COM 0658.000 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Form #: B-52 7/18/91 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION DEPARTMENT: Office of Management DATE: March 19, 2012 STAFF CONTACT: Charmaine Shigemura PHONE: 961-8211 A. REQUEST: Resolution to allow the County of Hawai'i, Office of Management to enter into an agreement with the State of Hawaii Department of Education to provide the three Department of Education school complexes on Hawaii Island with up to $100,000/each for a maximum $300,000. This funding will allow the Department of Education to develop and implement programs in high schools across Hawai'i Island to decrease youth consumption of alcohol. Funding is available through the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant that is awarded to the County of Hawai'i through a contract with the Department of Health Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division with funding from the Federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Due to the contractual need to expend these funds by June 30, 2012, we request that this Resolution be waived from the Finance Committee, and be placed on the earliest Council agenda. B. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION (USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS AS NEEDED): The two highest risk nights for high school students are prom and graduation nights. Peer pressure to engage in high risk behavior peaks on these two nights. Statistics show a sharp increase in alcohol related accidents, fatalities, sexual and physical assaults as well as alcohol overdoses. Many schools work to keep graduates safe on graduation nights by offering "Grad Night." The philosophy and ideals behind the Grad Night movement are interlinked with providing an event that is safe, sober, and fun. More than "just a party," Grad Night is a commitment by parents, school and the community to conduct a great celebration that is alcohol and drug free. It builds a spirit of togetherness among the graduates as they celebrate with old friends for one last time. A sense of community is developed as everyone works to keep the graduates entertained and safe on potentially the most dangerous night of their lives. While Grad Night is an important tool in keeping graduates safe and building community cohesiveness, it does not produce long term impacts in reducing youth comsumption of alcohol. To increase the effectiveness of Grad Night, schools will integrate multiple underage drinking prevention activities that culminate in an alcohol free celebration such as Grad Night. These activities offer opportunities for youth leadership development and the ability to partner with different community sectors (business, parents, etc.). SIGNED: -- DATE: March 22, 2012 Department Head