HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0360.000 1996-1998 NtV OF
t - William G. Davis
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Stephen K. Yamashiro Mmiaging Director
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25 Aupuni Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 9bi-6553
KOIVA: 75-5706 Kuakini Fiighway, Suite 103 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740
(808) 3295226 Pax (808) 326-5663
June 13, 1997
The Honorable Chairman James Y. Arakaki
and Members of the County Council
County of Hawaii
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Council Members:
Enclosed is a Bill for an Ordinance and a justification sheet
proposing the establishment of a Hawaii County Family Violence
Advisory Commission.
The Domestic Violence Inter-Agency Team (DVIAT) has been
working long and diligently on this issue, an endeavor which I
support.
It is now being transmitted to the Council for your
deliberation and favorable disposition. It is hoped that upon
your approval, the members of this entity can be appointed and
the Commission duly functional by January, 1998.
Should you have any questions regarding this matter, you may
call me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
/l~~_ ~1111- ~~s l,~„f~~
ephen ~c.) Yamashiro
MAYOR
Enclosed ! Qli! 03'
cc: Barbara Takase
Nora Sanchez-Turner
Marlys Brodie
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PROPOSAL:
To create a commission named the County Commission on Family
violence.
JUSTIFICATION:
Family violence in the County of Hawaii continues to be a
severe and 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, 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 in order to help create a
violence free 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 eliminate family violence in
the County of Hawaii through addressing island-wide issues of
family violence. The Commission will promote general public
awareness, judicial and inter-agency training and provide the
impetus for preventative measures and education directed at the
community's children and youth.
IMPLEMENTATION:
Creation of this commission will be accomplished by the
attached draft of a Bill for an Ordinance which needs to be
approved on two readings by the Hawaii County Council and
signed by the Mayor.
FUNDING:
Annual funding is estimated as follows:
• Mileage reimbursements $4,500
• Travel 1,000
• Printing 100
• Advertising 250
• Misc. (Workshops, training, meals) 1.650
$7,500
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