HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0922.002 2014-2016 ....(?•':L:
M:v-or ham+ ., Randall M.Kurohara
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William P.Kenoi •; `�''t ;.
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County of Hawaii
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street,Suite 2603 • Hilo.Hawaii 96720 • (808)961-8211 • Fax(808)961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Anc Keohokalole Hwy.,Bldg.C • Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
(808)323-4444 • Fax(808)323-4440
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July 18, 2016 -
Councilmember Maile Medeiros David. Chair CD
and Members -
Committee on Human Services and Social Services co
Hawaii County Council k;t __-
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RE: Res. 552-16: Supports the Necessary Initiatives for the County of Hawaii to
Achieve Certification as a Blue Zones Community
Aloha.
On behalf of Mayor Billy Kenoi and the County Administration, I want to thank you for
the opportunity to testify in support of the subject Resolution which reflects the County
of Hawaii's commitment to achieving Blue Zones certification. More importantly, this
Resolution demonstrates the County's dedication to policies and programs that assure
the health and wellbeing of our families.
When HMSA and Dan Buettner, Blue Zones founder, met with Mayor Kenoi in 2014 to
discuss the Blue Zones project concept, he was excited to hear about the community-
driven program to create an environment that promotes health and wellness for
everyone in the community, and that affects residents and visitors alike. He absolutely
appreciated that the program avoids a top-down approach and allows everyone in the
community to craft and mold an environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle and
discourages unhealthy habits.
This administration has supported efforts to initiate the establishment of Blue Zones
communities in North and East Hawaii. This is in line with Mayor Kenoi's vision that,
together, we can build a healthy and safe Hawaii Island for our children and our future —
the healthiest communities in Hawaii.
The County has been working to advocate for institutions and programs, such as Blues
Zones, that will provide an environment to keep our families healthy. We already have:
• Expanded bus service so students may participate in healthy afterschool
activities, such as sports, that end later than existing school bus service. Bus
service also helps residents in rural areas access healthcare services; q 2 2. 2
Comm. No.
Ref. ToP/H S 5 5(.,
Ref. Date• .11131_ 1 8 2.01b_
• Expanded recreation facilities, such as the Pana'ewa Covered Play Courts, major
new district parks in Pahoa and Waimea, and 12 new playgrounds islandwide to
offer opportunities for positive physical activity for all ages;
• Organized the annual Mayor's Health Fests in East and West Hawai'i to
encourage active lifestyles and connect residents with resources;
• Convened the "Building a Healthier Future Together" Health Care Conference in
2010 and organized the Mayor's Healthcare Taskforce to help the County of
Hawai'i address the complex and unique issues related to healthcare on our
island; and
• Advocated for and effectively managed over $2 million in federal funding to
implement programs to prevent the onset and reduce underage drinking by
youth.
The Blue Zones Project aligns well with Mayor Kenoi's focus on community health and
wellbeing. Our communities' participation in the two Blue Zones initiatives has been
outstanding. Last October, 1,200 East Hawai'i and 700 North Hawai'i residents
participated in the Blue Zones kickoff events. Hundreds of our neighbors already have
participated in lifestyle and health cooking workshops. Just as important as individual
community member involvement, our schools, restaurants and other businesses, and
faith-based organizations have committed to the Blue Zones agenda.
The East Hawaii and North Hawaii communities are well on their way to Blue Zones
certification. While we want these initiatives to always be community-driven, we in
government can be a catalyst to help them achieve that goal. Through ordinance and
regulatory policies that promotes individual wellbeing, the County Council can support
programs and projects that create a neighborhood environment that encourages a
healthier lifestyle.
As a first step, we can publicly express our commitment to these two Blue Zones
communities. It is for that reason Mayor Kenoi and his Administration supports Res.
552-16, and we ask that the Committee pass this Resolution for adoption by the full
Council.
Mahalo for your favorable consideration of this request.
Karen Teshima
Executive Assistant to Mayor Billy Kenoi