U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka yesterday urged veterans and retirees to file their taxes so they can receive stimulus checks, and to spread the word to other kupuna that the free money is available.

More than 24,000 retirees and disabled veterans in Hawai'i haven't filed their 1040A forms, the Internal Revenue Service said, and therefore have not received a federal economic stimulus check that is due them by law.

Hawai'i has the second-largest percentage of nonfilers in that category, 35 percent, Akaka said, behind only Alaska at 37 percent. Those eligible include many disabled veterans, as well as seniors living primarily off their Social Security benefits.

If they don't file by Oct. 15, the retirees and disabled veterans will lose out on a chance to receive $300 for individual filers and $600 for married couples.

"Many retirees and disabled vets are on fixed incomes and don't expect money back," Akaka told a gathering of more than 70 veterans and retirees at the Mo'ili'ili Community Center. "But I'm here raising my hand to offer help.

"Everyone gets a check, but it's not automatic. You have to file a 1040A tax form by Oct. 15. After that the money will be gone forever. Now is the time to file. Give the IRS the information they need so you can get your money."

Toshio Aoyagi, 81, who served with the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division in the Korean War, said he didn't realize before attending the meeting with Akaka that the money is available.

"I didn't know it was going to be given out," Aoyagi said. "I came here to see Sen. Akaka, but I'm going to fill out my 1040 so I can get my money."

Moki Uhara, 83, said H&R Block and AARP pointed him toward yesterday's meeting after he called looking for help on what he needed to file.

"I'd like to do some spending," he said. "They said they'd help me here."

Disabled veterans and retirees initially were left out of the federal government's plans to give stimulus checks to taxpayers. In January, Akaka said, Congress passed language that permits stimulus money to go to veterans and retirees. The stimulus payment should not affect an individual's eligibility for any other federal benefits, such as Medicaid or food stamps.

"Many of them need the money," Akaka said. "Many are on fixed income and would not be reporting any income expecting taxes back, but they need to file with IRS to receive money back."

Neighborhood seniors, on-site tax aide volunteers, seniors from Mo'ili'ili Community Center, veterans organization leaders, and community leaders from senior network also took part in yesterday's meeting at the community center.

Nationally, the Internal Revenue Service has received filings from about 74 percent of those who wouldn't normally file income tax returns because their Social Security and veterans benefits aren't taxed.

The IRS estimates that about 5.2 million senior citizens and disabled veterans who may be eligible for a stimulus check have not submitted the necessary form.