A Message from the Executive Director
As Hawaiʻi’s legislative session unfolds, key bills are shaping how digital assets can be used safely, clearly, and responsibly in our communities.
This matters. Smart crypto policy isn’t about speculation. It’s about consumer protection, local innovation, and keeping economic value circulating here at home. Clear rules give residents and small businesses the confidence to engage without fear or confusion.
This session is a chance for Hawaiʻi to move from watching to leading with intention. At Blockchain in Paradise, we remain focused on education-first engagement, helping our community understand both the technology and the policies guiding it.
Mahalo for staying engaged as we help shape a future where innovation serves people first.
— Alika Kāne
Executive Director, Pūpūkahi Tech
Executive Director Alika Kāne, Representative Adrian Tam, and Stand with Crypto Hawaii Chapter President Ellen Ing at the recent Hawaii Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Legislative Event
Mahalo to Our Sponsors
A huge mahalo to Stand With Crypto for sponsoring our programming and supporting our mission to bring responsible digital education and financial empowerment to Hawaiʻi’s communities.
Your commitment to grassroots education and thoughtful policy advocacy helps ensure local voices are included as this technology evolves. We’re grateful for your continued support and partnership. If you’re interested in supporting their efforts and helping shape the future of crypto policy, we encourage you to learn more and get involved ➡️ Stand with Crypto
🧠 Crypto Made Simple: What Does “Not Your Keys, Not Your Crypto” Mean?
In traditional banking, the bank holds your money—and they decide when and how you can access it.
With crypto, whoever holds the “keys” controls the funds.
Keys are like a secret password that gives access to your digital assets.
If you hold the keys, you control your crypto.
If a company holds the keys (like an exchange or app), they control access for you.
This is why people say: “Not your keys, not your crypto.”
Why This Matters
If a company freezes accounts, gets hacked, or shuts down, your access could be affected.
Holding your own keys gives you full control, but also full responsibility.
Using a custodial service can be easier for beginners, but comes with trade-offs.
The Simple Takeaway
Crypto gives people a choice:
Convenience (someone else manages security)
Control (you manage it yourself)
Neither option is right for everyone. The most important thing is understanding the difference before you use it.
Education first. Confidence second. 🚀
🔐 Take Control of Your Crypto
Understanding “Not your keys, not your crypto” is the first step.
The next step is choosing tools that help you stay secure.
One option many in the community explore is using a hardware wallet, which keeps your private keys offline and out of reach from hacks or third-party risk.
👉 We recommend checking out Trezor, a trusted name in self-custody and crypto security.
🏛️ Policy Tracker: Stablecoin Sandbox Bill
This session, lawmakers have introduced a bill creating a stablecoin sandbox, a controlled environment where new digital payment tools can be tested under clear rules and oversight before broader rollout.
Why a sandbox matters:
Allows innovation without putting consumers at risk
Gives regulators real-world data to guide smart policy
Opens the door for local businesses and developers to experiment responsibly
Helps keep payment value circulating within Hawaiʻi, not extracted elsewhere
📌 Stay tuned for updates as hearings progress and amendments are introduced. This is a key step toward building safer, more inclusive digital finance options for Hawaiʻi’s communities.
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Workshops
First Fridays: Faces of Crypto - Senator Jarrett Keohokalole
When: Friday, February 6, 2026, 6:00–8:00 pm (HST)
Where: Hello Again Cafe, 1121 Nuuanu Ave # 104
What: Faces of Crypto is a monthly interview series held on the First Friday of each month at Hello Again Cafe in Chinatown. Featuring everyday folks — creatives, entrepreneurs, policymakers and people you would not typically associate with "crypto" or "blockchain" but are passionate about leveraging these technologies in their work, projects or business.
➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/3zkfdquj
Talk Story Session: Kas Vegas
We’re honored to welcome Kas Vegas to our upcoming Talk Story Session. Kas is a community builder, Web3 founder, public speaker, and creative who bridges technology, culture, and people with passion and purpose. Born and raised with deep ties to Hawaiʻi, Kas designs and supports teams that connect real communities to real blockchain innovation. All while staying true to local roots and values.
Kas’s work spans education, creative expression, and ecosystem building, and she’s known for helping projects translate complex Web3 ideas into meaningful experiences for people. Her story highlights that working at the forefront of blockchain doesn’t mean leaving home. It means bringing Hawaiʻi into the future of technology.
When: Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6:00-8:30 pm (HST)
Where: Halau 'Inana, 2438 S Beretania St.
➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/ilz9zc3z
🛠️ New: One-on-One Setup
We’re excited to launch our setup services to help individuals take confident, informed first steps into digital finance.
What we help with:
Setting up custodial and non-custodial wallets
Wallet security basics
Identifying reputable exchanges
Hands-on support moving funds between wallets and exchanges
⚠️ Disclaimer: We provide education and technical assistance only. We do not offer financial advice or recommend specific assets.
Our goal is simple: reduce fear, confusion, and costly mistakes through education.
📩 Interested? If you’re curious, cautious, or just want to get set up the right way, email [email protected] to schedule a consultation.
🧰 Cool Tool from the Community
Crypto for Kids: A Fun & Friendly eBook
Learning about crypto doesn’t have to be intimidating, even for keiki. This month’s featured community tool is a Crypto for Kids eBook designed to make digital money concepts simple, colorful, and engaging for young readers.
The eBook breaks down big ideas like money, digital wallets, and ownership using kid-friendly language and visuals, helping families start healthy conversations about money and technology early on.
Mahalo to Anela Lee for sharing this!
Download it here 👉🏽 The Crypto Quest
Closing Thoughts
February reminds us that real progress doesn’t come from moving fast. It comes from moving together.
As conversations around blockchain, digital finance, and policy continue to evolve, our focus remains the same: education first, people first, and community always. Whether you’re just getting started, exploring new tools for your business, or following the legislative process, your curiosity and engagement are what make this work meaningful.
Mahalo for being part of this growing community. Let’s keep learning, asking questions, and building a future where innovation strengthens Hawaiʻi from the inside out.