HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0360.001 1996-1998 o..
~ _ William G. Davis
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Stephen K. Yamashir0 • ~ - ~ Managing Director
Mayor
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25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720.4252 (808) 961-8211 Pax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 75-5706 Kuakini Highway, Suite 103 Kailua-Kona,}{awaii 96740
(808) 329-5226 • Fax (808) 326-5663
June 25, 1997
The Honorable Chairman James Y. Arakaki
and Members of the County Council
County of Hawaii
Hilo, HI 96720
Re: Communication 360
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members:
On June 13, 1997, a Bill for an Ordinance (Bill 103) proposing to
create a Family Violence Advisory Commission was submitted to the
Council for its review and consideration.
Upon further review of the bill, grammatical and structural
errors were found. As such, enclosed is an amended version which
addresses these concerns.
Should the Council have any questions, please feel free to call
me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
l~
t hen K. Yamashiro
MAYOR
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PROPOSAL:
To create a commission named the Hawaii County Family Violence
Advisory Commission.
JUSTIFICATION;
Family violence in the County of Hawaii continues to be severe
and an increasing problem. The Big Island has accounted for
22 percent of the State's domestic and family violence related
homicides even though. Hawaii County accounts for only
11 percent of the state's population. A recent survey
conducted by the Hawaii Mental Health Association in
Hawaii--Hawaii County Branch indicates the high incidence of
health, social and mental health problems on the Big Island.
For example, the survey reveals that although general rates of
suicide dropped in 1996, 22/percent of attempted suicides were
by young individuals age 18 and under. The study further
demonstrates that the Big Island has the highest percentage of
children suffering from abuse and neglect as well as the
highest rate of deaths of children ages 1-14. Moreover,
statistics show that Hawaii County has some of the worst
negative social indicators proportionately in the State,
including elder abuse, rise in protective orders, unemployment,
poverty, teen pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, and juvenile
crime.
At the present time, private and public sector funds and
resources are insufficient to adequately address the growing
problem in our community. For these reasons and many others,
the County must carefully scrutinize this severe problem in our
community and formalize the ongoing grassroots organization
known as DVIAT (Domestic Violence Inter-Agency Team) into a
County Commission on Family Violence. This will ensure that
these serious problems are addressed and solutions made
available in order to reduce violence in our community and
provide motivation for our youth. Through the development of a
healthier community, a more positive social and economic
environment will emerge.
GOAL OF COMMISSION:
The goal of the Commission is to reduce family violence in the
County of Hawaii through addressing island-wide issues of
family violence. The Commission will promote general public
awareness, encourage and facilitate inter-agency training and
provide the impetus for preventative measures and education
directed at the community's children and youth.
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IMPLEMENTATION:
Creation of this commission will be accomplished by the
attached draft of a Bill for and Ordinance which needs to be
approved on two readings by the Hawaii County Council and
signed by the Mayor.
FUNDING:
Annual Budget Requirement (Proposed)
Full Year Six Months
Mileage Reimbursements $ 4,500 $ 2,250
Travel 1,000 500
Printing 100 100
Advertising 250 250
Miscellaneous Contracting 1,650 900
Services (Workshop,
Training, Meals, etc.)
TOTAL $ 7,500 $ 4,000
NOTE:
It is anticipated that the appointments will be made sometime
in December 1997, and members seated in January 1998, to elect
its office, appoint standing committee chairs, finance grant
proposals, etc. as such, full funding only $4,000 is requested
for FY 1997-1998.
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