Presentations to Educate Kupuna on Fraud Issues

Protecting senior citizens from various types of fraud and other threats will be the focus of four public presentations to be held next month across the Big Island.

The “Kupuna Alert Partners” presentations offered by a coalition of county and state agencies will assist and educate kupuna on issues such as prevention of Medicare fraud, securities fraud and prescription drug misuse.

The Hawaii Police Department will also provide information and tips on securing a home to prevent burglaries and thefts.

The presentations will be held in Kona, Waimea, Hilo and Keaau.

“Because our kupuna are particularly vulnerable and oftentimes targeted as victims of property crimes, the Hawaii Police Department has established partnerships with these state and county agencies in order to reach out and educate our kupuna about awareness and prevention,” Police Chief Harry Kubojiri said in a press release.

“These KAP presentations are not only for our kupuna, but also for their family members and caregivers,” Kubojiri said.

The locations and times include:

Tuesday, Aug. 12

• The West Hawai‘i Civic Center in Kailua-Kona, County Council Room, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• The Hawaiian Homes Hall, Waimea, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 13

• Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale in Hilo, 10-11 a.m.
• Keaʻau Community Center in Puna, 2-3 p.m.

Immediately following each presentation, the Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement Division will conduct a half-hour prescription drug take-back service.

Participants are encouraged to bring their unused or expired medication for safe, anonymous disposal.

In addition to the police department and Department of Public Safety, the KAP presentations are co-sponsored by the county Office of Aging and Mass Transit Agency, and the state departments of Attorney General, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and Health.