| 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 Hawai‘i (the Big Island), Kaua‘i and Maui. Our Maui County office serves the islands of Maui, Moloka‘i and Lana‘i.
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 National Alzheimer's Association Annual Report
Link to Alzheimer's Association, Aloha Chapter's Annual Report
Strategic Plan
The Alzheimer's Association Aloha Chapter's Strategic 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
Tricia Medeiros, Chair
Regional Director, The Plaza Assisted Living
Wendy Takeshita Wong, Vice Chair
Executive Director, Hiolani Care Center at Kahala Nui
Michael F.K. "Mike", Treasurer
Host, The Mike Buck Show, KHVH Radio
Suzie Neufeldt, Secretary
Owner, PTWorks, LLC
DIRECTORS
Helen Arakaki
Director, Geriatrics, Palliative Care, and Outpatient Services, The Queen's Medical Center
Craig K. Nakamoto
Health and Regulatory Counsel, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
Alenka Remec
Economic Development Associate, Office of The Mayor, City and County of Honolulu
Adele Rugg
Community Leadership (Maui)
Chad Young
Assistant Vice President, Business Banking Officer, First Hawaiian Bank
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Patricia Lanoie Blanchette, MD, MPH
Chief Operating Officer, University Clinical, Education and Research Assoc.
Paul Brown
Paul Brown Salon & Day Spa
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Christine Payne
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
Pamela Y Scott Yuen
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Gary Beck
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Stephanie Rizzo-Murray
MEDICALERT SAFE RETURN COORDINATOR
Christopher Babb
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 research 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.
