Learn how to prepare an advance health care directive

Community First Hawaii will hold three free advance health care directive (AHCD) workshops, two in Kona and one in Waimea.

On Sunday, Sept. 15, Rev. Blayne Higa will host a workshop from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Kealakekua Hongwanji Temple.

On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Kona Community Hospital will host a workshop from 4:30 to 6 p.m. workshop.

And on Thursday, Nov. 7, Tutu’s House in Waimea will host a workshop from 9-10:30 a.m.

“We like to think that we will always be healthy and able to make decisions for ourselves” said Randy Kurohara, Community First Hawaii’s executive director. “But if you develop a sudden illness or condition or are involved in an accident and are unable to communicate, someone else will need to step in to make your health care decisions.

“The AHCD allows you to choose someone that your doctor will be able to consult regarding medical treatment that you would — or would not — want if you are unable to speak for yourself,” he continued. “You can designate your agent (health care power of attorney), someone you trust to carry out your health care wishes.

The AHCD documents a person’s wishes regarding end-of-life care, such as whether to continue life-prolonging measures, artificial nutrition and relief from pain.

“Making your wishes known while you are still healthy is a good idea. Sharing your health care decisions with others is the best way to make sure they are respected.” Kurohara said.

Community First workshops include step-by-step guidance through the AHCD document, providing an understanding of the choices that need to be made.

When completed and witnessed or notarized, it will be a legal document.

Participants can attend in-person or by Zoom.

Those who already have a living will, health care power of attorney, or AHCD will be able to review it to be sure it meets their current needs.

To register online, go to https://communityfirsthawaii.org/registration.

To register by phone for Kona workshops, call Annie Maeda at (808) 987-1230 or Amy Hamane at (808) 443-4033; for Waimea, call Shawn Saito at (808) 885-6777.

Community First Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that serves as a catalyst for community-led solutions to improve health care access, affordability, and health outcomes for all Hawaii Island residents.