HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0177.019 1998-2000 400NSV OF y,~
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Stephen K. Yamashiro ,
Mayor
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COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN A1ND YOUTH
25 Auponi Street, Room 215 Hilo, Hawaii 967204252
(808) 9618211 Fax (808) 9616553
March 10, 1999
Council Chairman James Y. Arakaki
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Dear Council Chairman Arakaki:
It has come to the attention of the Committee on Children and Youth that the
HI-PAL program is in jeopardy due to the Hawaii County Police Department's need to
reduce its budget for the next fiscal year. These cuts will also affect the D.A.R.E. program.
The County's HI-PAL program makes a very valuable contribution to youngsters and their
families by providing opportunities for physical development, interactions with peers,
opportunities for team membership, lessons in citizenship and sportsmanship, and
exposure to positive role models, especially law enforcement officers.
At-risk youth and youth of all ages are affected by both programs. Many children have
only minimal opportunities to participate in activities within their communities, and without
the HI-PAL program these opportunities would be even fewer. In these times the negative
pressures can be confusing to youngsters which make opportunities for positive
experiences with peers and adults, and a sense of being part of a team even more vital to
the development of a productive citizen.
We are asking that you reconsider the value of these programs to the community and do
whatever you can to maintain HI-PAL and D.A.R.E. in their entirety.
If there is anything that the Committee on Children and Youth can do to help you support
these programs, please feel free to let us know.
Sincerely,
L'. o~VM^~i
Angela C. Thomas I'~^J~ 1 q
Chair Comm. No.
File No. g ~p
ACT:jv Re:'. To: F'C
kef. Datc MAR 1 0 1999