The Hawaii Police Department and other county and state agencies will hold four Kupuna Alert Partners presentations to assist and educate kupuna in how to avoid becoming victims of fraud, prescription drug misuse and crime.
The KAP program was initially formed as a state multi-agency group partnership to bring pertinent information on Medicare fraud prevention, securities fraud prevention and prescription drug misuse to the community. Additionally, the Police Department will provide information and tips on securing your residence to prevent burglaries and thefts.
“Because our kupuna are particularly vulnerable and oftentimes targeted as victims of property crimes, the Hawaii Police Department has established partnerships with these state and county agencies in order to reach out and educate our kupuna about awareness and prevention,” said Police Chief Harry Kubojiri. “These KAP presentations are not only for our kupuna, but also for their family members and caregivers.”
Participating in the presentations are the state Department of Health, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, and the Department of the Attorney General. The county Office of Aging and the Mass Transit Agency will also participate.
Immediately following each one-hour Kupuna Alert Partners presentation, the state Department of Public Safety’s Narcotics Enforcement Division will conduct a half-hour prescription drug take-back operation. Participants are encouraged to bring their unused or expired mediation for safe, anonymous disposal.
The following topics will be covered during the KAP presentations in Kona and Waimea on Tuesday, Aug. 12: Medical Identity Theft and Medicare Fraud Prevention, Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse, Investor Fraud Prevention, and Burglary Prevention Tips.
The presentations will take place at the following locations and times:
- The West Hawaii Civic Center, County Council Room, in Kailua-Kona, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Medication take-back is scheduled from 11:30 to noon.
- The Hawaiian Homes Hall in Waimea from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Medication take-back is scheduled from 3:30 to 4 p.m.