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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09-10 Committee on the Status of Women Minutes COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Friday, September 10, 2010, 10:00 a.m. Kona County Council Conference Room PRESENT Katie Nova, Chair Kimberly Schneider, Secretary Nancy Kelly, Treasurer Carol Kitaoka Andrea Mejia Kathleen Peters Dawn Pung Julie Mecklenburg, Corporation Counsel (ex-officio) EXCUSED JoAnne Balberde-Kamalii, Vice Chair Elena Cabatu, HSCSW Commissioner (ex-officio) ABSENT Charmaine Ka-ipo GUESTS Sherry Bracken Penny Kelii-Vredenburg CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 10:16 a.m. ROLL CALL A quorum was present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA K. Schneider moved to approve the agenda as submitted. A. Mejia seconded the motion. The motion was passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES K. Schneider moved to approve the August 13, 2010 minutes. N. Kelly seconded the motion. The motion was passed. TREASURERÓS REPORT The treasurerÓs report was circulated. HawaiÒi County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer A. Mejia moved to accept the treasurerÓs report. C. Kitaoka seconded the motion. The motion was passed. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC S. Bracken and P. Kelii-Vredenburg are attending todayÓs meeting because they would like to advocate announcing the inductees prior to the event. S. Bracken said she would like to know the rationale for not announcing the events. When she was inducted two years ago, the nominees were informed in advance that they were going to be in the hall of fame and she was able to invite friends, relatives, A. Mejia explained that there were four recipients during S. BrackenÓs time. The committee wanted a lot of attendees to attend so they decided to make it similar to the emmy awards. All the nominees were honored together and family a come and join the event. K. Peters stated that the previous committeeÓs attorney from Corporation Counsel had some concerns about the county spending public money on an event to honor only six women. S. Bracken said she looked at different hall of fame organizations and the process for all of them is a similar process. People submit nominations, the committee selects the inductees, inductees are announced, inductees are invited to the event, and the inductees are honored. She asked CSW to consider changing the process back to the way it was before because it would enable the inductee to invite many more guests to the event, if known in advance, including people from off island. S. Bracken said if she knew that her nominee was inducted into the hall of fame, her intent is to invite the nomineeÓs off island family and some of the state representatives with whom she has worked in the past. She feels that providing adequate notice and adequate publicity will increase attendance. In addition, she would like to see the event as a joyous celebration, not of competition where you have winners and losers. If she was nominated and she didnÓt know she was going to win, she definitely would not be inviting people to come. She wouldnÓt want to ask friends to spend $35 for lunch and asking them to make a long drive. If you announce people in advance, you can certainly get a lot of additional publicity if increasing attendance is one of the committeeÓs objectives. S. Bracken indicated that she donÓt like to particularly see high accomplishing women be put in any kind of embarrassing situation. This is not what she sees as the womenÓs hall of fame is being all about. P. Vredenburg said that if she was a nominee and she invited friends and family and she wasnÓt selected, it would be a point of embarrassment and hurt for her. As an event coordinator and catering director, she understands the need to find an avenue to increase attendance. Just the chance of hurting somebody or emba is not worth it for her. She suggested that one way to ask ÐkokuaÑ or at a nominal fee is 2 to have top notch entertainment. There are incredible musicians on this island that could enhance the draw power. S. Bracken stated that the main issue is not embarrassing people. If she had invited people to attend and not won, she would be embarrassed that she had asked them to spend money and drive out to the event. The nominees could get the same feeling if you put yourself in the place of that kind of competitive environment. She felt it can be a much more celebratory joyous occasion doing it the other way. For example, if her nominee is selected, she will invite everybody. She would also be willing to help the committee in getting the attendance up with different avenues of radio and websites. N. Kelly stated that one of the things the committee talked about in having all the nominees invited was that it was a way of honoring them and not to dishonor them. Secondly, it was also an honor that someone felt that the nomine of a nomination. There are a lot of events that have all the nominees present such as the academy awards, Office of Aging Outstanding Older American luncheon, and county employee of the year. K. Peters said that in 2006, the committee was warned about scheduling the event, selecting entertainment, and limiting the number of awardees. Therefore, the committee has been striving to make it more inclusive, celebrate more people, and making it more inclusive of a lot of women who was nominated. I a celebratory event for a lot of women across the island and itÓs really going to be emphasized. All the nominees are fabulous women and these are all winners. ItÓs a gathering of people celebrating women, not exclusive of the top four or six. S. Bracken pointed out that half of the people will be excluded and half of the people will be winners based on 12 nominees. She would like people to treat this event as a celebration and not as winning or losing. There are other events in the county that are supported by public money. N. Kelly said that our expenditures for the event are the meals for the nominees, room rental, and entertainment. In the past, CSW had support from the county council when they had discretionary funds and that allowed the committee to g However, this year the committee has to watch their budget because there are no discretionary funds. S. Bracken offered to help CSW with the entertainment issues. N. Kelly responded that CSW already went through the procurement process and made plans in April. S. Bracken felt that the committee did not have to bring in a master of ceremony from Oahu. She suggested that there are fine outstanding people from the Big Island that could do this kind of work in the future. 3 K. Schneider said that CSW discussed this issue and came up with the same conclusion that we have great entertainment and great emcees right here on the island. N. Kelly stated that it was unfortunate that the way the process works is that CSW meet once a month and decisions need to be made at the meeting and the timing of it. All the nominees will be honored with a lei and certificate. P. Vredenburg suggested that CSW include her in reviewing the menu for future events since she is a caterer and she would be able to help with low cost food items. K. Nova indicated that the committee saw how the people who were not the top winners at last yearÓs event so happy. They felt special and they thanked the committee. CSW will submit a press release of all the nominees in the newspaper. S. Bracken suggested that CSW seek outside sponsorship. J. Mecklenburg replied that there are legal limitations that we face are Ðunsoliciting.Ñ It is more of how we go about getting the money, but it is a possibility to have co-sponsors. N. Kelly pointed out that if you look at the past winners, itÓs not just celebrating or honoring the people that have accomplished things in business; they have been role models and they have risen above adversity. When you look at all of the nominees, they all have great stories. P. Vredenburg said she would like to know if their nominee is one of the inductees. She would never say a word to her and the nominee does not know that she was nominated. S. Bracken added that if there is any way they could find out on the ÐQTÑ if their nominee is going to be one of those inducted, then they would want to invite people from off island and on island. They donÓt want their nomineeÓs supporters to spend significant amount of money if she is not inducted. J. Mecklenburg indicated that the committee needs to treat all of the nominees equally if any action needs to be taken. More discussion and how the nominees will be treated can be decided later on the agenda. She didnÓt think any decisio point on the agenda. S. Bracken suggested that CSW consider telling the nominator if there are situations like this where they do want to ask people to spend money to fly responded that CSW can review this suggestion for next year and decide whether this was the right way or revert back. CORRESPONDENCE A. Michigan WomenÓs Commission Newsletter 4 REPORTS A. Education 1. Urgent Services Directory J. Viernes reported that their student helper is updating the directory so it can be published on the countyÓs website. However, she works part time and she does not have a telephone at her desk. N. Kelly said she received several comments about the committee not printing the directory. The county has a machine room to print the directory, but CSW need to find someone to typeset it. K. Peters asked if there is another organization with money to do something. K. Nova suggested that CSW bring some of the directories to the womenÓs hall of fame and make an announcement about people making a donation so directory will be printed due to lack of funds. J. Mecklenburg said it may be okay if CSW is just putting it out there rather than addressing a letter to a particular person on county letterhead and asking for donations. C. Kitaoka asked what happens if a company offers to print the directory for free and can the company put their logo on it. J. Mecklenburg replied that it becomes a directory that is put out for public benefit by whoever the person is and itÓs not going to be the county directory. N. Kelly volunteered to follow up with J. Viernes and discuss whet student volunteers are needed from Michele Newman at the UH Hilo WomenÓs Center to help update the directory. 2. Equal Pay No report. B. Health 1. WomenÓs Health Month E. Cabatu reported that the Ladies Night Out event will be held on Friday, October 1, 2010, from 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., at Aunty SallyÓs Luau Hale sponsored by Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi. The ticket count has been o East Hawaii Perinatal Group. This event is laying the groundwork for next year and possibly be open to the public at the Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium. Hui Malama Ola No Oiwi is seeking $200 in funding for printing of th Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women (HSCSW) has agreed to contribute money to this event. After some discussion, N. Kelly moved to provide $200 to support this event. K. Peters seconded the motion. The motion was passed. 5 C. Liaison 1. HSCSW E. Cabatu reported that Sharon Ferguson-Quick, Executive Director of the HSCSW, would like to work more with Kwai-Chang Publico to do statewide promotional work on equal pay day to reach the younger population through his contacts on the other islands. The HSCSW has made its first deposit on the $5,000 total cost for the W.A.V.E. campaign. The Kona event is tentatively set for October 10, 2010, at Kahaluu Beach. K. Publico is working with Kona Surf Company. The Hilo event is yet to be determined and there were a couple of questions on the insurance that needs to be addressed. The Kona event will include 100 t-shirts at both locations. For the woman to get a t-shirt, she needs to sign up online and register to vote. When she comes to the event, the woman will get her t-shirt and a 30 minute stand up paddle board lesson. The HSCSW cannot pay for tables at the GovernorÓs International WomenÓs Leadership Conference scheduled for Tuesday, September 21, 2010. Therefore, HSCSW commissioners and CSW members must pay their own way. 2. Legislative Update No report. Not in session until January 2011. D. Community Reports None. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. First Female Board Î J. Balberde-Kamalii K. Nova reported that according to J. Balberde-KamaliiÓs email, the board will be ready for the event in September. B. Essay Contest Î C. Kitaoka C. Kitaoka reported that Sandy Taosaka is willing to write a cover letter to the principals in West Hawaii encouraging them to participate. J. Balberde-Kamalii offered to obtain the names of the English teachers for East Hawaii. K. Schneider suggested that the counselors work with the teachers that we want to get the essays from because the principals are overwhelmed. C. Kitaoka recommended that CSW contact the teachers that they know or drop off a packet at the school to get more participation. C. Kitaoka stated that the packets will be mailed to the schools on September 30 once approval is received from the complex area superintendents. 6 K. Nova offered to draft a news release announcing the essay contest to gain more visibility. C. Hawaii County WomenÓs Hall of Fame Î Committee CSW reviewed the program. N. Kelly raised a concern about repeat nominations and suggested that CSW consider that in the future. J. Mecklenburg endorsed this idea and felt that there should be some kind of stamp of approval like a screening where these are the women who the committee feel are worthy of being nominated or honored as a nominee. K. Peters said that she didnÓt think that CSW should have a set number of winners. The ratio would never be less than 50 percent and there just one person left out. Secondly, she stated that graciousness and humility is part of being a role model. She disagrees and people that she spoke to really disagree about Ðfeeling embarrassed or not wanting to come.Ñ J. Viernes shared feedback that her friend from Waimea nominated a woman from Kona and her friend indicated that win or lose; they are still coming to the event. J. Mecklenburg said that she sees the point of inviting people from off island if the nominee is inducted permanently into the hall of fame. However, K. Peters said that the guests have a lot of ideas and one is about entertaining being a draw. Entertainment has never been a draw and the reason why people co women. N. Kelly suggested that CSW possibly consider inviting all the nominees, but also announce the winners. K. Peters responded that CSW may be stuck with some of the nominees and the problem with six winners and two nominees. There will be some nominees who will not attend if they are not a winner. D. Pung said that one way to make this manageable is that CSW has criteria as to who becomes a finalist because the committee will not be able to afford 40 people. K. Peters felt CSW shouldnÓt have the criteria written in stone so the committee has the flexibility to make changes. K. Peters offered to purchase 12 leis for the nominees at Costco. N. Kelly will create a certificate for the nominees. K. Nova asked how the committee will address the issue about the invitations. J. Mecklenburg responded that CSW is prohibited from giving the guests any special treatment. The issue is whether in the invitations or information that is being distributed if the committee is going to disclose the winners or disclose the winners to the nominating party/people. K. Nova said her personal opinion is that we honor them all and see what happens. CSW agreed. D. Pung offered to draft the invitation to the nominee and nominator. K. Nova will draft a press release announcing the finalists. 7 CSW raised a concern about disclosing the judges. J. Mecklenburg indicated that CSW can make a statement that the judges are appointed by the committee and they judge pursuant to established criteria and they donÓt disclose who the individuals are. J. Balberde-Kamalii, C. Kitaoka, and K. Schneider will be unable to attend the womenÓs hall of fame. D. Voter Registration Booth Î K. Schneider K. Schneider reported that the last voter registration will be held on September 19, 2010, from 1p.m. to 6 p.m., in Kona. Interested members who wants to help are invited. Information about the W.A.V.E. campaign will be available on the table. The voter registration booth achieved its goal as far as getting people that were not registered. K. Nova felt that the booth also increased CSWÓs visibility. K. Peters suggested that CSW display the committeeÓs program highlights at all of their events. CSW agreed. E. Teen Dating Violence Prevention Î N. Kelly/C. Kitaoka No report. F. Teens Internet Protection Î A. Mejia A. Mejia reported that she has a list of contact people for West Hawaii. She is waiting for J. Balberde-Kamalii to provide a contact person for Hilo High School. She will be scheduling a presentation for the Salvation Army. NEW BUSINESS A. CSW Brochure K. Nova circulated a tri-fold brochure about the committee. She s CSW update the brochure and have it available at CSWÓs events. CSW decided to discuss the brochure at the next meeting and decide how to proceed. B. Budgetary Consideration K. Nova reported that the two issues are mileage allowance and lunches. She encouraged CSW members to continue to carpool. Secondly, she wo committee to be mindful of the cost of lunch. Each person should budget at least $10-$15 for lunch. If members want more, then each person will pay for any extra charges. N. Kelly mentioned that the revise budget process involves a zero base budget. The executive committee will work on the budget for fiscal year 2011 8 ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Next Meeting The next meeting will be held on Friday, October 8, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in the Puna conference room. B. Schedules C. Kitaoka will be unable to attend the October meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, _______________________________ JEAN VIERNES, STAFF SECRETARY 9