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Māpunawai presents Digital Navigator program to help kupuna build digital skills
Summary
Māpunawai's Isaia Souza told the Maui County Council on Aging the Digital Navigator program emphasizes "patient, accessible instruction," aims to expand assistive‑technology training, and is funded primarily by the State Public Library System with supplemental private grants.
Isaia Souza, Chief Operating Officer of Māpunawai, presented the organization's Digital Navigator program to the Maui County Council on Aging on March 10, saying the program focuses on "patient, accessible instruction" to help kupuna gain confidence and digital skills. Souza said most technology challenges arise from limited exposure rather than from individual ability and that the program includes digital safety training and volunteer‑assisted sessions with appropriate oversight.
Council members praised the program's community impact and asked about services for individuals with disabilities and outreach to remote areas. Souza described current and planned efforts to expand specialized training and partnerships with assistive‑technology providers, and confirmed the program is "primarily" funded by the State Public Library System with supplemental private grants. Members suggested connecting with assistive‑technology resources, increasing community‑space access, and offering sessions on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
The presentation included operational clarifications: participants may use personal devices, volunteers can support instruction under supervision, and some service locations have temporary staffing limitations. Contact information provided: isaia@mapunawai.com. The Council did not take formal action on the presentation but discussed possible partnerships and next steps for outreach.
