HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 666 Draft 01 2022-2024OF pi
COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAIJ
RESOLUTION NO. 666 24
A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING OCTOBER AS ANTI -BULLYING AWARENESS
MONTH AND PROMOTING EFFORTS TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST BULLYING IN
HAWAIJ COUNTY.
WHEREAS, October was first declared a National Bullying Prevention month in 2006,
since then October has been a time to acknowledge that bullying has devastating effects on
children and families; and
WHEREAS, bullying in schools is a pervasive issue that undermines a student's ability
to learn in a safe environment, resulting in long-lasting negative impacts on the mental,
emotional, and physical well-being of victims, contributing to increased rates of depression,
anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide; and
WHEREAS, bullying involves unwanted, aggressive behavior with a real or perceived
power imbalance, manifesting in direct actions such as teasing, taunting, threats, hitting, and
stealing, as well as indirect behaviors such as spreading rumors, exclusion, and creating social
isolation — amounting to physical or psychological intimidation over time, creating a continuous
pattern of harassment and abuse; and
WHEREAS, studies from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control show
that children and teens who are bullied are more likely to suffer academically, face social
isolation, and encounter personal development challenges, while bullies who go unchecked risk
evolving into violent adults, often engaging in domestic violence and child abuse; and
WHEREAS, the effects of bullying extend beyond the victim to the broader community,
fostering a climate of fear, hostility, and exclusion that undermines efforts to create inclusive and
supportive spaces in schools, workplaces, and other public settings; and
WHEREAS, bullying is not confined to schoolyards, but also occurs in cyberspace,
requiring a multifaceted and collaborative, community -wide approach combining education,
prevention, intervention, and support strategies; and
WHEREAS, bullying is not a harmless rite of passage, and bystander — those who
witness bullying — can play a crucial role by intervening, supporting to victims, and empowering
children and youth to recognize bullying behavior and report it to a trusted adult; and
WHEREAS, children must understand what bullying is, know it is unacceptable, and
feel safe reporting it, while adults must foster a supportive environment and provide guidance,
comfort, ad actionable advice in response; and
WHEREAS, October is nationally recognized as Anti -Bullying Awareness Month,
encouraging schools, parents, youth, community organizations, and governments implement
activities that raise awareness, prevent bullying, and support those who have been affected; now,
therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAI`I that
October is hereby designated as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in Hawai`i County, and the
County encourages all residents, schools, businesses, and organizations to work together to
create an atmosphere of zero tolerance for bullying.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Hawai`i urges the following actions
to address and prevent bullying: open discussions about bullying, role modeling respect, and
creating safe spaces for youth to express concerns; workshops to teach empathy, conflict
resolution, and communication skills; accessible mental health resources, peer support, and anti-
bullying policies in schools; and digital literacy programs to help youth safely navigate online
spaces.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an"all hands-on deck" approach is necessary,
calling for collaboration between schools, community organizations, mental health professionals,
law enforcement, and policymakers to create a united front against bullying in all forms.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the County Clerk shall transmit a copy of this
resolution to the Honorable Joshua B. Green, M.D., Governor of the State of Hawai`i; the
Honorable Members of the Hawai`i State Legislature; the Honorable Mitchell D. Roth, Mayor of
the County of Hawai`i; the Superintendent of the Hawai`i State Department of Education; the
Hawai`i Island Complex Area Superintendents; the principals of all Hawai`i Island schools; and
members of the Hawai`i County Youth Commission.
Dated at Kona , Hawai`i,this 16thday of October , 20 24 .
INTRODUCED BY:
COUNCIL MEMBER, COUNTY OF HAWAI`I
COUNTY COUNCIL ROLL CALL VOTE
County of Hawai`i AYES NOES ABS EX
Hilo, Hawai`i EVANS X
GALIMBA X
I hereby certify that the foregoing RESOLUTION was by INABA X
the vote indicated to the right hereof adopted by the COUNCIL of the KAGIWADA X
County of Hawaii on October 16, 2024
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
ATTEST: KIMBALL X
LEE LOY X
VILLEGAS X
9 0 0 0
p . �� Reference: C-1095/Waived GOEAC
Y CLERK IRPERSON&PRESIDING OFFICER RESOLUTION NO. 666 24
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