State Promotes Financial Literacy

The event, held at Tamarind Park in downtown Honolulu, brought together various organizations from across the state to help consumers become more informed and make better decisions on financial matters.

As part of Financial Literacy Month in Hawai`i, the State is sponsoring a series of events throughout the month to advance financial and economic literacy in Hawai`i.

On April 12-15, the "Screaching Weasels" from Keaau High School will represent Hawai`i at the 2008 LifeSmarts National Championship, a game-show style consumer education competition, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For the second year in a row, the team won the state title at the 4th annual  Hawai`i LifeSmarts Competition, which was held last month at the State Capitol Auditorium. The competition tested students on their knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities. The event is sponsored in part by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is also coordinating a series of financial literacy presentations to seniors on O`ahu and Maui, including:

 
"It's important for our residents to learn the skills they need for effective money management," Lt. Governor Aiona said. "We want young people as well as adults to make sound financial decisions, and there are a variety of programs that can help."