This past session of the legislature saw significant strides for seniors and caregivers.

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland is chair of the Human Services committee. She said the most important bill that passed was the Family Caregiver Omnibus bill.

"We were able to extend our joint legislative committee on aging in place looking at a whole slew of issues to support caregivers at home."

One of those issues is the fact that family caregivers save the state more than a billion dollars a year by taking care of seniors at home. Seniors want to maintain their independence.

"And we funded about 500 thousand dollars towards the Kupuna Care program which basically irrespective of your income, if you need care, you would be able to call the county offices on aging for some help," said Oakland.

Another concern for seniors this legislative session was pedestrian safety. Last year, money was approved but it was tied to the highway fund. This year is different.

"Actually we were able to get a million dollars that would go toward pedestrian safety statewide. And it's in cash so hopefully the governor will be able to release it this time," said Oakland.

Not all issues were resolved. There are about 100 thousand family caregivers in the state who may have to take time off to look after their elders.

"Well, we really want to look at paid family leave for people that are working in Hawaii because many of the caregivers actually are working and still trying to juggle caregiving."

The legislature created a commission to look at the financing of long term care.

"And with 2011 coming around the corner where the first of the baby boomers will be 65 years old, we are already struggling financially in supporting folks at the state level. I hope the commission will come out with something very positive," said Oakland.