HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0626.007 2022-2024 P /Counci
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TESTIMONY provided by
Daniel Goya,CEO and Lead TIC Trainer Ke Ala Ho'aka, LLC.[
Before the
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HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
January 10, 2024 @09:00 c-4=
Hilo, Hawai'i 96720
In consideration &support of BILL 108 Draft 2
Relating to Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience
I am writing in support of Bill 108 D2, as it will benefit all Hawai'i County residents, from kOpuna
to keiki, by ensuring access to safe, compassionate services and resources to live and thrive.
These revisions align with the County's commitment to sustainability, climate action, equity, and
resilience.They will help equitably coordinate policies and programs, using a trauma-informed
approach to support our underserved and vulnerable populations who struggle daily to afford
stability and security.
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes growing knowledge of the impact and
prevalence of psychological trauma in our community. It seeks to integrate trauma awareness
into our programs, policies, and procedures to provide a safe and engaging milieu for the well-
being of clients,visitors, staff, and volunteers.
Trauma can stem from various sources, such as experiencing or'observing a family member with
a disability(mental health, substance use, etc.), abuse (verbal, sexual, emotional), neglect,
violence, poverty, or systemic cultural/historical discrimination.These experiences can have
long-lasting effects on a person's physical, mental, and spiritual health, resulting in significant
social and economic costs if not appropriately addressed and treated. Increased spending across
multiple jurisdictions and programs is estimated at approximately$200,000 per person in
lifetime costs.
Since 2013, I have worked intimately with Hawai'i County communities (Hilo,Keaukaha,
Laupahoehoe, Kohala, Ka'u- Pahala and Na'alehu, Puna and Kea'au to name a few), by providing
trauma-informed care training to DOE personnel, other public entities, and private non-profits. I
worked intimately with Vibrant Hawai'i during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise the awareness
and provide TIC training and mental health supports to communities how have had traditionally
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compromised access and equity to social determinants of health. I was also an active advocate
and agent for the bill that led to the legislation that created the Office of Wellness and
Resilience. With this said, Bill 108 D2, will assist the County in identifying and addressing the
unmet need of communities that have endured trans and intergenerational trauma and provide
effective protective factor programming and policies.
These amendments enhance the OSCER's mission to make it more efficient and sustainable for
everyone who lives, works, and plays in the County of Hawaii. It will also reinforce the County's
commitment to creating a "trauma-informed county"to service its residents better and improve
community health and wellness outcomes. I strongly urge the Council to consider and support
this bill.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of Bill 108 D2.
Respectfully,
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Daniel Goya