"Akamai Money" seeks out local experts to answer questions about business in Hawaii. If you have an issue you would like us to tackle, please email it to business@staradvertiser.com and put "Akamai Money" in the subject line.

Question: What kinds of services does CSI provide?

Answer: We are a small, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that has been providing protective financial oversight for the elderly and people with disabilities since 1987. This is a very important area of concern in Hawaii due to the oncoming "gray tsunami" of aging residents we expect over the next many years.

There are increasing numbers of Hawaii residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or even just forgetfulness caused by age or disability. These people’s families often step in to do day-to-day bookkeeping, bill paying and checkbook balancing.

That’s where CSI comes in. We act a bit like an accountant or bookkeeper. We pay monthly bills and make sure authorized caregivers or family can view the bank statements. We also help organize tax documents and other important papers such as insurance policies. We do not make investment recommendations or prepare taxes, but instead help with the administrative burden that falls onto caregivers.

CSI also helps administer smaller-sized trusts (typically valued below $400,000) and can also act as durable power of attorney or personal representative. Over the years, Hawaii courts have many times appointed CSI as a conservator to provide protective financial oversight.

Q: When should caregivers seek the help of CSI?

A: There are warning signs that caregivers typically see before contacting us. For instance, their aging parents or loved ones may still be living independently but becoming forgetful. There may be stacks of unopened bills. The electricity may get shut off due to unpaid bills. When families take on these tasks, the burden often falls onto one person. This can become overwhelming and create resentment at a time when families need to work together more closely than ever.

Q: What was the genesis of CSI?

A: CSI, which stands for Comfort, Security and Independence, was formed in 1988 by Caro­lyn Yama­saki, a local businesswoman who noticed that some of her aging clients needed help with these types of services. She couldn’t find any other agency that provided these services, so Caro­lyn organized CSI Inc. and hired Sister Michele McQueeny, a nun, to run the charity for the next 10 years. Sister McQueeny is still fondly remembered by many in Hono­lulu for her tireless work.

Today our hard-working team, which includes a CPA and three financial case managers, as well as our volunteer board of directors, have all helped CSI continue its long-standing reputation in our community. Organizations such as the Office of the Public Guardian and Adult Protection Services often reach out to CSI as well as estate planning attorneys, assisted-living facilities and caregivers.

Q: How safe are a client’s assets? Can they be lost or stolen?

A: CSI never takes physical custody of client assets. Finances remain in the client’s bank where they are FDIC-insured. CSI simply handles the financial transactions — as clearly instructed and authorized by the conservatorship or trust documents. The bank’s statements verify every transaction and provide a third-party record of activity.

Q: How do potential customers know if CSI is trustworthy?

A: CSI is regularly appointed by Hawaii’s courts to serve as trustee or conservator to help safeguard the assets of others. CSI acts as a fiduciary, which means we are legally responsible for managing assets in the best interest of the client or beneficiary.

Q: Are there any tips you would offer to someone handling the financial affairs of another?

A: Simple protocols, such as requiring two signatures on checks above a specified threshold level, will go a long way.

We recommend that caregivers become familiar with elder law and start off on the right foot. Other tips, such as creating written job descriptions, will allow everyone to be clear about their roles and responsibilities. An often overlooked item is a backup plan (for temporary situations) and a transition plan (for permanent changes) should the primary financial caregiver be unable to continue his or her responsibilities. You won’t want to be left in the lurch without a smooth transition or orientation.

Another item we recommend is that caregivers provide monthly financial statements. In short, communication and clearly written agreements are the necessary underpinnings of any successful situation. We have other suggestions and resources on our website, www.csi­hawaii.org.