Classes provided through Elderly Recreation Services are set to return countywide for kupuna beginning July 12.
After learning from the state Department of Health that 80% of kupuna are vaccinated, Hawaii County Parks and Recreation decided to bring back the full regimen of classes this summer.
“After all this time and now seeing the vaccination numbers, I think it is a great time to get our kupuna back into the senior center,” said Maurice Messina, director of Hawaii County Parks and Recreation.
The Kamana Senior Center in Hilo will not require kupuna to provide proof of vaccinations or to wear masks for outdoor classes.
In July, Elderly Recreation Services, or ERS, hopes to introduce a social senior transportation service program with new vans to help kupuna across the island.
With a push from State Rep. Mark Nakashima in the legislature, ERS acquired 13 vans with funding from Wayne Thom through the Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.
The vans will be used to help all kupuna across the island with their weekly needs that require safe transportation.
When the program begins in July, kupuna can call Coordinated Services for the Elderly at 961-8777 to determine their particular needs for the week.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com