A Message from the Executive Director
Aloha kākou,
Economic landscapes are shifting, and new technologies are reshaping how value moves and how people build wealth. While change can feel fast, it also brings opportunity for those prepared to engage thoughtfully.
At Pūpūkahi Tech Foundation, our focus is simple: education over hype, literacy over speculation, and long-term thinking over short-term noise. We aim to equip our community with the knowledge and confidence to participate responsibly as digital finance continues to evolve.
This month’s newsletter highlights practical tools, policy updates, and conversations designed to help you navigate this moment with clarity. Mahalo for being part of this growing movement.
With gratitude,
— Alika Kāne
Executive Director, Pūpūkahi Tech
Mahalo to Our Sponsors
A sincere mahalo to Stand With Crypto for supporting our programming and helping advance responsible digital education and financial empowerment across Hawaiʻi.
Their focus on grassroots engagement and balanced policy advocacy ensures that community voices remain part of the conversation as digital asset regulation evolves. Partnerships like this make it possible for us to host Talk Story sessions, grow our educational workshops, and keep resources accessible to those who want to learn.
We’re grateful for their continued collaboration.
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
📉 Market Perspective: Staying Grounded During Volatility
You may have noticed the recent drawdown across crypto markets.
Moments like this can test confidence, especially for those newer to the space. But volatility is not new. Bitcoin has experienced multiple significant corrections throughout its history, each one accompanied by headlines declaring its end.
And yet adoption continued. Infrastructure improved. Education expanded.
Short-term market gyrations are emotional. Long-term conviction should be rooted in understanding.
Do not focus on price targets or speculation. Focus on literacy, security, and disciplined participation. Markets move in cycles. Technology evolves in phases. Education endures.
If your thesis is long-term — whether that’s self-custody, retirement planning, or expanding financial access for local communities — don’t let short-term volatility shake a well-researched conviction.
Zoom out. Stay grounded. Keep learning.
🔐 Take Control of Your Crypto
Self-custody matters.
If you hold digital assets long-term, using a hardware wallet dramatically reduces risk.
Trezor is one of the most trusted hardware wallet providers in the space.
If you're ready to take custody seriously, consider securing your assets with a hardware wallet here: 👉 Trezor
🏛️ Policy Update: SB 2757 — Digital Asset Charter Bill
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 March 2, 2026):
Introduced on January 23, 2026.
Passed Reading in the Senate (with amendments).
The Senate Ways & Means and Judiciary Committees will hold a public decision making for the bill on March 4, 2026.
If you believe balanced, well-defined regulation is essential for both innovation and consumer protection in Hawaiʻi, you can submit written testimony through the Hawaii State Legislature website when the bill is scheduled for hearing.
🎙️ Faces of Crypto: Senator Jarrett Keohokalole on Crypto Legislation
Stand with Crypto Hawaii Chapter President, Ellen Ng, recently sat down with Senator Jarrett Keohokalole to discuss SB 2757 and what it means for Hawaiʻi’s digital asset landscape.
In their conversation, Senator Keohokalole emphasized the importance of creating a clear regulatory framework that both protects consumers and allows responsible innovation to take root locally. Rather than pushing companies out of the state, the goal of SB 2757 is to establish structure, oversight, and long-term viability for digital asset businesses operating in Hawaiʻi.
He also highlighted the broader principle behind the bill: cornerstone financial and technological institutions that impact Hawaiʻi’s future should be thoughtfully regulated and, where possible, locally accountable.
We appreciate his willingness to engage directly with our community and discuss how policy decisions today will shape economic opportunity tomorrow.
Check out the full conversation on our You Tube Channel.
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Workshops
First Fridays: Faces of Crypto - Jana Ireijo
When: Friday, March 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: Zac Manafort
Join us for an upcoming Talk Story Session featuring Zac Manafort.
Zac brings a practical lens to Web3, cutting through hype to focus on real-world applications, responsible innovation, and long-term infrastructure building.
In this session, we’ll explore:
The current state of digital assets and market cycles
Where long-term opportunity exists beyond speculation
Regulatory clarity and why it matters
How individuals and businesses can position themselves thoughtfully
Designed for both newcomers and those already active in the space, this conversation will center on education, discipline, and building with intention.
When: Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6:00-8:30 pm (HST)
Where: Halau 'Inana, 2438 S Beretania St.
➡️ RSVP/Details: https://luma.com/l7larrf3
🛠️ New: One-on-One Setup
🛠️ Wallet Setup & Digital Onboarding Support
Getting started in digital finance can feel overwhelming; and small mistakes can be costly.
That’s why we offer guided wallet setup and onboarding sessions designed to help community members take their first steps with clarity and confidence.
During these sessions, we cover:
The difference between custodial and non-custodial wallets
How private keys and seed phrases work
Basic security best practices
Safe transfers and common beginner pitfalls
How to think about long-term custody
Our goal isn’t to promote assets it’s to build competence and reduce risk.
⚠️ Disclaimer: We provide education and technical assistance only. We do not offer financial advice or recommend specific assets.
If you’ve been curious but unsure where to begin, this is a safe, educational starting point.
📩 Interested? If you’re curious, cautious, or just want to get set up the right way, email [email protected] to schedule a consultation.
🧰 Closing Thoughts
The technology will continue to evolve. Markets will continue to move. Legislation will continue to develop. Through it all, our commitment remains steady: building clarity, expanding literacy, and ensuring Hawaiʻi’s communities are equipped to navigate what comes next.
If this newsletter brought you value, share it with one friend, invite someone to our next Talk Story session, or simply continue asking good questions.
– The Blockchain in Paradise Team