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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES <br />AND SOCIAL SERVICES <br />DATE: July 18, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 922 /Res. No. 552-16 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Kailua Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 1:16 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo. Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Iluman Services and Social Services, to which was referred <br />Resolution No. 552-16, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 552-16, transmitted by Council Member Valerie Poindexter, via Communication <br />Nos. 922 and 922.1 dated June 29. 2016, reports as follows: <br />This Resolution No. 552-16 supports the necessary initiatives for the County of Hawaii to <br />achieve certification as a Blue Zones Community. <br />Karen 'I eshima, on behalf of the Mayor's office, testified in support of the Resolution reflecting <br />the County's commitment to achieving Blue Zone certification. She stated that following the <br />meeting with HMSA and Dan Buettner, Mayor Kenoi was excited to hear of the program to <br />promote health and wellness and especially the fact that everyone in a community would be able <br />to participate in living a healthy lifestyle. <br />Ms. Teshima stated that Mayor Kenai's vision is to build a healthy and safe place for our <br />children and their future, focusing on health and wellbeing which aligns with the Blue Zones <br />Project. <br />Elisa Yadao, on behalf of IIMSA, testified in support of Resolution 552-16. She noted that in <br />2014, HMSA partnered with the Blue Zones Project and in October of 2015, North and East <br />Ilawai`i were selected as Blue Zones Project areas having a record-breaking participation of over <br />2,000 individuals. Blue Zones establishments/businesses that have been approved thus far are 8 <br />restaurants, I grocery store and 2 Big Island schools. A total of 6 establishments were on the Big <br />Island. <br />Carol Ignacio a lifelong resident of Hamakua and Community Project Manager of Blue Zones <br />also testified in support. She stated that she came out of retirement I year ago to join Blue <br />Zones-. Ms. Ignacio commented about various resources of the Big Island and that this is the first <br />initiative where it is a total gift to the community (for free) where the goal is for a happier, <br />healthier place to live. Ms. Ignacio also stated that we have access to a suite of resources, <br />materials, evidence -based practices, and experts around the nation and that with these free gift <br />there is only one expectation -to commit to the health and wellbeing of our people. Ms. Ignacio <br />HSSSC Report No. 3 <br />