and phone numbers |
About us
The Alzheimer’s Association Aloha Chapter serves ALL of the Hawaiian Islands. Our Chapter office is on Oahu, with county offices on Hawaii (the Big Island), Kauai and Maui. Our Maui County office serves Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
Our mission
To eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Our vision
A world without Alzheimer's disease.
Financial information
The Alzhiemer's Association Aloha Chapter in Hawaii is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donor-supported organization. Programs and services are made possible through contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. The chapter uses 79% of funds raised for programs, services and research efforts.
Annual report
Link to the Alzheimer's Association Annual Report
Strategic plan
The Alzheimer's Association Aloha Chapter in Hawaii Stratigic Plan focuses on the following Key Result Areas
- Advancing Research
- Providing and Enhancing Care and Support
- Mobilizing Public Support
- Building Unity and Capacity
- Increasing Financial Resources
- Link to the Strategic Plan
Board of directors – Aloha Chapter
OFFICERS
Thomas P. Brehm, Chairman, USMC (ret.) - Aloha Airlines Pilot
Bret Flynn, M.D., MPH, Vice Chair, Queen's Medical Center Asst. Professor, University of Hawaii,John A. Burns School of Medicine
Chris Shirai, Treasurer, Vice President of Special Projects, (Retired) Hawaiian Electric Company
Tricia Medeiros, Secretary, Executive Director Plaza at Punchbowl Retirement Community
DIRECTORS
Michael Buck, The Mike Buck Show, KHVH Radio
Elizabeth Lacy, Community Leadership
Ronald Y.K.Leong, Partner, Watanabe Ing Kawashima & Komeiji LLP
Susan M. Nielsen, Technology & Security Risk Services Ernst & Young LLP
Garret Tom, Chief Financial Officer Hawaiian Island Homes, Ltd.
Vicky Woolford, MSW University of Hawaii, Geriatric Medicine Program
Our history
The Alzheimer’s Association is a nation-wide, not for profit organization comprised of over 78 chapters dedicated to the prevention, cure and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, as well as to providing support and assistance to afflicted individuals and their caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association is the only organization that provides help not only to victims of the disease, but, of equal importance, to the second victims of the disease - the families and caregivers.
The Aloha Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association was established in 1982, with twenty-eight volunteers as charter members. These individuals dedicated themselves to act as a major resource for the people of Hawai`i, addressing matters pertaining to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in older adults. Staffing has evolved from the original twenty-eight volunteers to ten full/part-time staff and over 250 volunteers.
In 1992 the Chapter opened its first office on Maui, in response to community requests for stronger and more direct services to Maui County residents, which includes services to the islands of Maui, Moloka`i, and Lana`i.
In 1999, the Chapter expanded services to the island of Hawai`i; and in 2002, to the island of Kaua`i.
In January 2002, the National Board of Directors approved the Aloha chapter as an official designated Area Chapter, after successfully meeting all standards and criteria. As with the National Association, the Aloha Chapter continues to provide expanding programs in family support, education, public awareness, advocacy, and support of reserach efforts. Throughout the growth of the Chapter and expansion of services, the Alzheimer’s Association has never lost sight of the vision of its founders that hope of one day finding a cause, cure, and treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.
The Chapter’s Hawaiian name, Kako`o means to “aid, support, assist or bind together.” Our Kako`o members are dedicated to aid one another, to support one another, and to bind together, in order to meet the needs and challenges brought about by this disease.
Caring for the caregiver by providing educational support, empowering and validating their efforts is essential in reducing medical costs, allowing loved ones to remain at home and keeping families together for a longer period of time.
