🌟 Aloha ʻOhana,
As 2025 winds down, we would like to thank every one of you for helping us push forward a vision where Hawaiʻi’s communities are empowered and not left behind in the digital economy. December is a time to reflect, celebrate growth, and prepare for bigger steps ahead.
This month, we highlight the work you’ve helped us build: community Meetups, Talk Story Sessions, new partnerships, and the ongoing movement to make blockchain, crypto, and Web3 accessible for all local residents.
Mahalo to Our Sponsors
A huge mahalo to Stand With Crypto for sponsoring this year’s programming and supporting our mission to bring digital education and financial empowerment to Hawaiʻi’s communities. Their commitment to grassroots education aligns perfectly with our goal of making emerging technology accessible, trustworthy, and relevant to local residents. If you want to be part of their mission and help shape the future of crypto policy, check them out and get involved here ➡️ Stand with Crypto
Advancing Innovation in Hawaiʻi
At Pūpūkahi Tech Foundation, our mission remains steadfast: to empower Hawaiʻi’s underserved communities through digital education, equitable access to technology, and advancing knowledge in blockchain, Web3, and AI.
By continuing to invest in local education and innovation, we’re ensuring that locals don’t get left behind in this next wave of technological change. Together, we’re building a future rooted in community and opportunity.
Stand with Crypto Community alongside Hawaii State Senators Herbert “Tim” Richards, Carol Fukunaga, and Jarrett Keohokalole.
The Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection discuss opportunities and challenges of cryptocurrency regulations with Department of Financial Institutions Chair Dwight Young.
Community members connect with Senator Keohokalole to share ideas on how Hawaiʻi can improve crypto regulation and expand education for local residents.
🏛️ Community Engagement: Hawaiʻi Senate Briefing on Regulatory Developments of Digital Assets
This month, members of our team attended an informational briefing hosted by the Hawaiʻi Senate Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. The session focused on recent federal acts related to cryptocurrency oversight and the evolving regulatory landscape at the national level.
The briefing also highlighted how Hawaiʻi can better position itself following the recent passage of the GENIUS Act, with discussions centered on opportunities for innovation, consumer protection, and responsible digital asset adoption across the islands.
Our participation ensures that community voices remain present as policymakers explore frameworks that balance innovation with safety. We remain committed to keeping you informed as developments unfold.
Photos of the event can be accessed here.
Watch the full briefing on YouTube.
🧠 Crypto Made Simple: What Are NFTs?
Most people hear “NFT” and think of expensive digital art, but the real idea is much simpler—and way more useful.
So… what is an NFT?
An NFT (Non-Fungible Token) is a unique digital receipt stored on a blockchain. It proves who owns something—digital or physical—and that the item is one-of-a-kind.
The Local Explanation:
Think of an NFT like the title to your car:
The car can be bought or sold
The title proves who really owns it
The title is unique. No duplicates, no confusion
Blockchain just makes that process faster, global, and way harder to fake.
NFTs can represent:
Artwork
Music
Collectibles
Game items
Event tickets
Membership passes
Proof of attendance
Even ownership shares in real-world items
Why NFTs Matter for Hawaiʻi
NFTs are tools that can help local communities:
Authentic cultural preservation (digital artifacts, genealogy, chants, maps)
Local business memberships (verified rewards, discounts, loyalty programs)
Sports teams & clubs (Makani FC-style community ownership models)
Event access (secure tickets for workshops and Talk Story Sessions)
Bottom Line:
NFTs make it possible to own, verify, and transfer unique digital items with no middleman.
It’s less about pictures of animals…and more about building new ways for communities to organize, support one another, and unlock real value.
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Workshops
🎄Christmas Get Together: Blockchain and Bingo — Honolulu
When: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 6:00–8:30 pm (HST)
Where: Cafe VNTG
What: Casual Talk Story + networking about Bitcoin, blockchain, and local projects. New to crypto? Come learn. Seasoned? Come share.
Bring: Questions, friends, and aloha.
➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/3zkfdquj
⚽ Talk Story Session: Poncho Schoffeitt, CTO & Founder of Makani FC
Next month, we’re excited to host a Talk Story Session with Poncho Schoffeitt, CTO and founder of Makani FC, a pioneering local soccer club using tokenization to empower players, supporters, and the broader Hawaiʻi community.
When: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 6:00-8:30 pm (HST)
Where: Halau 'Inana, 2438 S Beretania St.
What: Poncho will share how Makani FC is integrating blockchain technology into sports operations—from digital memberships to community-backed funding models—and how these tools can strengthen local teams while keeping ownership rooted in the islands.
➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/con92dw3
🎙️ Media Spotlight: Interview With Gina Crabtree of The Answer
This month, we were featured in an interview with Gina Crabtree on The Answer, where we discussed Hawaiʻi’s evolving role in the digital asset ecosystem.
The conversation explored the history and impact of the Digital Currency Innovation Lab (DCIL)—Hawaiʻi’s original regulatory sandbox that allowed local residents to buy and sell cryptocurrency while giving policymakers valuable data on real-world usage.
We also spoke about the recent informational briefing held for state lawmakers, where community leaders and experts examined federal movement on digital asset regulation and how Hawaiʻi can better prepare for innovation, consumer protection, and economic opportunity.
Mahalo to Gina and The Answer for helping bring clarity, context, and community voice to these important topics shaping Hawaiʻi’s digital future.
Listen to the episode here.
“Knowledge is kuleana—when we learn together, we rise together.”
Talk Story Corner
Have a question? Curious about a term you keep hearing? Want to know how blockchain might actually help in everyday life here in Hawaiʻi?
📩 Email us at [email protected]
📱 DM us on Instagram @blockchain_in_paradise
We may feature some of your questions in our next newsletter (don’t worry, we’ll keep it friendly and anonymous unless you want a shout-out 🤙).
Remember: no question is too small. If it’s on your mind, chances are others are wondering the same thing. Let’s talk story and learn together as an ʻohana.
🤝Ways to Support Our Mission
Your support ensures that locals from keiki to kūpuna are not left behind in the shift toward a digital-first economy.
Year-End Call to Action
If our mission resonates with you, please consider:
Donating to Pūpūkahi Tech Foundation
Sponsoring a Talk Story Session
Partnering with us to bring digital literacy to local communities
➡️ Donate Here
Your kōkua directly funds:
Free workshops
Educational material development
Community events
Local speaker honorariums
Together we build generational wealth, digital capability, and community resilience.
Closing Thoughts
We’re grateful for every conversation, every meetup, every new learner, and every community member who believes that Hawaiʻi’s future includes a strong, tech-enabled local population.
Here’s to a mindful December and an empowered 2026.
A hui hou,