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Office of Aging asks council to sustain services as federal and state grants shift; Kupuna Care and caregiver supports continue
Summary
Acting staff at the Office of Aging told the County Council the department delivers nutrition, case management and Kupuna Care supports across the island and is monitoring federal funding changes while preparing a reduced but ongoing service model.
HILO — The Hawaii County Office of Aging presented its FY26 operating budget on May 20 and described ongoing services for older residents, caregivers and people with disabilities while flagging federal funding uncertainty that could reduce some programs nationwide.
Administrative Services Assistant Christine Nguyen spoke for the agency, which lacks a permanent executive on aging. Nguyen outlined the department’s programs including the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), Kupuna Care in-home services and caregiver counseling and respite. Nguyen said ADRC staff have delivered fall-prevention and emergency-preparedness training to hundreds of residents and that Kupuna Care provided tens of thousands of hours of in-home services and case management assistance.
Nguyen and staff described the department’s budget structure: about 76% of the Office of Aging’s FY26 budget depends on state and federal grants; the remainder is county funds for staff and local program matches. She said FY26 proposals expand certain program allocations in older Americans’ activities and case management but noted federal caregiver support funding is at risk in future years and may require scaled-down operations.
Office of Aging managers told council members they will continue essential services even if federal grants are reduced; the agency is planning for contingency reductions and expects to preserve core case management and home-based supports. Council members asked about coordination with Mass Transit and community partners for transportation of older residents and caregivers; Aging staff said they coordinate with providers and with paratransit services for necessary trips.
Why this matters: The Office of Aging administers nutrition, case management and at-home support that local older residents rely on, and the federal-state funding mix leaves the department vulnerable to grant expirations or federal policy shifts. Shortfalls could affect home-delivered meals, caregiver respite and transportation supports.
Looking ahead: Aging staff said they will continue to pursue state and federal grants and prepare contingency plans; council members asked for specific data on service volumes and how reductions would affect clients.
