There are many grandparents who care for their grandchildren during the day. But there are a growing number - for a variety of reasons - who have virtual custody of the grandchildren.

"In fact, after much research, we found that Hawaii was the number one state in the nation of grandparents raising grandchildren. That came as a total shock to us," said Jackie Chong, from Na Tutu.

The "us" Jackie Chong refers to is Na Tutu, a grass roots organization of grandparents raising grandchildren. The legislature is well-aware of the group because of its lobbying efforts regarding grandparents' rights in custody situations.

"We passed legislation now that grandparents, they should - the authorities have a responsibility to try to track down the grandparents so that we could play a part," said Helen Wagner, from Na Tutu.

There was a time when informal consent was enough for the grandparent to provide for a grandchild's needs.

"I enrolled them in school with no problem. I took them to the doctor with no problem. Later on, we found out that you couldn't do that any more. Parents had to enroll their children in school. Sometimes, you can't locate the parents," said Chong.

But again, Na Tutu lobbied the Legislature and got the rules changed. There are now more resources for grandparents who find themselves primary caregivers for their grandchildren. But most importantly, according to Helen Wagner, the grandparents have to be on the same side.

"Actually, we had to find time to focus on our relationship first so that the grandchildren felt safe and secure. Because it's so easy that we become martyrs when we're taking on that responsibility to help," said Wagner.

For more information on Na Tutu call (808)239-8908.