Seniors to try hand
at writing laws

Health care will likely be the top
issue again at Silver Legislature

Universal health care and long-term care. Those were the biggest issues in the 1993 and 1994 Silver Legislatures in Hawaii.

"And they're still coming to the top," says Laura Manis, chairwoman of the 2005 Silver Legislature, scheduled Nov. 17-18 at the state Capitol.

Garbage dumps, the homeless population, safe communities, pensions and benefits, and affordable housing are other issues, she said.

Residents 50 and older will be eligible for the Silver Legislature with a $5 registration fee.

Five committees will be organized for each of two legislative houses. People can select the committee or position they want to hold, Manis said: "They can be a committee chair, lobbyist or come in and observe. They can also be Senate president or House speaker."

According to organizers, bills passed by the Silver Legislature will be considered by state lawmakers in next year's session.

Free workshops are scheduled to get suggestions for issues important to seniors.

Kokua Council is sponsoring the event with some grants from the Executive Office on Aging and the Peoples' Fund.

Donations still are being sought to meet the estimated $14,000 cost of the silver session and help cover airfare for neighbor island residents, Manis said.

Training workshops will be held in October to teach participants how to write testimony and lobby, Manis said. "We'll have legislators tell them what they like to hear and don't like to hear."

Community meetings to discuss seniors' concerns are scheduled as follows:

» Monday, 11:30 a.m., Kokua Council, Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd. Lunch $5 (optional).

» Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans, Hawaii Education Association headquarters, 1649 Kalakaua Ave.

» Friday, 9:30 a.m., Moiliili Community Center, 2535 S. King St.

» June 1, 11:30 a.m., AARP Waikiki, Hale Koa, 2055 Kalia Road.

» June 6, 8:30 a.m., Kapahulu Senior Center, 3410 Campbell Ave.

» June 11, 10 a.m., Kapolei Seagull Schools, 91-551 Farrington Highway, Kapolei.

» June 13, 10 a.m., PauWai O Pio Pio Senior Club, Ala Wai Community Park, 2015 Kapiolani Blvd.

» June 22, 9 a.m., Lanakila Multipurpose Senior Center, 1640 Lanakila.

» June 29, 9:30 a.m., Alu Like, Waimanalo Meal Site, 41-209 Ilauhole St.

» July 14, 11 a.m., AARP Pearlridge, Flamingo Restaurant, 803 Kamehameha Highway, 2nd floor.

» July 31, 11 a.m., Hawaii Humanist, call Andi Vander Vort, 261-3452.