HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-5-12 CSW Meeting Agenda Packet Regina Carvalho Members:
Chair Jade Battad
Cherie Mooy
Kanani Alapa Nancy Nagarkar
Vice-Chair
Uh'i Castor Lisa Ellen Smith
Secretary Ex-Officio
Savita Agarwal
Treasurer
COUNTY OF KAUAI COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
NOTICE OF MEETING AND AGENDA
Wednesday, December 5,2012
5:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter
Mo`ikeha Building,Meeting Room 2 A/B
4444 Rice Street, L-1hu`e, HI 96766
CALL TO ORDER
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Regular Open Session Minutes of November 7,2012
TREASURER'S REPORT
CSW 2012-19 FY 2012-13 Committee on the Status of Women Budget.
BUSINESS
CSW 2012-10 Discussion on co-sponsorship for FY 2012/13. (On-going)
(a) Communication dated 06/05/12 from Edie Ignacio-Neumiller,President of
the Kauai Zonta Club,regarding possible partnership with the members of
the Committee on the Status of Women on their upcoming events.
CSW 2012-21 Review and discussion on the information from Lisa Ellen Smith, State
Commission on the Status of Women Representative, on several women's
legislative bills that were presented at this year's legislative session. (On-going)
CSW 2012-22 Discussion on outreach to middle schools regarding issues of self-esteem,body
image,peer pressure and making better choices. (On-going)
CSW 2012-28 Discussion on information from Lisa Ellen Smith as it relates to potential State
funding that the Committee on the Status of Women may utilize in the future.
(On-going)
An Equal Opportunity Employer
CSW 2012-29 Discussion on current Committee Member's terms. (On-going)
CSW 2012-30 Discussion on possible donation options from the Committee on the Status of
Women to the YWCA Women's Domestic Violence Shelter. (On-going)
CSW 2012-31 Information and discussion on the"Substance of Hope Program"provided by
Pbliya Negra. (On-going)
CSW 2012-32 Discussion as it relates to potential Committee events and projects for 2013
CSW 2012-33 Election of the Chair and Vice Chair for 2013
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Meeting-January 16, 2013, 5:00 p.m. at the Mo`ikeha Building, in Meeting Room 2 AB.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes,H.R.S. §92-7(a),the Committee may,when deemed necessary,
hold an Executive Session on any agenda item without the written public notice if the Executive
Session was not anticipated in advance. Any such Executive Session shall be held pursuant to H.R.S.
§92-4 and shall be limited to those items described in H.R.S. §92-5(a). Discussions held in Executive
Session are closed to the public.
ADJOURNMENT
cc: Deputy County Attorney Mona Clark
PUBLIC COMMENTS and TESTIMONY
Persons wishing to offer comments are encouraged to submit written testimony at least 24-hours prior
to the meeting indicating:
1. Your name and if applicable,your position/title and organization you are representing;
2. The agenda item that you are providing comments on; and
3. Whether you will be testifying in person or submitting written comments only.
4. If you are unable to submit your testimony at least 24 hours prior to the meeting,please provide
10 copies of your written testimony at the meeting clearly indicating the name of the testifier;
and
While every effort will be made to copy, organize and collate all testimony received,materials
received on the day of the meeting or improperly identified may be distributed to the members after the
meeting is concluded.
The length of time allocated to persons wishing to present verbal testimony may be limited at the
discretion of the chairperson or presiding member.
Committee on the Status of Women—December 5, 2012 2 1 P a g e
Send written testimony to:
Committee on the Status of Women
Attn: Ihilani Laureta
Office of Boards and Commissions
4444 Rice Street, Suite 150
Lihu`e,HI 96766
E-mail: ilaureta @kauai.gov
Phone: (808) 241-4881 Fax: (808)241-5127
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE
If you need an alternate format or an auxiliary aid to participate, please contact the Office of Boards
and Commission Support Clerk at(808)241-4881 at least five (5)working days prior to the meeting.
Committee on the Status of Women—December 5, 2012 3 1 P a g e
COUNTY OF KAUAI
Minutes of Meeting
OPEN SESSION
Board/Committee: COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Meeting Date November 7,2012
Location Mo`ikeha Building—Meeting Room 2A/B Start of Meeting: 5:05 p.m. End of Meeting: 5:34 p.m.
Present Chair Regina Carvalho; Members: Uli`i Castor; Jade Battad; Cherie Mooy
Also Deputy County Attorney Mona Clark; Board & Commissions Office Staff. Ihilani Laureta, Support Clerk; Guest: Nancy
Nagarkar
Excused Savita Agarwal; Kanani Alapa
Absent
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
Call To Order Chair Carvalho called the meeting to order at
5:05 p.m. with 4 members present constituting a
Nancy Nagarkar sat at the Committee table to observe. quorum.
Approval of Regular Open Session Minutes of October 17, 2012
Minutes
Chair Carvalho called for a motion to approve the minutes as circulated. Ms. Battad moved to approve the minutes as
circulated. Ms. Castor seconded the motion.
Motion carried 4:0
Treasurer's CSW 2012-19 FY 2012-13 Committee on the Status of Women Budget.
Report
Ms. Castor stated that there was no update other than the use of funds for
the events that did not take place this year; the Committee needs to decide
what those funds will be used for.
Ms. Battad asked if funds were used for the Breast Cancer Awareness
Walk to which Ms. Castor confirmed. Chair Carvalho reminded the
Committee to submit any receipts for supplies that were bought for the
walk and that some receipts have already been turned in to Lani Agoot for
processing.
Committee on the Status of Women
Regular Open Session
November 7, 2012 Page 2
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
Chair Carvalho asked Attorney Clark if the appropriate motion is to
approve the Treasurer's Report,to which Attorney Clark stated a motion to
receive would be appropriate. No action taken.
Business CSW 2012-10 Discussion on co-sponsorship for FY 2012/13. (On-
going)
(a) Communication dated 06/05/12 from Edie Ignacio-Neumiller,
President of the Kauai Zonta Club, regarding possible partnership
with the members of the Committee on the Status of Women on their
upcoming events.
Chair Carvalho provided an overview of past discussion on potential
partnership with the Zonta Club. She stated that this item will remain on-
going.
Ms. Mooy asked if there is an action plan as it relates to the Committee's
2013 Calendar of events, and when this timeline will be transmitted to the
Zonta Club. Chair Carvalho stated that the Committee should have a
discussion on the timeline prior to moving to the next agenda item.
Ms. Battad suggested tabling the discussion until after the new members
are inducted into the Committee so that everyone can be brought up to
speed at the same time; with more people there will be more ideas. Ms.
Mooy agreed and stated the primary mission at the moment is to increase
membership in order to have additional suggestions.
Chair Carvalho said that she will follow-up with Edie on the status of the
2013 list of events for the Committee.
Chair Carvalho discussed the rules on discussing an agenda item.
Committee on the Status of Women
Regular Open Session
November 7,2012 Page 3
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
Ms. Battad recalled informing Edie Igancio-Neumiller at the previous
meeting that the Committee would submit their 2013 list of events after the
first of the new year. Ms. Castor confirmed that the date at which the list of
events is to be transmitted to the Zonta Club is stated in the Committee's
minutes. On-going.
■ CSW 2012-21 Review and discussion on the information from Lisa
Ellen Smith, State Commission on the Status of Women
Representative, on several women's legislative bills that were
presented at this year's legislative session. (On-going)
Chair Carvalho stated the Committee would still like Ms. Smith to attend
and participate in the Committee's meetings to discuss the agenda item,
and requested that this item be on-going. On-going. -
■ CSW 2012-22 Discussion on outreach to middle schools regarding
issues of self-esteem,body image,peer pressure and making better
choices. (On-going)
Ms. Battad stated that this item is one of Savita's passions and suggested
tabling the discussion until she returns.
Ms. Laureta reminded the Committee that a list of potential partners as it
relates to the outreach for children is forthcoming from Theresa Koki, and
that the list may be discussed at the next meeting. On-going.
■ CSW 2012-28 Discussion on information from Lisa Ellen Smith as
it relates to potential State funding that the Committee on the Status
of Women may utilize in the future. (On-going)
Ms. Battad stated that she recalled Ms. Smith mentioning at a previous
Committee on the Status of Women
Regular Open Session
November 7, 2012 Page 4
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
meeting that there is State Funding available to the Committee. She
reiterated the Committee's request for more information on how they can
tap into the funding.
Ms. Battad asked for the continued request for Ms. Smith's attendance at a
Committee meeting to discuss the agenda items relating to the State
Legislature.
Ms. Mooy informed the Committee that when she was the State
Commissioner, there were reports from Maui that received funding in the
amount of$1,500.00 to host a Health Fair at one of their malls. A proposal
was submitted to the State Commission through their liaison requesting
funding. Ms. Mooy said the process may not have changed in the past four
(4) years. She added that the Committee can draft a project proposal should
the process be the same today.
Ms. Battad stated they should check first if the funding is available prior to
drafting a proposal, to which Ms. Mooy agreed.
Ms. Battad said the one(1) event of importance is the Leadership
Conference; it had an immense impact on the community. Ms. Mooy
recalled the American Association of University Women(AAUW) funding
a student to attend the conference and members of the Committee were
chaperones.
Ms. Battad suggested having an agenda item to discuss whether or not
there will be a Women's Leadership Conference in September 2013.
Chair Carvalho reviewed the budget for the Committee. She added that in
discussion with the Mayor,he said if the Committee has an additional
event,they can ask the Council for more money in their budget as long as
Committee on the Status of Women
Regular Open Session
November 7, 2012 Page 5
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
there is a planned event; the proposal would need to be well planned and
detailed for the Council to consider.
Ms. Mooy asked if the Committee was going to post-pone discussion on
the 2013 events until new members are inducted and asked if the
discussion can be an agenda item. Ms. Battad recalled wanting to have that
discussion once the new members are sworn in to have more
brainstorming. She said that having more members present will help
broaden the discussion.
Chair Carvalho stated that at the January 2013 meeting, the Committee can
discuss the 2013 events in order to draft a calendar. Attorney Clark
clarified the agenda item could be to discuss potential projects.
Discussion regarding potential projects for the
Calendar Year 2013 to be placed on the January
2013 agenda; On-going.
■ CSW 2012-29 Discussion on current Committee Member's terms.
(On-going)
Chair Carvalho stated that the Committee's guest Nancy Nagarkar will be
sworn in at the December 5 meeting as a new member, and that two (2)
more members will be sworn in at the January 2013 meeting; she added
that the swearing in is broken up in order to stagger the terms which are
four(4) year terms.
Ms. Laureta informed the Committee that in January 2013, the membership
will be at 9 members (including Ms. Alapa who is on leave until January
2013); quorum will be at five(5) in order to convene the meetings.
Ms. Laureta added that the member's term information is the last
attachment in their agenda packets.
Committee on the Status of Women
Regular Open Session
November 7,2012 Page 6
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
■ CSW 2012-30 Discussion on possible donation options from the
Committee on the Status of Women to the YWCA Women's On-going.
Domestic Violence Shelter.
Chair Carvalho asked Ms. Mooy to begin discussion on the agenda item.
Ms. Mooy stated that the wish list includes items such as sample
shampoos, laundry detergent, children's toys, linens,basic household
items, etc.; all items are to be unopened and new, not used.
Ms. Mooy said the YWCA has a home(the Battered Women's Shelter)
which is why personal items would be greatly appreciated because funding
at the home has also been cut back. She clarified that the donations will be
on an individual basis and not as a whole from the Committee; she will Ms. Mooy to bring a donation box to the
bring a box to the next meeting if members are interested in bringing December meeting for individuals that would
donations. like to donate to the YWCA's Battered
Women's Shelter; On-going.
■ CSW 2012-31 Information and discussion on the"Substance of
Hope Program"provided by Pbliya Negra.
Chair Carvalho stated that Ms.Negra will be re-invited to attend the
December meeting to provide her update on the Substance of Hope
Program; discussion will be on-going.
On-going.
Treasurer's CSW 2012-19 FY 2012-13 Committee on the Status of Women Budget.
Report
Ms. Castor asked if Ms. Alapa still receives the mileage(as part of the
Committee's budget) even though she has taken a leave of absence,to
which Ms. Laureta stated that she can follow-up with Paula Morikami,
Committee on the Status of Women
Regular Open Session
November 7, 2012 Page 7
SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION
Boards and Commissions Administrator.
Chair Carvalho stated that at the time of induction as a new member, you
determine whether or not you will take the mileage. Ms. Mooy stated that
since Ms. Alapa was not attending the meetings she would not be receiving
the mileage. No Action taken.
Announcements Next Meeting- December 5,2012, 5:00 p.m. at the Mo`ikeha Building, in
Meeting Room 2 A/B.
Ms. Battad reminded the Committee of their informal dinner after their
regular meeting on December 5,2012; no committee business will be
discussed at the dinner.
The Committee discussed potential restaurants to have their informal
dinner.
The Committee updated Ms. Mooy on the outcome of the Paint the Town
Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.
Adjournment Chair Carvalho called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Battad moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:34
p.m. Ms. Mooy seconded the motion.
Motion carried 4:0
Submitted by: Reviewed and Approved by:
Ihilani Laureta, Staff Support Clerk Regina Carvalho, Chair
( ) Approved as circulated(add date of meeting approval).
( ) Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting.
Committee on the Status of Women
Budget for Fiscal Year 2012-13
Effective 07/01/12—06/30/13
Total Budget $2000.00
Proposed Events Appropriated Funds
Mileage Reimbursement x 4 Quarters -$350.00
Members:
Uli'i Castor
Kanani Alapa
Cherie Mooy
July 2012 No event
August—2 nd Annual Essay Contest
2012 September Women's Health
Month
2012 October Women's Health Month
Breast Cancer Awareness
Walk
November
December
2013 March Women's History Month
2013 April Equal Pay Day Month
o Proclamation
o Walk A Mile in Her Shoes Event -
KCC
2013 May
2013 June
(26W 0?01 a-I�
COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
EXPENSE BALAN CE FY 2012-13
Request Paymt Paid To Description Supplies Food Travel Fees Printing&
Date Date (Name) include date and location of events) Advertising
Mileage x 4 Quarters for members; Alava,Castor,and Mooy 350.00
Subtotal Expenses 0.001 6. 40
TOTAL. R"RNa8a 350.00
2012- 13 sous $ 2,000.00
xsrlAxrJxxa ,
Zonta Club
®f Kauai
Member ofZonta International
Charter No. 254, April 1, 1952
P.O. Box 3032, Uhue, Hl 96766
Email: zontakauaiCcOmmail.com, www.zonta-kauai.org
June 5, 2012
Regina Carvalho, Chair
Kauai County Committee on the
Status of Women
Dear Regina,
Zonta Club of Kauai would like to work in partnership with the members of the
Committee on the Status of Women with your service projects for 2012—2013.
We are interested in learning what some of your service projects are. I would like to
present your service projects to our Service Committee and Executive Board for
consideration.
If this request can be put on your next meeting agenda, either myself or our Service
Committee can be present so a discussion can start.
I look forward to hearing from you soon and hopefully working with your committee.
You can reach me evenings and weekends at 639-9973 or by email.
Aloha,
Edie Ignacio Nmiller, President
eu
Zonta Club of Kauai
Email: ainaponoAgmail.com
cc: MaBel Fujiuchi, Service Committee Chair
Darrellyn Lemke, Service Committee Co-Chair
[Mission of Zonta International:
Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to advance
the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy
17 111 MIA - I n
Mercedes Youn
From: Lisa Ellen Smith[debrannan @gmaii.coml
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 9:59 AM
To: Mercedes Youn
Subject: Good Morning
Attachments: HSCSW Mandate color web.pdf; HB2228_HO1_TESTIMONY_JUD_02-21-12_.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Categories: Red Category
Dear Mercedes,
At the HSCSW meeting held yesterday. We were provided with the following legislative report. Several
women's legislative bills faced our representatives this year. At the beginning of the legislative session we
attended the opening of the Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus to review and supported those bills. Here is a
link to the list of bills:
htty://www capitol hawaii. o� v/rcport.asnx?type=packa jet &key--12&name=Women%27s+Legislati%•e+Caucus
HB 2232 Informed Consent bill did pass this legislative session.This bill "Prohibits physicians, osteopathic
physicians, surgeons, or students participating in a course of instruction, residency program, or clinical training
program from performing a pelvic examination on an anesthetized or unconscious female patient unless the
patient gives prior verbal or written informed consent to the pelvic examination, the performance of a pelvic
examination is within the scope of care for the surgical procedure or diagnostic examination scheduled to be
performed on the patient, or the patient is unconscious and the pelvic examination is required for diagnostic
purposes."
The Justice Reinvestment Act did pass, this bill will help reduce this state's dependence on out-of-state prisons,
as of 2011, 1/3 of Hawaii's prisoners are housed out of state.
Other specific women's bills that did not passed were the sexual education bill which would have "Amend(ed)
existing sex education law. Require curricula to include information on abstinence, contraception, and STUHIV
prevention methods; also(would have) require curricula to help students develop healthy relationship skills,
including problem solving, stress management and decision making skills.(Would have) Require Departments
of Health and Education to supply public with a list of sex education curricula and establish minimum education
and training qualifications for sex ed instructors. Allowed)parents to opt-out of this instruction for their
children.
Another women's legislative issue that did not pass was the the reasonable accommodations bill (breast feeding)
"which would require employers with twenty or more employees to make reasonable efforts to provide a clean
location for breastfeeding employees to express breast milk in privacy. and the emergency contraceptive
information. I've attached our letter written by our Executive Director Catherine Betts. It can be noted here that
Hawaii does have the following protections for breastfeeding:
Hawaii Rev. Stat. § 367-3 (1999) requires the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to collect, assemble and publish
data concerning instances of discrimination involving breastfeeding or expressing breast milk in the workplace.
'Me law prohibits employers to forbid an employee from expressing breast milk during any meal period or other
break period. (1113 266)
GSW 2012-:21
Hawaii Rev. Stat. 4 378-2 provides that it is unlawful discriminatory practice for any employer or labor
organization to refuse to hire or employ, bar or discharge from employment,withhold pay from,demote or
penalize a lactating employee because an employee breastfeeds or expresses milk at the workplace. (2000
Hawaii Sess. Laws, Act 227; HB 2774)
Hawaii Rey. Stat. 489.21 and 4 489-72 provide that it is a discriminatory practice to deny,or attempt to deny,
the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services. facilities. privileges, advantages, and accommodation of a
place of public accommodations to a woman because she is breastfeeding a child.
(citation 6/6/2012: http.-/'www nest or-Wissues-research bealthihreastfeedins;-state-1a%vs_aspx)
The Emergency Contracepti-e bill also did not pass. This bill would have "Require(ed) hospitals to provide
survivors of sexual assault with medically and factually accurate and unbiased information regarding
emergency contraception, as well as access to emergency contraception." Note Hawaii does allow a pharmacists
working with a physician and with the appropriate training to initiate emergency contraception oral drug
therapy, FIRS 46 1-1
The Chair Leslie Wilkins(Maui)reported about an upcoming event Women of Power: Stand Down for
Women"July 12 at the Honolulu Design Center this will be a partnership with the YWCA and Veterans
organizations in providing opportunities to returning women veterans find civilian employment. The event will
be held 9-4 and will have networking opportunities as wellas career workshops. Hawaii will have 900 women
returning home in the next 18 months.
In addition,with the end of the fiscal year upon us, there are unencumbered funds that needed to be dedicated. I
have learned that Big Island and Maui have made direct funding requests for specific projects that they have
supported. Representative Elena Cabatu provided us examples of radio ads produced by local student and
funding was provided by HSCSW to purchase air time, Hawaii County also produces an islandwide Urgent
Services Directory and HSCSW has helped with the printing costs, and a general request for$1,000 to help
promote their four annual events such as their Why Walk event. check will be sent to the Kauai Commission
for use on projects related to the mandates of the law(attached). Examples will be included in the letter to be
sent by our executive director Cathy Betts.
At yesterday's HSCSW,we voted to have a table at next week's 35th Annual YWCA Luncheon (information
below), we extend a seat to each of the County's Chair's or designated member. I realize this is very short notice
and flight was not included, however. please extend to Uli or her designated that Kauai has a seat available and
all expressed a desire to have someone from each island attend, if no one is able to attend, could you let me
know by Friday, if possible.
I was unable to attend the March meeting,due to a prior obligation, please note the above event was discussed
and decided just yesterday.
LE
http.!'/Iy_ww,y%vca.org site/pp.asp?c=9fLGJSOyHpE&b=295017
J
2
HAWAII STATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Hawaii Remised Statutes (HRS) 367
1
Purpose. The legislature finds that the vvork of the :tart commis.ion on the status of women.
cstablishc:i by the governor by executive order on filar"' 13, 1964. demonstrates the need for a
continuing body to aid in the implementation of its recommendations, to develop long-range goals,
and to coordinate research planning, programming, and action on the opportunities, needs,
problems. and contributions of women in Ilawati. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for a
statrxtizde program,on a permatient and continwng basis, on the status of wotncn in l fawan.
Powers and duties of commission. The cortlmission shall:
I'll Act as a cenrral cicatinghoust. (nd coo)rdtnanng hotiv for governmental and
nongovernmental -tCt`1V1ccs At1d tntorni,uj,;tl relaclo g u) the status (it'wo,nx:jj:
(2) Crearc public- a`s"arenes, anti understanding of the responsibilities, needs,potentials,and
contributions of womcn and their n,les In the cljanging - lety:
(3) Reco,rninend legislarivc and administrative acrton on equal treatment and opportunities for
women:
(}) Encourage a long-range program of cducano)rt ))f.x omen to the it political tigljts and
responsibllrtlea,particularly-v ith respect to their voting duties.
(5) 1t:1111tain contacte with appropriate federal,state,local,and international ,lgeneie� concerned
yvith the hater; of Worticn:
((r) t.'oOperate and ct){Iaborare with national gr(,.Lrps on tic sra(u, of YL'r)nlen and arrange for
participation by representatives of the State in White l louse conferences and other national
conferences from time to time:
-) Administer funds allocalc(f tl)r its %vo)rk;be authorized to accept,disburse,and allocate funds
that tray become available from ether governmencal and private sources;provided that all
such funds shall be disbursed or allocated in compliance with am specific designation stated
by the donor and in the absence of such specific designation,such funds shall be disbursed
or allocated on projects related to ant" of the purposes of this chapter; and
-t1 4ubinit an:rrinual CC'')crr' St"t'll rt't'ertlit!ll'ritl:!tl•r:lt to the governor and the legislature
r
t �
HAWAII
STATE February 20.2012
COMMISSION
ON THE
STATUS Testimony in Support of HB 2228,HD 1
OF To: Representative Gilbert S.C. Keith-Agaran,Chair
WOMEN Representative Karl Rhoads,Vice Chair
Members of the House Committee on-Judiciary
k From: Catherine Betts,Esq., Executive Director, Hawaii State Commission on the
?,.s; ,sag x 9 Status of Women
7
} Re:Testimony in Support of HB 2228,HD 1,Relating to Breastfeeding in the Workplace
Ra
yrvs On behalf of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women,l would Iike
to express my support of this bill,which would require employers with twenty or more
employees to make reasonable efforts to provide a clean location for breastfeeding
employees to express breast milk in privacy.
Chair
LESLIE WILKINS In 2009,50%of all mothers with children younger than twelve months old were
employed. 690/6 of these women worked full time. 1 Working mothers face a difficult
COMMISSIONERS: challenge when returning to work. Steady employment almost always takes priority over
ELENA CASATU the desire to continue breastfeeding one's child. many employers do not recognize the
ADRIENNE KING many economic benefits that follow when female employees are allowed to continue
CARMILLE LIM breastfeeding,including lower health care costs,lower absenteeism,and lower turnover
AMY MONK rates. Employees whose employers provide breastfeeding support report improved
LISA ELLEN SMI i}i 2
CAROL ANNE PHILIPS morale,better satisfaction with their employment and higher productivity.
Executive»hector While federal legislation requires employers with more than 50 employees to
Catherine Betts,Esq. provide reasonable break time for employees to breastfeed,this legislation would expand
the reach to employers with more than 20 employees. While it is the Commission's
position that all employers,regardless of the number of employees,should be required to
Email: make reasonable efforts to provide a clean location for breastfeeding,we nonetheless
DHS.HSCSW@ha"ff,9ov support HB 2228,HD 1,and respectfully request that this Committee pass this important
Web: piece of legislation. Furthermore,as amended in HD 1,a civil fine of$50.00 for each
www.havmfl.gov/dhsfwofnen/ violation is reasonable.
HSCSW
235 S.Beretanle W? Thank you for this opportunity,
Honolulu.HI 96813
Phone:80a SW5758 Catherine Betts,Esq.
FAX:808-586-5756
I
? ' U.S. Department of Labor,Bureau of Labor Statistics,Table 6, Employment Status of
Mothers(2010).
2 The Business Case for Breastfeeding,U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Health Resources and Services Administration(2008).
1
r
OFFICE of HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
Legislative Testimony
HB 2228
Relating to Breastfeeding in the Workplace
Committee on Judiciary
February 9, 2022 2.00 a.m. Room 325
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs(OHA)SUPPORTS HB 2228,which requires
employers with twenty or more employees to make reasonable efforts to provide a
clean location for breastfeeding employees to express breast milk in privacy,and
provides for a civil fine for failure to comply.
OHA's strategic plan includes a health priority,which states that to improve the
quality and longevity of life, Native Hawaiians will enjoy healthy lifestyles and
experience reduced onset of chronic diseases.
According to the United States Department of Health&Human Services,Office
of Women's Health(OWH)and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality(AHRQ),
breast milk reduces the risks for the onset of chronic diseases in infants by lowering the
risks for respiratory infections,Asthma(young children),types I &11 Diabetes,obesity
and childhood leukemia. Breastfeeding has also been shown to lower the risk of atopic
dermatitis in,babies(a type of skin rash)and SIDS(Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
In addition to improving the health of the infant, breastfeeding also improves
the health of the lactating mother. Native Hawaiian women are at a higher risk for type
it diabetes, as well as breast and ovarian cancer. For a lactating mother,there is a
reduced risk for these chronic diseases. The long term health outcomes and wellness
enhanced values of breastfeeding to the mother not only create healthier mothers,they
create healthier employees,which is good for business outcomes. OHA encourages the
State and employers use this opportunity to launch workplaces and worksites that
promote health and wellness amongst the employees. Both men and women can
benefit from a worksite that promotes wellness.
The health and economic benefits of breastfeeding at the worksite far outweigh
the costs of this initiative. Therefore,OHA urges the committee to PASS HB 2228.
Mahalo for the opportunity to testify on this important measure.
i
Z
or r M.
.,9 go
$30 Pv HSO%VL STRMT,Room it 1 HONOLULU.HI%813-PHONY 5868636 FAX.516405'f DD- 568-8692
February 21,2012
2:00 pm
Room 325
To: The Honorable Gilbert Keith-Agaran,Chair
and Members of the House Committee on Judiciary
From: Linda Hamilton Krieger,Chair
and Commissioners of the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission
Re: H.$. No.2228.H.D.1
The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission(HCRC)has enforcement jurisdiction over
state Iaws prohibiting discrimination in employment,housing,public accommodations,
and access to state and state-funded services. The HCRC carries out the Hawaii
constitutional mandate that"no person shall be discriminated against in the exercise of
their civil rights because of race,religion,sex or ancestry". Art.1,Sec.S.
H.B. 2228,H.D.I would amend H.R.S.§378-10 to require employers with 20 or
more employees to make reasonable efforts to provide a clean location for breastfeeding
employees to express breast milk in privacy. The proposed amendment partially
conforms H.R.S. §378-I0 to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act(FLSA,29
U.S.C. §207(x)), which require an employer to provide a place,other than a bathroom,
that is shielded farm view and free from intrusions from coworkers and the public for an
employee to express breast milk, The FSLA requirements, which took effect in 2010,
1
apply to employers with 50 or more employees. FSLA protections for breastfeeding fall
under the jurisdiction of the U.S_ Department of Labor(DOL)Wage and Hour Division,
and not the HCRC's federal counterpart,the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission(EEOC).
The HCRC supports the intent of S.B. 2573,as it has consistently supported
proposals requiring or encouraging employers to allow and make accommodation for
breast feeding and expression of breast milk. However,the HCRC objects to the
placement of this new regulation under the enforcement jurisdiction of the HCRC. While
this is good policy,it is unlike the civil rights protections against discrimination in the
laws that the HCRC enforces. Again,it is worth noting that the federal FLSA is not
enforced by our counterpart,the EEOC,but by the US DOL Wage and Hour Division.
More to the point,the proposed breastfeeding protections are health and safety
regulations,rather than civil rights protections within the enforcement mandate of the
HCRC. Specifically,the HCRC does not have the expertise or facilities to determine
whether a location is"clean".
Accordingly,the HCRC strongly urges the Legislature to move the current breast
feeding protections in H.R.S. §378-10 and any new regulation enacted,out of A.R.S.
chapter 378, part L and HCRC jurisdicdon. The breast feeding law should be placed
under the jurisdiction of an agency that has expertise and facilities required to effectively
enforce the law.
And finally,there are costs associated with enactment of laws that are a mish-
mash of dissimilar protections,in this case a regulation that is not a civil rights
protection,without a conceptual framework,and putting there under the jurisdiction of
2
I
the HCRC. The HCRC has lost over 25%of its general funded full time permanent
enforcement staff(investigators and attorneys), while the icgislature continues to add
protected bases to the HCRC's enforcement jurisdiction and responsibility. It takes
enforcement resources to plan and prepare to enforce new protections,especially novel
ones,regardless of the number of complaints that are actually filed. Enforcement
resources spent on these newly assigned responsibilities directly affect the investigation,
conciliation, and prosecution of all cases involving claims of discrimination involving
race,sex,disability,ctc.
For these reasons,the HCRC urges this Committee to amend H.B.2228, H.D.1 to
take the existing and proposed breastfeeding protections out of H.R.S.chapter 378,part r,
and HCRC jurisdiction,and place this regulation under the jurisdiction of an agency that
has appropriate expertise. Thank you for considering the HCRC's concerns.
3
t
January 30,2012
To: Representative Gilbert Keith-Agaran,Chair
Representative Karl Rhoads,'Vice Chair and
Members of the Committee on Judiciary
From:Jeanne Ohta,Co-Chair
RE: HB 2228 HDI Relating to Breastfeeding in the Workplace
Hearing:Tuesday,February 21,2012,2:00 p.m,Room 325
Position:Support
Good afternoon,I am Jeanne Ohta,Co-Chair of the Hawaii State Democratic Women's Party
testifying in support of HB 2228 HD1, Relating to Breastfeeding in the Workplace.The Hawaii
State Democratic Women's Caucus is a catalyst for progressive,social,economic,and political
change through action on critical issues facing Hawai`i's women and girls. It is because of this
mission,the Women's Caucus supports this measure.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health,
breastfeeding can help improve an infant's immune system,protecting her from germs and
illness.It may also prevent illness such as ear infections,stomach viruses,asthma,obesity,types
1 and 2 diabetes,childhood leukemia,and some respiratory infections.' Mothers also benefit
from breastfeeding,as it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer,type 2 diabetes and reduces
post partum depression.z
Nursing mothers returning to the workplace need adequate time and space to express breast milk
while at work.In 2010,the Fair Labor Standards Act was amended to require that employers with
more than 50 employees provide reasonable break time for employees to breastfeed as well as a
private and clean space for expressing breast milk,other than a bathroom.' Because we believe
that all women deserve this same protection,we support HB 2228 HDI as it expands that
requiremat to include employers of any size.
Employment rights only benefit employees when they are clear and well known.We are aware
that many employers and employees alike are unaware of the new breastfeeding provisions in
FLSA.This measure requires employers to make postings visible to employees informing them of
their right to express breast milk at work.
Because it protects the health of women and their children as well as promotes equality in the
workplace,we support HB 2228 HDI.Please pass this measure. Thank you.
t US Dept of Health and Human Services,Office of Women's Health,Breastfee&ng Fact Sheet,
htwWwww mensbWth-eoviablkadgaj our-ltub1jgj9omVfad-sbeetlhrra, tf cding,c #
z IdFair labor Standards Act,29 U.S.C.§207(r)(1)(2010)
Herrai,State Democratic Women's Caucus,1050 Ala Moana Stvd M26,Honolulu,Ht 96814,
hi demxradcwornenscaucus(Pyahoo.eom
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P anne Parent o� ID
of Hawaii
13M S.King Street a Suite 309 • Honolulu,Hawaii 96814 - www.p hi&jg • Phone:808-589-1156 • Fax:808-589-1404
February 20,2012
Testimony in Support: HB 2228 Hill
To: Chair Gilbert Keith-Agaran,Vice Chair Karl Rhoads,and Members of the House Committee on
Judiciary
From: Katie Polidoro, Director of Government Relations &Public Affairs
Re: Testimony in Support of HB 2228 HDI,Relating to Breastfeeding In the Workplace
Thank you for hearing UB 2228 HD1. Planned Parenthood of Hawaii(PPHI)strongly supports HB 2228
HD1,which would require employers to provide a clean and private location for new mothers to express
breast milk and to post signs informing employees of their right to breastfeed in the workplace.
Many new mothers are faced with difficult choices when returning to the workplace, including the ability to
continue breastfeeding. The health benefits of breast milk for both infants and mothers have long been
established. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health,
breastfeeding can help improve an infant's immune system,protecting her from germs and illness. It may
also prevent illness such as ear infections,stomach viruses,asthma,obesity,types 1 and 2 diabetes,
childhood leukemia,and some respiratory infections.• Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding,as it lowers
the risk of breast and ovarian cancer,type 2 diabetes,and reduces postpartum depression.
As the flow of breast milk is slowed by less frequent feeding,returning to the workplace may mean ceasing
breastfeeding for some women.Employees who are offered a clean and safe space at work to express milk
are able to work without compromising their ability to breastfeed. Currently, the Fair Labor Standards Act
requires that employers with more than 50 employees provide reasonable break time for employees to
breastfeed as well as a private and clean space for expressing breast milk,other than a bathrooms HB 2228
would expand this requirement to smaller employers who employ at least 20 people,therefore benefiting
more of Hawaii's working mothers.
The bill would also require employers to make postings visible to employees informing them of their right to
express breast milk at work. PPHI believes that this posting will benefit many employees who are not
currently aware that they have this right,as well as serve as a strong reminder to employers.
PPHI believes in providing all individuals with the information and tools they need to raise healthy and
strong families. Accordingly,we support HB 2228 HDl and we ask this Committee to pass it. Thank you.
'US Dept.of Health and Human Services,Office of Women's Health,Breastfee&ng Fact Sheer,
un://www.vmmenshealtb.goyl gmWicatinast our-�bliratas�as/fact-shegt/breastfeedi88 cfm#a
Yd.
3 Fair Labor Standards Act,29 U.S.C.6207(rXI)(2010)
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Committee: Committee on Judiciary
Hearing Date/Time: Tuesday,February 21,2012,U0 p.m,
Place: Room 325
Re: Testimony of the ACLU of-Hawaii in strong support ofH.B. 2228, HDL
Relating to the Breastfeeding in the or lace
Dear Chair Keith-Agaran and Members of the Committee on Judiciary:
In order to ensure full equality for women,workplace policies and practices must appropriately
reflect the realities of pregnancy, childbirth,and breastfeeding in many women's lives.
Numerous barriers remain to women's continued workforce participation and advancement once
they have children,with both short- and long-term consequences for women's earning potential
and economic security.' Insufficient support for breastfeeding for women who return to the paid
workforce after the arrival of a baby is among these barriers. These were among the concerns
that animated the enactment of the amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act,Public Law 111-148 C Affordable Care Act'). Citing the growing percentage of women
who return to work within three to six weeks of giving birth,Senator Merkley characterized the
provision as"simply an act of human decency to protect their right to continue [to]breastfeed
after they return to work. . . [t]o help meet their basic needs with 0 regard to the care and
nourishment of their children."a He also cited health benefits for infants and nursing mothers,
and savings in health care costs that could be expected as a result of the provision.3
Moreover,this provision of the Affordable Care Act reflects a strong policy on the part of the
federal government,stretching back at least a quarter of a century,of promoting breastfeeding,
'See generally Pamela Stone,Opting Out?Why Women Really Quit Careers and Head Back Home(2007)
(discussing structural barriers to professional women's continued advancement in the workplace after having
children);Sylvia Ann Hewlett,On-Ramps and Off-Ramps:Keeping Women on the Road to Success(2007)
(documenting that women who took a 2.2 to 3 year break ftom the workforce lost 180/9 to 37%of their earning
power,and that only 40%were then able to return to paid frill time work despite a desire to do so);Marianne
Bertrand et al.,Dynamics of the Gender Gap for Young Professionals in the Financial and Corporate Sectors,2
Am Econ.J.:Applied Econ.229,252(2010)(documenting increasing gap in career progress for female as
compared to male M.B.A_s following graduation,and concluding that"[tjhe presence of children is the main
contributor to the lesser jab experience,greater career discontinuity,and shorter work hours for female MBAs').
2 Markup Hearing on H.R.3S90 Before the S.Comm.on Health,Education,Labor,&Pensions, 1 I Ith Cong., i"
Sess.(Jun.23,2009)(comments of Senator Markley,Senate Sponsor).
3 Id
Ameriearn Crud Ubs Mes tlnlon of Hawal'i
P.O.Box 3410
Honolulu,Hawaii 96801
F: 808.522rs400
F* 608.522-09
E: offtca@eluhawall.org
www.actuhawaii.org
Hon. Rep.Keith-Agaran,Chair,JUD Committee
and Members Thereof
February 21,2012
Page 2 of 2
including women's ability to continue breastfeeding upon return to the paid workforce.4 From
the first federal summit on breastfeeding in 1984 to the signing of the World Health Organization
Innocenti Declaration on the Protection,Promotion and Support of Breastfeeding in 1990,5 to as
recently as this year,when the Surgeon General issued a"Call to Action to Support
Breastfeeding"outlining steps that various sectors might take to improve breastfeeding rates,
promotion of breastfeeding has been a"key public health issue in the United States."6
In light of the legislative concerns motivating this provision of the Fair Labor Standards
Act(FLSA),and the strong federal public policy in favor of breastfeeding promotion,we
strongly urge this Committee to expand the requirements of H.R.S. §378-10 to ensure that
employers provide breastfeeding women with an appropriate space in their place of employment
to express their breast milk.
The mission of the ACLU of Hawaii is to protect the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the U.S.
and State Constitutions. The ACLU of Hawaii fulfills this through legislative, litigation,and
public education programs statewide. The ACLU of Hawaii is a non-partisan and private non-
profit organization that provides its services at no cost to the public and does not accept
government funds. The ACLU of Hawaii has been serving Hawaii for over 40 years.
Sincerely,
Laurie A. Temple
Staff Attorney
4 See United States Department of Health and Human Services,Office of the Surgeon General,Tire Surgeon
Generaps Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding at 5(2011)[hereinafter"Surgeon General's Call to Action")
discussing Federal Policy on Brwstfeeding"�
See Department of Health and Human Services,Office of Women's Health,HMS Blueprint for Action on
Breas*Wding(2000),bt�y�:
United Nations Children's Fund,World Hwhh Organization,Innocenti Declaration on the Protection.Promotion
and Support of Breastfeeding(1990)(Adopted by U.S.at WHOA MCEF policymid=s'meeting Breastfeeding in
the 1990s.A Global Initiative,co-sponsored by the United States Agency for International Dcvelopment and the
Swedish International Development Authority(SIDA),in Florence,Italy),
l�:llwww nM�a£oraln eramm�breastfeedin�noacea�i.latuz.
Surgeon General's Call to Action,supra at v.
American Civil Liberties onion of Hawai7
P.O.Box 3410
Honolulu,Howari 96801
T: 808.5223900
P: 808.5223909
E: of11aeQaa1uhawa8.org
www.ackshomil.org
�u t
I1�.At=i li:CAF
NVOMI;N V(?IT.R.4°
League of Women Voters of Hawaii
49 South Hotel Street, Room 3141 Honolulu, Hl 96813
www.lwv-hawall.com 1808.531.7488 1 voters@lwvhawail.corn
Judiciary committee
Hearing: Tuesday,Feb. 21, 2012 Time: 2:00 p.m. Place: 325
SUBJECT: HB2228 HD1 Relating to breast-feeding in the workplace
POSITION:SUPPORT
Testimony:
Chair Keith-Agaran, Vice-Chair Rhoads,Members of the Committee:
I am testifying for the League of Women Voters of Hawaii. Thank you for hearing HB 2228.
The League of Women Voters of Hawaii supports HB 2228,which would require employers to provide a
clean and private location for new mothers to express breast milk and to post signs informing employees of
their right to breastfeed in the workplace.
New mothers are faced with difficult choices when returning to the workplace,including the ability to
continue breastfeeding.This is a very important issue for young women and we want to support them as
they build new families.
The health benefits of breast milk for both infants and mothers have long been established. According to
the US Department of Health and Human Services office on Women's Health,breastfeeding can help
improve an infant's immune system,protecting her from germs and illness.It may also prevent illnesses
such as ear infections,stomach viruses, asthma,obesity,types 1 and 2 diabetes,childhood leukemia,and
some respiratory infections.
Mothers also benefit from breastfeeding,as it lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes,
and reduces post partum depression. These Health benefits cannot be overlooked
Federal law requires that employers with more than 50 employees provide reasonable break time for
employees to breasdeed as well as a private and clean space for expressing breast milk,other than a
bathroom. HB 2228 would expand this requirement to an employer of smaller size, therefore benefiting
more of Hawaii's working mothers.We hope that eventually all employers provide private,clean and safe
places to do this.
The bill would also require employers to post information visible to employees about their right to express
breast milk at work.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify
Joy MarshaI4 League of Women Voters of Hawaii
COAMn'TEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN—(Sec.367-4,HMS) Term Application Resolution or Disclosure
Not less than 7 at-large members appointed by the Mayor to staggered 4 Received Mayor's letter Received
yr•terms. Appointment Date
2 ex-officio members include County Attorney and County
Representative on State Commission on the Status of Women.
Anne Ptmehu Fesigned 9/17/12 O1/01/11-12/31/14 1/26/11
2nd Term(4 yrs)
E.Kanani Alapa-Vice Chair 01/01/11-12/31/14 1/26/11
2nd term(4 yrs)
Regina Michelle Carvalho-Chair 01/01/12-12/31/15 2/21/08 3/11/08
2nd Term(4 yrs)
Charlene U.Castor-Treasurer 01/01/12-12/31/14 5/16/08 6/17/08
2nd
Jade T.Battad- 01/01/11— 12/31/14 12/02/10
2nd Term(4 yrs)
-Resigned 2/13/12 01/01/09-12/31/12 5/21/09 6/17/08
VACANT I'Term(4yrs)
Savita Agarwal-Secretary 01/01/11-12/31/14 1/26/11 2/10/11
1'`Term(4 yrs)
Cherie Mooy 01/01/11-12/31/14 04/14/11
2nd Term(4 yrs)
Lisa Ellen Smith-Ex-officio(non-voting member) 8/13/07 3/11/08
Contact: Ihilani Laureta @ 4881
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