Protecting Our Kūpuna Through Awareness, Connection, and Culture 

Project Makaʻala is a culturally grounded initiative dedicated to helping kūpuna recognize, avoid, and respond to financial scams and fraud. 

Makaʻala means to be alert, vigilant, and aware — a value that guides this program and the communities it serves. 

At its core is a simple, powerful practice: 

Pause. Kāhea. Then decide. 

When something doesn’t feel right, kūpuna are encouraged to pause and reach out to a trusted person before taking action. This moment of connection creates space for clarity, protection, and support. 

How the Program Works 

Project Makaʻala is delivered through community outreach, workshops, and shared resources. 

Each session includes: 

  • A culturally grounded opening 
  • Education on common scam tactics and warning signs 
  • Introduction to the “Pause. Kāhea. Then decide.” practice 
  • Identifying trusted contacts and support systems 
  • Guidance on when and how to seek help 

Participants leave with practical tools and a clear, everyday approach to staying safe. 

Upcoming Events

 

Community Resource Fair & Film Screening

Friday, May 15, 2026 | 4:00pm – 8:15pm | Key Project, 47-200 Waihee Rd, Kaneohe

Resource Fair: 4:00pm – 6:00pm | Film (Beekeeper): 6:30pm – 8:15pm 

Why It Matters 

Financial scams targeting kūpuna are increasing across Hawaiʻi, often leading to financial loss, stress, and isolation. 

Project Makaʻala works to change that by: 

  • Building awareness and confidence 
  • Encouraging early action through trusted relationships 
  • Providing culturally relevant, easy-to-use tools 
  • Shifting responses from reactive to preventative 

This approach ensures kūpuna are not only informed — but supported. 

A Cultural Approach to Safety 

In Hawaiian practice, well-being has always been collective. We don’t navigate uncertainty alone — we rely on each other. 

The concept of kāhea — to call out, to signal, to ask — reflects this deeply rooted value: 

  • We lean on trusted relationships 
  • We respond to one another in times of need 
  • We stay connected to stay safe 

Within the program, the pū (conch shell) serves as a symbolic reminder of this practice — a call to awareness and shared responsibility. 

Get Involved 

Mahalo for standing with our kūpuna. Together, we can ensure every kūpuna in Hawaiʻi has the awareness, confidence, and connections needed to stay safe. 

Contact 

Wanda Atkins 
Community Relations Manager 
Hawaiian Community Assets 
📧 watkins@hawaiiancommunity.net