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James H Pietsch, Training Students, Conducting Research and Engaging with Public Policy at the University of Hawai`i Elder Law Program, Public Policy & Aging Report, Volume 33, Issue 1, 2023, Pages 35–38, https://doi.org/10.1093/ppar/prac032
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This article will provide an overview of the University of Hawai`i Elder Law Program (UHELP), a program at the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawai`i that trains students, conducts research, provides service to the university and the community, and engages directly with public policy, with a focus on aging. It will first provide an overview of the UHELP program and a brief history of how it was established. Thereafter, it will provide an overview of the various roles UHELP plays at the university and in the community, including its efforts to engage in and to help shape public policy and laws, most often those having an effect on older persons. Two portions of this article will provide more detailed information about courses offered through UHELP and examples of activities in advocacy, policy shaping, and legislative reform.
First, it is important to note that there is a strong connection between law and aging, and the specialty area of elder law addresses legal issues older persons face. Essentially, elder law is defined by the client to be served. In a sense, many attorneys may think of themselves as elder law attorneys, especially when they are preparing estate-planning documents for an older client; addressing issues relating to potential diminished capacity; counseling the client about a pension plan, retirement timing, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans benefits; or even abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
