Key Takeaways
- AARP Hawai‘i will host three free AI‑focused workshops on Maui in August and September 2026.
- Sessions cover spotting AI‑driven scams, recognizing disinformation, and experimenting with AI image generators for creative expression.
- Larry Black, a Senior Planet volunteer, will lead the workshops at the Kaunoa Senior Center (Pāʻia) and Malcolm Center (Kīhei).
- Participants can register online at aarp.org/hi or via the AARP Hawai‘i Facebook page; additional group presentations are available upon request.
Workshop Series Overview
AARP Hawai‘i announced a new educational initiative aimed at helping older adults navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The three‑part workshop series, scheduled for August 8, August 11, and August 25, 2026, will be held at senior‑center venues across Maui. According to Jackie Boland, AARP Hawai‘i Outreach Director, the goal is to demystify AI while empowering participants to protect themselves from its misuse. “Artificial intelligence is like any new technology. People shouldn’t be afraid of it. But they should understand it and learn how to use AI. They also need to recognize if others are using it to deceive you,” Boland said, underscoring the dual focus on opportunity and vigilance.
Spot & Avoid Scams: Old Tricks. New AI Tactics
The opening session on August 8, titled “Spot & Avoid Scams: Old Tricks. New AI Tactics,” will be facilitated by Gary Albitz at the Malcolm Center in Kīhei. Attendees will learn how fraudsters are integrating AI‑generated voice clones, deep‑fake videos, and sophisticated phishing scripts into classic schemes such as impostor calls and fake investment offers. Albitz plans to demonstrate real‑world examples, showing how subtle inconsistencies in audio or visual cues can betray a synthetic origin. “We’ll break down the anatomy of an AI‑enhanced scam so participants can spot the red flags before they lose money or personal information,” he noted, emphasizing practical detection tools that anyone can apply.
AI and Disinformation
On August 11, the focus shifts to the societal impact of AI with the workshop “AI and Disinformation,” held at the Kaunoa Senior Center in Pāʻia. This session will explore how generative models can produce convincing yet false news articles, social‑media posts, and synthetic images that spread misinformation rapidly. Participants will discuss case studies from recent elections and public‑health campaigns, examining how AI‑driven content can amplify bias and erode trust. The workshop aims to equip attendees with critical‑thinking frameworks—such as cross‑checking sources, checking metadata, and using reverse‑image search—to differentiate authentic information from AI‑fabricated narratives.
AI Image Generators: Unleashing Creativity
The final workshop on August 25, “AI Image Generators,” also takes place at the Kaunoa Senior Center. Larry Black, a Senior Planet volunteer speaker, will guide participants through hands‑on exercises using popular text‑to‑image platforms like DALL‑E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion. The session will highlight how older adults can harness these tools for personal projects—creating digital art, designing greeting cards, or visualizing family histories—while also addressing ethical considerations such as copyright, consent, and the potential for misuse. Black stressed the creative promise of the technology: “AI image generators can be a powerful outlet for expression, especially for those who may feel limited by traditional artistic skills, but we must use them responsibly.”
About the Instructors and Supporting Organizations
Larry Black, who will lead two of the three workshops, is a volunteer speaker with Senior Planet, an AARP‑affiliated organization dedicated to helping kupuna (elders) learn about technology, stay socially connected, and engage in civic life through digital tools. Senior Planet’s mission aligns closely with AARP Hawai‘i’s outreach efforts, providing a trusted bridge between older adults and emerging tech trends. In addition to the scheduled workshops, Black is available to deliver customized presentations on technology and fraud to community groups of twelve or more people. Interested parties can request a session by emailing AARP Hawai‘i at [email protected].
Registration and Accessibility
All workshops begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. and are free to the public. Registration is straightforward: interested individuals can visit aarp.org/hi or navigate to the AARP Hawai‘i Facebook page, click the “Events” tab, and select the desired session. The organizers encourage early sign‑up, as space at the senior‑center venues is limited. For those unable to attend in person, AARP Hawai‘i plans to record the presentations and make them available online after the series concludes, ensuring broader access to the valuable information shared.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
By addressing both the risks and rewards of AI, AARP Hawai‘i’s workshop series reflects a growing recognition that digital literacy is essential for all age groups, particularly seniors who may be targeted by sophisticated scams. The initiative not only aims to protect participants from fraud but also to inspire them to experiment with AI‑driven creativity, fostering a sense of empowerment and continued learning. As AI continues to permeate everyday life—from healthcare diagnostics to smart‑home devices—programs like this will likely become a staple of community education, helping older adults navigate technological change with confidence and critical awareness.
For further details or to schedule a group presentation, contact AARP Hawai‘i via email at [email protected].
Learn the good, bad and creative about artificial intelligence at upcoming Maui AARP workshop