Terms of Service
Hawaiʻi Community Journal (HCJ) Terms of Service
Effective Date: [February 26, 2026]
Applies To: Hawaiʻi Community Journal (HCJ), a program of The Kūpaʻa Network
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) apply to Hawaiʻi Community Journal (“HCJ,” “we,” “us,” “our”), a journalism and community storytelling program operated by The Kūpaʻa Network, a Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization. By accessing or using this website, subscribing to communications, or participating in HCJ programs or services, you agree to these Terms.
Hawaiʻi Community Journal may collaborate with independent partner organizations, including media partners. Such partnerships do not constitute ownership, control, or endorsement, and HCJ maintains full editorial independence consistent with its nonprofit mission.
- Eligibility
You must be at least 13 years old to use this site. If under 18, parental or guardian consent is required for participation in paid events or programs, if applicable.
- License to Use
The Kūpaʻa Network grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use this site and its content for personal, non-commercial purposes, consistent with HCJ’s public-interest mission.
- Communications and Subscriptions
You may subscribe to newsletters, updates, or publications from HCJ. By subscribing, you agree to receive communications related to journalism content, community programs, events, or initiatives aligned with HCJ’s nonprofit purpose.
You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in communications.
- Events and Community Programs
HCJ and The Kūpaʻa Network may host in-person or virtual events, conversations, or community programs (“Programs”). By registering or participating, you agree to comply with any program-specific guidelines provided at registration.
Information collected through participation will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and used solely for nonprofit program delivery, communications, or evaluation.
HCJ may collaborate with partner organizations in hosting Programs. Each organization remains independently governed.
- Donations and Payments
Donations to The Kūpaʻa Network support nonprofit journalism and community programming, including HCJ. Donation terms, if applicable, will be presented at the point of contribution.
Unless otherwise stated, donations are non-refundable to the extent permitted by law.
- Surveys and Research
HCJ may invite subscribers or participants to engage in voluntary surveys, listening sessions, or research activities intended to inform nonprofit journalism and community initiatives. Participation is optional, and additional terms may apply where relevant.
- User Content
If you submit comments, stories, photos, essays, or other materials (“User Content”), you grant The Kūpaʻa Network a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, and display such content in connection with HCJ’s nonprofit journalism and educational mission.
You retain ownership of your content.
HCJ may also publish or share content in collaboration with partner organizations. Such publication does not transfer ownership or editorial control.
- Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to use the site to:
- Violate any laws or regulations
- Post defamatory, infringing, or harmful content
- Disrupt site functionality or security
- Misrepresent affiliation with HCJ or The Kūpaʻa Network
- Intellectual Property
All HCJ content, branding, and materials are owned by The Kūpaʻa Network or its licensors unless otherwise credited.
Content may not be reproduced or distributed without permission, except as allowed under fair use or applicable law.
- Editorial Independence
Hawaiʻi Community Journal operates under the nonprofit mission and governance of The Kūpaʻa Network.
Collaborations with partners, funders, or contributors do not grant editorial control over HCJ content. Publication decisions are made independently in alignment with HCJ editorial standards and public-interest purpose.
- Disclaimers
Content is provided for informational and educational purposes. While we strive for accuracy and transparency, HCJ does not guarantee completeness or suitability for any specific use.
- Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Kūpaʻa Network is not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from use of this site or participation in HCJ programs.
- Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Kūpaʻa Network from claims arising from your misuse of the site or violation of these Terms.
- Termination
We may suspend or terminate access to the site for violations of these Terms or conduct inconsistent with HCJ community standards.
- Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Hawaiʻi. Disputes will be resolved in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, unless otherwise required by law.
- Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.
- Contact
connect@hawaiicommunityjournal.org