Monthly Kūpuna Watch meeting scheduled this week in Kona

Hawai‘i Island police will hold its next monthly Kūpuna Watch meeting in Kailua-Kona on Thursday, May 28.

The meeting will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Lei Kupuna Senior Housing recreation center, located at 74-5285 Kaeka St.

Kūpuna Watch is an outreach program in partnership with the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Parks and Recreation’s Elderly Activities Division. These free monthly meetings provide an opportunity for officers to engage with kūpuna directly during their regularly scheduled activities at various County facilities in west Hawai‘i, according to a news release from Hawai‘i Island police.

During these sessions, officers discuss crime and traffic trends, the importance of reporting elder abuse, as well as ways to identify and prevent financial and internet crimes. In addition to Community Policing Officers, each monthly meeting features personnel from different areas of the police department to explain their particular areas of expertise.

The goal is to strengthen trust, promote safety, and build positive relationships through direct, face-to-face interaction. Launched in November 2025, these meetings have been very well received by the community with dozens of seniors attending since the program’s inception.

“Our commitment to keeping our kupuna safe is essential, as they are a treasured part of our community,” said Kona Community Policing Section Sgt. Wyattlane Nahale.

For more information, contact Nahale at 808-326-4646, ext. 259.