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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-18 Committee on the Status of Women Minutes MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Friday, March 18, 2005, 10:00 a.m. Kona Mayor’s Office Conference Room PRESENTExcused Dawn Pung, ChairCharmaine Ka-ipo Carol Kitaoka, Vice-ChairParadise Newland JoAnne Balberde-Kamalii, SecretaryKathleen Peters Ellen Takazawa, Treasurer Janet CoburnGuest Margaret MasunagaEmma Ahlo CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 10:23 a.m. ROLL CALL A quorum was present. APPROVAL OF AGENDA M. Masunaga moved to approve the agenda as submitted. J. Balberde-Kamalii seconded the motion. The motion was passed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES M. Masunaga moved to approve the February 17, 2005 minutes. J. Coburn seconded the motion. The motion was passed. TREASURER’S REPORT The treasurer’s report was circulated. E. Takazawa moved to accept the treasurer’s report. C. Kitaoka seconded the motion. The motion was passed. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC None. CORRESPONDENCE A. Michigan Women’s Commission Newsletter REPORTS A. Education 1. Urgent Services Directory J. Coburn reported that the printer she works with is willing to print an interim directory for a penny a sheet and she is willing to fund the printing. Hawai‘i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer J. Viernes said she has one packet left. She suggested that CSW wait to print the new directory since the new fiscal year starts in July. D. Pung stated that K. Peters offered to assist her with updating the directory and has already finished updating the first half of the directory. There was one agency that K. Peters wanted to add to the directory so she faxed the information to J. Viernes. J. Balberde-Kamalii said that CSW needs to oversee where the committee is distributing the directory and to address C. Kitaoka’s concerns about directories sitting in offices. CSW needs to decide whether to decrease the amount to be printed. D. Pung suggested distributing 25 copies of the directory instead of the whole packet. A distribution list of the different organizations/agencies that requested the directory was e-mailed to C. Ka-ipo and E. Takazawa since they offered to co-chair the distribution of the directories. C. Kitaoka suggested calling the organization/agencies and inquire if they were able to pass out the directories and if the amount they requested was sufficient. E. Takazawa and C. Ka-ipo will decide on the color and the number of directories to print. They will work with J. Viernes on the bid specifications. J. Viernes will e-mail the distribution list to CSW members for their review. 2. First Female Booklet J. Coburn reported that she has been thinking about the booklet because CSW members mentioned it needed “jazzing up.” She thought about women in the county who have done something that young women might want to look up to such as women tri-athletes that are born and raised here in Waimea. She suggested broadening the scope because the booklet is a little skimpy. Perhaps the booklet should be entitled “First and Accomplished Women,” or “Accomplished Women.” J. Coburn offered to come up with a list of women and e-mail it to CSW members for any additions. CSW mentioned about adding the women from the Women’s Hall of Fame into the booklet. 3. Essay Contest J. Balberde-Kamalii reported that the invitation included an insert that lunch for additional guests is $15.00 per person and can be paid on the day of the luncheon. The event was excellent because of the hotel ambiance. The food was good and the program went well, especially when you hear the students speak because it has an impact. One student did not attend, but the teacher came up and read the student’s essay. All except two principals didn’t attend. There was a lot of positive feedback; everyone liked the food and there was a little bit for everyone. There will be changes next year. 2 The budget needs to be revised to include the 24 leis at $48 which gives our total cost at $2,358.90. The Kiwins Club of Hilo High School made star leis for $2 as their graduation fundraiser. Every year there are students who say they are not reading their essay, but as soon as the medals are distributed they start speaking up. This year the students were informed ahead of time if they would be willing to read their essay by circling yes or no at the bottom of the entry blanks. The fifth, sixth, seventh, and eight grade teachers agreed to work with the students on public speaking. ththst Our first speaker was the 5and 6 grade 1 place winner from Holualoa School. His presentation was very good and he really set the pace. The medals were spectacular. J. Balberde-Kamalii said she is looking at scheduling the event next year at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel because they have offered to provide the same deal. Darnell Caravalho, catering and conference services manager, was given a copy of the essay booklet and she just started crying. J. Balberde-Kamalii mentioned that she contacted Leigh Critchlow at the Hawaii Tribune Herald to publish the winning essays. In addition, KTA donated gift certificates for the “Real Women” and Big Island Candies and Big Island Delights donated goodies for the winners. Thank you letters and a group photo will be sent to these companies. J. Coburn offered to submit an article with a photo of the winner from Kanu ‘o Ka ‘Aina, a charter school in Waimea, to the Waimea Gazette. E. Takazawa suggested televising the essay contest to have more publicity of the event and more participation from the teachers. 4. Equal Pay Day E. Takazawa reported that she sent an e-mail to CSW members about The UN Commission on the Status of Women focusing on women’s equality. She reported that Helene Hale attended the Beijing Conference and she returned very excited. She suggested that CSW focus on UN Day instead of Equal Pay Day. M. Masunaga said the American Bar Association had women attend the Beijing Conference and it was very successful. However, she has not heard any follow up on the conference. She offered to ask the chair of the American Bar Association, Women in the Profession if they are planning an event or if they have any suggestions. In addition, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women (HSCSW) is not coordinating any events for Equal Pay Day on April 15. 3 5. Mentoring th M. Masunaga reported that Washington Mutual provided 176 backpacks for 7 th and 8 grade girls from Konawaena Middle School, CSW members, and J. Viernes. Extra backpacks were given to the schools for students who were unable to attend the event. L. Guluzzy gave a small talk on table settings etiquette. The public relations firm from Pyramid Communications had scripted the program and they had a power point presentation. Allison Nambu, who is in charge of the public relations firms, wants M. Masunaga to follow up with comments from the teachers, principals, and students. The students loved the food which was teriyaki chicken, rice, and vegetables. M. Masunaga and J. Viernes will work on the thank you letters. C. Kitaoka mentioned that she was helping, but she didn’t have to do anything since Pyramid Communications had everything under control. Washington Mutual had their representatives in attendance with a ratio of one insurance person to two students. M. Masunaga said there were bilingual Spanish speaking students who were in attendance. There was also a question and answer session on self esteem. There was no problem with getting volunteers to raise their hands when prizes are given out. 6. Hawaii County Women’s Hall of Fame D. Pung reported that she contacted Agnes Mui at the Hilton Waikoloa Village and she is glad to have CSW’s event at the Water’s Edge Ballroom this year. Possible dates are October 22, October 29, and November 26. After some discussion, CSW preferred 1) October 22, 2) October 29, and 3) November 26. Jade Moon will also be invited to emcee the event again. L. Guluzzy may be asked to assist with the event. C. Kitaoka suggested that CSW review the judging criteria and make any revisions. E. Takazawa recommended a team meeting after next month’s CSW meeting to discuss the judging criteria. B. Health 1. Women’s Health Month E. Takazawa reported that she forwarded an e-mail from Jeanne Ohta to CSW members about the status of the trust fund for Women’s Health Month. She had been assured by Allison Hikida Tasaka, former Executive Director of the HSCSW, that the money will always be there. M. Masunaga said her understanding is that there was money still in the trust fund from a discussion from a previous meeting. She didn’t believe the trust fund was zero because it is earmarked for Women’s Health Month and Kauai and Maui County did not request for $2,000 last year. She offered to check with HSCSW commissioners Susan Piersch and Sheila Leas on this issue since they 4 could ask the State budget office. She suggested that CSW ask Councilwoman Virginia Isbell if there would be any county funds available and the Nine West funds as a backup. M. Masunaga stated that the trust fund will not affect the financial planning seminar because Dale Suezaki is willing to fund it herself. Secondly, the Hawaii State Bar Association has limited funds for law related or continuing legal education. She will work with Geri Hasegawa from Hilo in order to plan a seminar updating information about the federal legislation and directions as to policies at the federal level and how they impact the State of Hawaii, ultimately women and children in Hawaii County. E. Takazawa said she will seek other grants in the event the Nine West Trust Fund is depleted. M. Masunaga referred to the e-mail from Diane Noda responding to CSW’s inquiry about organizing a concert. She offered to ask the Friends of the Drug Court if they would be willing to assist CSW with the concert. C. Liaison 1. HSCSW M. Masunaga reported that she is on a subcommittee to search for an Executive Director of the HSCSW. Right now nothing is happening. 2. Legislative Update J. Viernes distributed a clean copy of the 2005 Women’s Legislative Caucus Package Bills for CSW members. D. Pung stated that CSW is unable to provide testimony because the committee has not decided on supporting a particular bill. M. Masunaga reiterated the importance of CSW members e-mailing testimony as individuals because of the time constraints and most of the e-mails are “FYI.” D. Marketing 1. Newsletter J. Coburn reported that the deadline to submit articles and bios for the newsletter have been changed to April 1. E. Community Reports J. Coburn recommended that CSW consider Kahilu Theatre as the producer of the concert because they are a 501(c)3. CSW decided to invite D. Noda at the next CSW meeting in Hilo to advise the committee on any issues. C. Kitaoka questioned where the funds will go if the money will be given to the Friends of the Drug Court. She can see the money benefiting the female addicts or juvenile addicts, not the children of a female addict. 5 M. Masunaga said that the Friends of the Big Island Drug Court have been loaning money for books and tuition to women when they graduate and go on to college. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resignations and appointments None. NEW BUSINESS A. New Committees None. B. Sponsorships and Co-Sponsorships C. Kitaoka circulated and reviewed the Teen Dating Violence Training program for Hilo and Kona. The program will involve the speakers participating in the middle and high schools assemblies. A copy of the program will be given to Councilwoman V. Isbell today for her review. CSW felt the training program is a valuable project, however there are some uncertainties that need to be addressed first. C. Guest Speakers CSW’s guest speaker during lunch will be Councilwoman V. Isbell. D. Bylaws None. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Next meeting The next meeting will be held on Friday, April 15, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. in the Aupuni Center Conference Room in Hilo. B. Schedules None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:44 a.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED, _______________________________ JEAN VIERNES, STAFF SECRETARY 6