2013-03-08 Committee on the Status of Women Minutes

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VIII. REPORTS A. Liaison 1. Legislative Update Nancy Kelly provided an update from a written report sent by Elena Cabatu since she was not able to attend the meeting.  The Emergency Contraception bill is advancing. It looks promising and the State Commission and the Women’s Coalition are optimistic.  The Bill Relating to Hospital Emergency Compassionate Care for Sexual Assault Victims advanced and crossed over to the Senate and has been referred to the Health and Judiciary committees. House Bill No. HB 411 HD 2 went to the Health and Judiciary Committee.  Kim Schneider reported that the Bill, status of the Bill and testimonies can be found on the legislature website: capital.hawaii.gov  Testimonies have already been submitted by Health Department, medical associations  There has been some negative testimony from the Catholic church  Cathy Bett’s testimony was great. She stated that most of the victims are under 18 years old who are not being given the information about this being available so that’s basically what this bill is all about.  Kim Schneider prepared a testimony draft on behalf of the committee. If anyone on the committee wants to write in support of this Bill, Kim has a basic layout for this. She read the testimony she wrote.  Katie Nova suggested that we send a copy to Molly for review. She also suggested that we say more about what our committee is about on the testimony; that we represent the entire island of Hawai`i, people come from all parts of the island comprised of representatives from all districts.  Farrah-Marie Gomes asked if we have a mission statement, which we could use. Upon locating the statement, Kim will include in the testimony.  Nancy Kelly suggested that we send a copy to the Mayor’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office out of courtesy since we’re appointed by the Mayor and under the Prosecutor’s Office, just so that they are aware of what we are supporting.  Kim Schneider will send copies to Lee Watanabe to be distributed after it is approved by Molly.  Nancy Kelly moved that we submit Kim’s testimony.  It was approved by the committee that Kim will write the testimony.  Farrah-Marie Gomes pointed out the opportunity to connect with our Big Island delegation who are on these two committees that introduced this Bill. Rep. Hanohano is in the House and the Sen. Green is in the Senate. On behalf of the Committee, Brooke Derby volunteered to send a copy to Hanohano and Green once it’s approved.  3