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When trust in government , it is heartening to see a positive development in the news. I commend Gov. Josh Green for listening to the public with his recent line-item veto on the state budget.

And state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz seems able to accept this latest turn of event. To date, $7 million has already been spent on the planning and design of the heavily opposed First Responder Technology Campus, and it’s possible it could become a costly mistake. If inflation and maintenance are factored in, the bill may well exceed the $470 million estimate for an unwanted project at an inappropriate location.

My idea to recoup the $7 million spent is to modify the plans to develop what is known instead and select a location closer to town.

The is upon us whether we like it or not. As more baby boomers retire and a larger percentage of our population is comprised of older adults, the total number of people with dementia will increase. Most of them are aging in place due to cost and personal preference.

Since at nursing homes during the pandemic, residents fear for their lives and experience a lower quality of life. Unfortunately, not every older adult can afford to stay at a nursing home or pay for a dependable caregiver.

Family members who are unpaid caregivers often struggle with conflicting work responsibilities and I know some are on the verge of collapse. The worst-case scenario is when the unpaid caregiver passes away suddenly, leaving those needing care in a vulnerable situation.

Because the majority of nursing homes are not suitable environments for older adults, I am intrigues by the Hogeweyk, a village existing since December 2009 in the Netherlands where those with dementia live normal lives and surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

Residents participate in activities they love and meet other like-minded individuals. Incentives are rewarded to the active ones who roam freely within the village where safety is incorporated into its design. Overall, residents fortunate to age at Hogeweyk take fewer medications, eat better, and live longer.

Perhaps our elected officials overseeing the state budget will consider planning for a dementia village and providing subsidies so that resident’s rent is based on income, like how Hawaii Public Housing Authority operates.

Personally, volunteering at a Little Sisters of the Poor home on the mainland left me with a positive impression after seeing how the elderly poor are properly care for with ongoing social activities scheduled throughout the month and tasty meals served three times a day. The kindhearted nuns who also live onsite give their time and energy to ensure all residents are living a comfortable and dignified life in a warm, friendly environment.

However, few homes for the low income are available and with limited space, there is a very long waitlist. What if a dementia village is built in Hawaii combining both the Hogeweyk and Little Sisters of the Poor models? I have no doubt demand will exceed capacity.

Older adults are prevalent in our communities today and deserve our urgent attention, especially those with dementia who require extra care. In an ideal world, every person of retiring age should have the option to live in an affordable, safe, and stimulating community besides their own home.

Moreover, those aging in place may feel isolated, thus for dementia. is part of the solution. Hawaii must direct funding and offer subsidies immediately for the growing older adult population to decrease burden on the health care system and family members. 

Thankfully, we recognize the FRTC belongs on the want list that first responders could do without. But let’s not forget our elderly neighbors and ensure they enjoy longer and better lives in our perfect year-round climate. The , and will benefit from additional staff support if the dementia village make it on their list of projects.