Blockchain in Paradise – April 2026

Aloha kākou,

April is a time of momentum. Where ideas begin to take clearer shape and small efforts start turning into something tangible.

At Pūpūkahi Tech Foundation, we’ve been focused on one core question: how do we make emerging technology useful, relevant, and accessible for our local communities? Not in theory, but in practice here in Hawaiʻi.

That means creating space for honest conversations, building tools that solve real problems, and making sure education comes first. Because without understanding, there’s no ownership, and without ownership, there’s no lasting impact.

This past month has been about connection. From Talk Story sessions to neighbor island visits, we’ve continued to listen, learn, and grow alongside the community. Those conversations are shaping everything we do next.

Mahalo for being part of this work with us,

— Alika Kāne
Executive Director, Pūpūkahi Tech

Mahalo to the Stand With Crypto team for their support of our programming and their commitment to advancing responsible digital education and financial empowerment across Hawaiʻi.

Their emphasis on grassroots engagement and thoughtful, balanced policy advocacy helps ensure that community voices remain at the center as digital asset regulation continues to evolve. Support like this allows us to host Talk Story sessions, expand our educational workshops, and keep learning opportunities accessible to all.

We deeply appreciate their ongoing partnership.

If you’d like to learn more about their efforts and how you can help shape the future of crypto policy, we encourage you to get involved. ➡️ Stand with Crypto

We’re excited to share that we’ve recently expanded our work with Stand With Crypto across the islands.

Last month, we traveled to Hawaiʻi Island alongside Hawaiʻi Chapter President, Ellen Ng, to join a Talk Story session in Waimea hosted by Dagan Bernstein at Uila Records.

The gathering brought together community members, builders, and curious learners for an open, grounded conversation about the future of digital assets in Hawaiʻi. These neighbor island conversations are essential, ensuring that perspectives beyond Oʻahu are included as this space continues to evolve.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect, listen, and continue building relationships across the pae ʻāina 🤙

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What the bill does:
SB 2757 would create a digital asset charter program under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to license and regulate digital asset companies operating in Hawaiʻi starting January 1, 2027. It also allows companies from the earlier Digital Currency Innovation Lab pilot to continue operating temporarily without a charter.

Current status (as of April 6, 2026):

👉 What “deferred” means:

The committee chose not to advance the bill forward at this time, which typically halts progress for the current legislative session unless revived.

⚠️ What This Update Means

The deferral is significant:

❌ The bill is unlikely to pass in this session in its current form

🔄 It may be reworked, revived, or reintroduced in a future session

💬 It signals that lawmakers may still have open concerns (e.g., regulatory scope, implementation, or industry impact)

When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 6:00–8:00 pm (HST)

Where: Hana Koa Brewing Co., 962 Kawaiaha‘o St

What: This gathering brings together community members, builders, and the crypto-curious to explore how digital assets and emerging technologies intersect with everyday life in Hawaiʻi. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep in the space, this is a place to ask questions, share perspectives, and learn from one another in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/q5txn0sj

When: Friday, April 17, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 pm (HST)

Where: Hālau ʻĪnana

What: Join us for a hands-on workshop hosted by Pūpūkahi Tech Foundation, sponsored by Loveable, focused on building real AI-powered tools for your business. In this session, you’ll create practical solutions like automations, workflows, and simple apps, leaving with something functional, not just an idea.

No coding experience needed. No fluff. Just useful tools for Hawaiʻi businesses.

👉 Spots are limited so register early: https://luma.com/yqav3z9z

Students, educators, and faculty across Hawaiʻi are invited to join a free, hands-on Bitcoin LARP: A live-action roleplay where participants act as nodes in the Bitcoin network.

In this interactive 2–3 hour session, you’ll gain a practical understanding of how Bitcoin works, including:

No prior experience needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to learn.

👉 Open to high school and college students, plus educators across Hawaiʻi

When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (HST)

Where: Walter Dodds Jr., RISE Center 1810 University Ave.

➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/z4hkhppu

As we move deeper into the year, one thing becomes clear: the future isn’t something that arrives. It’s something we shape, conversation by conversation, choice by choice.

Here in Hawaiʻi, that means taking the time to understand new tools, ask better questions, and make sure progress reflects the values of our communities. Not everything needs to move fast to matter. What matters is that we move with intention.

Mahalo for being part of this journey with us; showing up, staying curious, and helping build a future that feels grounded, inclusive, and locally rooted 🤙

– The Blockchain in Paradise Team