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

Join us for a Makaʻala event focused on protecting our kūpuna from scams and fraud through awareness, education, and community connection.

Start with a resource fair from 4:00–6:00pm, then stay for a screening of The Beekeeper (rated R) from 6:30–8:15pm, sparking important conversations around prevention and protection.

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

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. 

Contact

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

Project Makaʻala events are made possible with support from OHA