First Kūpuna Watch scheduled in Puna this week

Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Puna Community Policing Section will hold its first-ever Puna Kūpuna Watch meeting on Thursday.

The free monthly outreach program, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Pāhoa Senior Center, 15-3016 Kauhale St., in Pāhoa, is designed to promote safety awareness, strengthen communication between police and residents, and support efforts to keep neighborhoods safe, particularly for seniors.

During these meetings, officers share crime and traffic trends, the importance of reporting elder abuse, as well as ways to recognize and prevent financial and internet-related crimes.

The Puna meetings build on the success of similar meetings launched in Kona last fall.

“Our Kupuna Watch meetings in Kona have been well received and continue to grow,” said Police Chief Reed Mahuna. “We’ve heard directly from senior residents in Puna who wanted the same opportunity to connect with officers and stay informed. We’re pleased to bring this program to the Puna community and continue building those relationships.”

Future monthly Puna Kupuna Watch meetings will be held on the second Thursday of the month at various locations throughout Puna.

Community members are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and take part in this informative gathering.

For more information, contact Officer Eddie Cardines at ecardines@hawaiipolice.gov or call the Pāhoa Police Station at 808-965-2716.