Community organizations and advocacy groups will begin preparing for the next legislative session at Kokua Council's 5th annual community forum today. The meeting will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Harris United Methodist Church, Nuuanu Avenue and Vineyard Boulevard. It will feature a roundtable discussion by government administrators, legislators and community advocates, followed by questions and answers.

Among panelists will be House Speaker Calvin Say, (D, St. Louis Heights-Wilhelmina Rise-Palolo V alley); Barbara Kim Stanton, AARP Hawaii branch director, and Rep. Marilyn Lee (D, Mililani-Mililani Mauka), finance committee vice chairwoman.

Campaign reform, caregiver support, affordable housing, universal health care, kupuna care and long-term care are key topics on the 2009 agenda.

Representatives of nonprofit and other organizations involved with seniors, as well as advocacy groups, will present needs and concerns that can be helped with legislation. Luncheon will be available at 11:30 a.m. for a $5 donation.

The Kokua Council, one of the state's oldest advocacy groups, seeks to empower seniors and other concerned citizens to advocate for important community issues. For more information, see kokuacouncil.org.