Gov. Linda Lingle released $775,000 yesterday for programs supporting Hawai'i's family caregivers and the growing elderly population.

She also proclaimed November as Family Caregiver Month at a ceremony attended by family caregivers, community organizations, and representatives from the Department of Health and Executive Office on Aging.

Of the funds, $300,000 will be used to help fund a "one-stop shop" in Hawai'i County that provides caregivers and elderly residents with counseling, referrals, assessments and assistance in applying for publicly and privately funded services, as well as the development of a virtual center in Honolulu, a news release from the governor's office stated.

Project funds will be used to develop an information database and statewide telephone system, and for staff training and community outreach and education to promote the center's services. The one-stop-shop will be located at the former Sun Sun Lau restaurant in Hilo and is scheduled to open in late 2008. The virtual center in Honolulu will be accessible in late 2008.

The rest of the funding, $475,000, will be used to expand Kupuna Care, a program that provides a financial safety net for frail and vulnerable elderly who may not meet eligibility criteria for other state and federal programs, but who don't have enough discretionary income to meet all of their personal needs due to the rising cost of services. These funds will be distributed to the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in each county per the established funds distribution formula. Each AAA will make the final decisions on the use of these additional Kupuna Care funds. The Hawai'i State Department of Health Executive Office on Aging estimates that by 2020, more than 25 percent of Hawai'i's population will be 60 years or older.