HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSSSC 003 2016/07/16 (2014-2016)REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
AND SOCIAL SERVICES
DATE: July 18, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 922 /Res. No. 552-16
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 1:16 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo. Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Iluman Services and Social Services, to which was referred
Resolution No. 552-16, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 552-16, transmitted by Council Member Valerie Poindexter, via Communication
Nos. 922 and 922.1 dated June 29. 2016, reports as follows:
This Resolution No. 552-16 supports the necessary initiatives for the County of Hawaii to
achieve certification as a Blue Zones Community.
Karen 'I eshima, on behalf of the Mayor's office, testified in support of the Resolution reflecting
the County's commitment to achieving Blue Zone certification. She stated that following the
meeting with HMSA and Dan Buettner, Mayor Kenoi was excited to hear of the program to
promote health and wellness and especially the fact that everyone in a community would be able
to participate in living a healthy lifestyle.
Ms. Teshima stated that Mayor Kenai's vision is to build a healthy and safe place for our
children and their future, focusing on health and wellbeing which aligns with the Blue Zones
Project.
Elisa Yadao, on behalf of IIMSA, testified in support of Resolution 552-16. She noted that in
2014, HMSA partnered with the Blue Zones Project and in October of 2015, North and East
Ilawai`i were selected as Blue Zones Project areas having a record-breaking participation of over
2,000 individuals. Blue Zones establishments/businesses that have been approved thus far are 8
restaurants, I grocery store and 2 Big Island schools. A total of 6 establishments were on the Big
Island.
Carol Ignacio a lifelong resident of Hamakua and Community Project Manager of Blue Zones
also testified in support. She stated that she came out of retirement I year ago to join Blue
Zones-. Ms. Ignacio commented about various resources of the Big Island and that this is the first
initiative where it is a total gift to the community (for free) where the goal is for a happier,
healthier place to live. Ms. Ignacio also stated that we have access to a suite of resources,
materials, evidence -based practices, and experts around the nation and that with these free gift
there is only one expectation -to commit to the health and wellbeing of our people. Ms. Ignacio
HSSSC Report No. 3
noted that it is the first time in the history of our country that the keiki are not intended to live
longer than we do.
Several Council Members expressed their enthusiasm, and excitement in support of Resolution
No. 552-16. Every project has their own set of goals and standards and they are in total favor of
this project and the need to educate the communities. Chair David thanked Council Members
Poindexter and Wille for their collaborative efforts to bring this resolution before the council.
Your Committee on Human Services and Social Services is in accord with the purpose and intent
of Resolution 552-16, and recommends its adoption.
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AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES
EOFF x AND SOCIAL SERVICES
ILAGAN X
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PALEKA x MAILE DAVID, ' • IR
POINDEXTER X HSSSC REPORT NO.: __.3
WILLS X ADOPTED: AU,G_9"Z0t6