October Makana Pono

Our October Makana Pono awardee, Lurline Liu, directed her $5,000 award to help support Hawaii’s kupuna. She selected Na Kupuna Makamae Center, a project of the Pacific Gateway Center that provides innovative programs and services to our seniors and their families. These quality programs help to empower, educate, enlighten and entertain Oahu seniors. From tai chi and qigong to Hawaiian knowledge courses, Na Kupuna Makamae helps to keep kupuna active in body, mind and spirit.

She first became aware of this nonprofit after Islands Hospice used the center’s facility to hold a food bank event. Lurline and the staff of volunteers also assist the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center’s Monthly Food Drop held at the NKMC site on the 4th Wednesday of every month. 

“The spirit of aloha surrounds this place,” explained Lurline. “Na Kupuna Makamae caters to the public in many ways, and I respect the giving they have done in the past years and what they will continue to do in the years ahead.” Lurline has been a part of the Islands Hospice team for nine years. As a volunteer coordinator, she oversees setting up activities for the volunteers, such as community service events, patient visits, office work, running errands, and arts and crafts activities. Lurline works hard to recruit volunteers, schedule work, and write up reports on the administrative side.

Islands Hospice is honored to be connected to Na Kupuna Makamae Center and pleased that the donation will fund more classes and activities for the community to enjoy. If you or someone you know can benefit from the programs and services offered at Na Kupuna Makamae, please contact info@pacificgatewaycenter.org.