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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-20-2013 CSW minutes APPROVEDCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Approved as circulated 4/17/13 Board/Committee: I COMMITTEE ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN Meeting Date February 20, 2013 Location Mo`ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/13 Start of Meeting: 5:07 1 End of Meeting: 6:18 Present Chair, Savita Agarwal; Vice - Chair, Jade Battad; Members: Ulii Castor; Regina Carvalho; Deslynn Jaquias; Cherie Mooy Also Ex- Officio, Lisa Ellen Smith; Deputy County Attorney Mona Clark; Boards & Commissions Office Staff. Paula Morikami, Administrator; Cherisse Zaima, Support Clerk; Guest: Cheree Waters Excused Nancy Nagarkar Absent Kanani Alapa SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Agarwal called the meeting to order at 5:07 pm with 5 members present constituting a uorum. Approval of Regular Open Session minutes of January 16, 2013 Ms. Carvalho moved to approve the minutes as Minutes circulated. Ms. Castor seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0. Communications ■ CSW 2013 -04 Email dated January 4, 2013 to Cathy Betts, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women inviting her to meet with the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women to offer her expertise on how the committee can make the biggest impact on women's issues. Ms. Smith reported that she had spoken with Ms. Betts who informed her that she will be unable to make the March meeting but if the April meeting is during the third week, she will most likely be able to make it. Ms. Carvalho stated that at next month's meeting the committee should have a more in -depth discussion on what they would like to discuss with Ms. Betts. Ms Battad mentioned that she also spoke with Ms. Betts to discuss some ways for the committee to move forward. She stated that Ms. Betts is willing and very excited to work with them. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Business CSW 2013 -03 Update on Zonta Club meeting held on January 31, 2013 at Hanama'ulu Cafe attended by Regina Carvalho and Nancy Na a Ms. Carvalho reported that she met with the Executive Board as they were planning for their Eat Dessert First event. She did a short presentation on the things the committee has done in the last few years and what their focus has been. She also talked about partnership and ways they could support the various women's groups on the island, stating that she felt that more could be accomplished by working together as opposed to individually. Ms. Agarwal asked whether it had been determined if they would be partnering, to which Ms. Carvalho replied that the discussion was about just being supportive of one another at this time. Ms. Battad added that Edie (Ignacio, President of Zonta Club) will be looking at CSW's calendar of events once it is received, and see how they can partner. The current list of events is: Women's History Month, Life's Choices Health Fair, Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness, and Women's Leadership Essay Contest. Ms. Carvalho further suggested things like emailing Zonta Club members information on these events and asking them to come and support them. She stated that the committee has lots of ideas and would like to do more, but needs a bit of direction and focus. ■ CSW 2012 -10 Discussion on co- sponsorship for FY 2012/13. (On- going) Ms. Battad stated she would like to leave this as an on -going agenda item since they are talking about partnering with various agencies and programs such as Zonta Club, YWCA and Life's Choices Kauai. Ms. Battad mentioned that she has had discussions with Life's Choices Kauai Coordinator, Theresa Koki, who is willing to come to a meeting once the committee has established ways they can be of help to Ms. Koki's program, and have further discussion on those initiatives. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Carvalho brought up the Kauai Community College Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event and how CSW could assist/support that event. Ms. Mooy stated that Frances Dinnan, who is the person that has been in charge, is off - island and has placed Ms. Mooy in charge. She has put together a "to- do" list, and though it is very extensive, she is determined not to cancel the event which takes place on April 12. Two things she wanted to discuss were partnering with YWCA and becoming involved as a committee and having a resource table there. The "to -do" list that Ms. Mooy provided included arranging for a massage therapist, warm -up exercise person, program speakers, and possibly another proclamation from the Mayor. She noted that in addition to increasing registration and involving the media, there are numerous things they can do to help make the event successful. She is already trying to encourage registration and will be going to the student council and the student council activities committee to ask them to help get more students involved. Ms. Battad asked whether the committee could have a table at the event, to which Ms. Clark responded that as long as they are not paying for the table, they could do that, and could also ask the Mayor to do the Proclamation. Since it's not a money- making event and more of an awareness event, it shouldn't be a problem. Ms. Carvalho talked about the YWCA luncheon and possibly getting a table for the committee members to attend. Ms. Smith brought up the subject of funding and suggested that the committee could submit a request for funding to the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women to help support these types of events. Ms. Agarwal stated that she feels it is time for co- sponsorship and although there has been a lot of talking about it, it is time to take action. She feels that any funding issues can be taken care of and that many women on the Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION island may not know that the committee even exists, so they need to become more visible. Ms. Smith discussed a program on the Big Island that funded $3,000 to air radio ads produced by a member of the HSCSW, focusing on teen dating violence. She suggested that the committee look into requesting funds to buy airtime to play those ads, which are already recorded and available, here on Kauai. Cheree Waters, guest, offered public testimony. She mentioned she belongs to PFLAG, Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays and that the organization has partnered with Malama Pono to do a series of radio ads on KKCR regarding safe sex. Ms. Smith noted that another issue reported in the January HSCSW meeting was a $1,000 request from the Youth Pride Council which sponsors the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi- sexual, Transgender) prom on the Big Island. Ms. Agarwal asked whether or not there were any ads for children to stay in school, to which Ms. Smith responded that no county has done that yet. She went on to explain what Hawaii county had done as far as partnering with another local organization to do the Public Service Announcements and then making a request to the HSCSW every year for funding to continue to air them. She is hopeful that the committee is able to put something together and take advantage of the funding opportunity. Ms. Battad mentioned that Kauai and the Big Island were on the cover of a magazine as having the highest rate of teen pregnancy and that the committee needs to focus on things that are happening here, so that may be an awareness /prevention topic of note. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION ■ 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. Ms. Carvalho moved to receive the 2013 Hawaii Women's Coalition Legislative tracking (a) 2013 Hawaii Women's Coalition Legislative Package list. Ms. Agarwal seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0. Ms. Smith passed around a copy of her testimony she submitted in support of HB 411 regarding compassionate care for sexual assault victims; this establishes a new chapter in part HRS 321 to ensure victims of sexual assault are provided with unbiased, medically factual information and access to emergency contraceptives after a sexual assault. Frida� is the deadline to submit testimony and being that it is going on its 16t year, she is hoping that the bill will pass this year. She noted that Representative Kawakami is on the Judiciary commission and suggested that the committee members give him a call to let him know they support this bill. There was discussion about the process of bill hearings, the Hawaii Legislative website, how to use it to view bills and their status, and how to submit testimony. Ms. Battad shared that she submitted testimony on a violence against women bill and has been going to the website periodically to stay current with what's happening. She also mentioned that she feels as a committee it would help them to be aware of what women's causes are and what is being placed before our Legislators. Ms. Carvalho stated that most people don't even know where to start when it comes to Legislative issues and asked Ms. Smith if she would be able to educate the committee, to which Ms. Smith responded affirmatively. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Smith made suggestions on how to submit testimony and some of the etiquette that should be involved. She went on to discuss some of the bills listed on the Legislative tracking list that she felt were important, such as the Keiki Caucus and comprehensive sex education bill, gender equality, breastfeeding in the workplace and jury duty exemptions for women who are breastfeeding, SB 533 relating to a transgender being able to change the gender listed on their certificate of birth, domestic workers bill of rights, children victims of sexual and labor trafficking; Hawaii has a large sex trafficking problem, especially in Honolulu. There was discussion on the differences between House bills and Senate bills and companion bills. Ms. Smith explained that anyone can submit testimony as an individual or as a commissioner if agreed to by the commission. Additionally, the Chair can submit testimony on behalf of the Commission if it's approved by the Commission. Ms. Battad expressed her gratitude to Ms. Smith being a part of their meetings and providing them with the information they need to help guide them. ■ CSW 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 issue should remain on the agenda as on -going because Theresa Koki will be coming to talk to the committee about the needs in the schools, as she is the connection to the schools. Attorney Clark reminded the committee that they do have a guest and they should be providing her the opportunity to make testimony. Ms. Waters provided public testimony on Planned Parenthood and their Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION increased visibility on the island, now sharing a space with Malama Pono and having more employees. She further mentioned that they have clinics on Friday and that she participated in a counter- protest recently. Ms. Smith noted that Planned Parenthood will be having their own office sometime around June and she believes it will be located above Aloha Lumber building, which will allow them a whole floor of office spaces to be able to provide services. Ms. Waters further mentioned that one of the services they will be providing is hormones for transgender patients, which she feels is very important since hormones are not covered by insurance and are very difficult for these patients to obtain on the black market. ■ 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. Ms. Battad stated that this item should be specifically for the Governor's Leadership Conference and the corresponding essay contest because the committee would like to be able to have more young women attend. She felt the conference was extremely powerful and would like to give more youth the opportunity to participate. Ms. Smith suggested that the committee figure out how many students, the cost, the flights and whether or not they want to fund the committee members to attend, and make a budget request to HSCSW. The request needs to be made so that it can appear on the HSCSW agenda. Ms. Agarwal feels that trying to get funding to have more youth participate is good, but she is concerned that in the past they have not gotten a good response from the youth. Ms. Smith suggested radio ads and Ms. Battad suggested partnering up with Leadership Kauai Youth program since they are in the schools and they are not specifically geared toward any particular financial category of students. It's not just the upper elite of the school, it's everyone. She further stated that Puni has already said she would love to help and though Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION she will not be including it in her leadership class, she will present the information to the students. Ms. Carvalho stated that she spoke to Nancy Borales of PCNC at Kapa`a High School, who was an organizer at the Eastside Family Summit and is interested in talking with the committee. The committee agreed that they need to start working on getting the essay contest going now. Ms. Carvalho proposed that instead of sending a bunch Support Clerk will submit a flyer for the essay of people to the conference, to hold a similar event here. She feels there contest for Chair's approval. would be enough participation to make it successful. Ms. Smith talked about the possibility of participating in the Bright Futures program with the YWCA and suggested ten (10) youth from each school and provide a lunch, a speaker and gave examples of things she did with the YWCA with presentations and study circles on anti - racism, body - image and other issues, having older girls (college age) come and speak to younger girls. She also mentioned that it was hugely successful and suggested the committee suggest funding for this type of event. Ms. Smith further shared her experiences with the Bright Futures program. Ms. Battad mentioned that she participated in a YWCA National conference that was held here. Ms. Smith noted that this may be something they would like to partner with the YWCA to do. Ms. Mooy requested clarification on what the action is out of all the discussion that has been going on, to which Ms. Battad replied that the first thing they should do is find out whether or not the Governor's Leadership Conference is actually taking place this year, to which Ms. Smith added that as individuals, they can all send a request to the Governor to state the importance of the conference and request that it does continue to take Ms. Mooy moved to have the committee send a place. Ms. Mooy suggested that they draft a letter of request to support this letter in support and encouragement of the event to the Governor. Ms. Agarwal stated that she feels they should send a Governor's Women's Leadership Conference. request for funding first. Staff will draft a letter of support. Ms. Battad seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Carvalho suggested the committee submit a request to the HSCSW for funding to attend the conference and its related expenses. Ms. Smith advised that they should have an idea of the amount they will be Ms. Carvalho moved to have the committee send requesting. There was further discussion on what the costs per person a letter to HSCSW requesting funding to attend would be; it was determined that $2,000 be requested. Staff will draft letter the Governor's Women's Leadership of request. Conference. Ms. Battad seconded the motion. Motion carried 5:0. ■ CSW 2012 -32 Discussion as it relates to potential Committee events and projects for 2013. (On- going) Ms. Mooy stated that she had talked about the Walk A Mile in Her Shoes event earlier in the meeting and had no further discussion on it. Ms. Castor asked about the Treasurer's report and stated that a discussion needs to take place about what to do with the remainder of the monies in the account. Ms. Mooy suggested it could be used to pay for Walk A Mile registration. Ms. Castor further suggested that it be used to get pink t- shirts for the committee that they can wear during events like the Cancer walk and other events, and possibly getting more bags. Ms. Carvalho asked that everyone do some research as to how many shirts or bags are needed and how much it will cost and have those things as well as any other ideas Discussion on what to do with remainder of ready to present at the next meeting. monies will be put on the agenda for next month's meeting. Announcements Next Meeting — March 20, 2013, 5:00 p.m. at the Moikeha Building in Meeting Room 2A/2B. Ms. Agarwal announced her resignation from the Committee on the Status of Women to take a position as a member of the Fire Commission. She Committee on the Status of Women Regular Open Session February 20, 2013 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION stated that she will still continue to attend all CSW meetings and actively work with the committee on the issues she has brought up. There was some discussion on the criteria for being elected ChairNice- Nomination/election of ChairNice -Chair will be Chair. put on the agenda for the next meeting. Ms. Smith mentioned that her term with the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women ends in 2015 and talked about the application process and criteria, encouraging members to submit applications or recommend others for the State Commission. Adjournment Ms. Castor moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Carvalho seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 6:18 pm. Submitted by: Cherisse Zaima, Staff Support Clerk () Approved as circulated (add date of meeting approval). () Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting. Reviewed and Approved by: Savita Agarwal, Chair