HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSSPSC 006 01/19/2012 2010-2012 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES,
SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY
DATE: January 19, 2012 Re: Comm. No. 519/Res. 210-12
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawai'i
TIME: 10:05 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Human Services, Social Services and Public Safety, to which was referred
Resolution 210-12, reports as follows:
Resolution 210-12, from Gerald Takase, Department of Liquor Control Director, transmitted via
Communication No. 519, dated December 27, 2011, authorizes the Mayor to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii
(RCUH) to do an evaluation of the effectiveness of the County of Hawai`i's Drug, Alcohol and
Tobacco (DAT) program, which is a program to prevent underage consumption of drug, alcohol
and tobacco by school-age students.
Department of Liquor Control Director Takase came forward to address members of the
Committee and explained that the program started five years ago and is part of a State Incentive
Grant program which has been the funding source for the DAT program administered through the
County of Hawai`i's Department of Liquor Control. High school student athletes mentor 4th and
5th graders on the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and on the positives of living a drug,
alcohol, and tobacco free life.
Mr. Ikeda communicated his support for the program and requested to be provided with a copy of
the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Ms. Smart asked how the evaluation would be carried out. Director Takase explained the
evaluation would include the use of surveys and interviews with students and athletes, and that it
would be completed by June 1, 2012. Ms. Smart requested a copy of the evaluation when
completed.
Mr. Hoffmann expressed his support for the Resolution and asked why the RCUH was chosen to
do the evaluation. Director Takase stated that Dr. Alton M. Okinaka, PhD has done similar
studies in the past and is recognized as one who understands the requirements of the study.
Mr. Hoffmann asked that this be put in the MOU and Director Takase agreed.
Ms. Ford asked if there was a procurement process required. Director Takase explained that the
process was followed, however, Dr. Okinaka's selection falls under an exemption clause. Deputy
Corporation Counsel Kathy Garson was asked if this would violate any procurement laws and she
HSSPSC Rept. No.: 6
HSSPSC-6 Page 2 January, 19, 2012
agreed to look at the exemption list in the Hawaii Revised Statutes and provide the Council with
that language at the next Council meeting.
Mr. Yagong stated that the evaluation is required as part of the grant and expressed support for
the program as student athletes are looked up to by their peers.
Mr. Yoshimoto mentioned other programs that are focused on drugs and alcohol and suggested
that they coordinate efforts in the future. Director Takase stated that he is always open to ideas
for coordinating efforts and providing funding for various programs.
Your Committee on Human Services, Social Services and Public Safety is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Resolution 210-12, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
BLAS X
FORD X COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES,
HOFFMANN X SOCIAL SERVICES & PUBLIC SAFETY
IKEDA X
ONISHI X _ der' •
PILAGO X _ / AMID'
SMART X K. • GEL PILAGO, AIR
YAGONG X HSSPSC REPORT O. 6
YOSHIMOTO X ADOPTED: FEB 0 1 2012