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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-19-14 CSW MinutesCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board /Committee: Committee on the Status of Women Meeting Date November 19, 2014 Location Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A/2B Start of Meeting: 5:03 p.m. I End of Meeting: 6:10 p.m. Present Chair Regina Carvalho; Vice Chair Edie Ignacio - Neumiller; Members: Uli'i Castor (Entered the meeting at 5:7 p.m.), Sharon Lasker, Virginia Beck, Kathy Crowell, Cherie Mooy (Left the meeting at 6:05 p.m.), Ex- Officio Lisa Ellen Smith (Entered the meeting at 5:11 p.m.); Invited Guest: Kauai Health Educator Cynthia Chiang, Planned Parenthood of Hawaii. Also present: Boards & Commissions Office Staff. Support Clerk Mercedes Omo. Deputy County Attorney Jodi Higuchi - Sayegusa was available by phone to answer any legal questions posed by the Committee. Excused Absent Members: Jade Battad and Liza Cabal- Trinidad SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Carvalho called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Approval of Regular Open Session Minutes of August 20, 2014. On a motion made by Vice Chair Edie Ignacio - Minutes Neumiller and seconded by Treasurer Sharon Lasker, to approve the meeting minutes as circulated. Motion carried 5:0 Chair Carvalho welcomed new member Ms. Virginia Beck to the Committee. Powerpoint Ms. Chiang orally reviewed the document that was provided to the Presentation (On Committee relating to data showing teen pregnancy statistics for Hawaii file) by Cynthia residents for females aged 15 -19 years, youth risk behaviors survey, Chiang of children of teen parents, teen childbearing costs for Hawaii taxpayers ($32 Planned million per year), possible solutions, decline in teen birth rate, education Parenthood of and training services, Hawaii Revised Statutes §321 -11.1 which requires Hawaii on teen the State to provide sexual health education programs, information on the pregnancy Department of Education revised Pono Choices sexual health curriculum prevention and developed exclusively for youth ages 11 to 13 in Hawaii, Department of sex education Education abstinence policy 2010, how you can support sex education, and Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION referenced websites. Ms. Chiang shared with the Committee that her job as a Health Educator on sex education on the island is very challenging because a group of vocal minorities have been bullying the local high schools by trying to suppress information, which a majority of the parents want access too. In addition, her funding stream, which used to be funded by the Department of Health, is being compromised and her position has been downgraded from full - time to an on -call health educator, which may also dissipate unless funding can be found. Chair Carvalho asked if she had an opportunity to speak with the Parent School Association (PTSA) about the challenges she is faced with. Ms. Chiang stated she has tried, but found it difficult because the issues she wants to bring to the table were pulled back because one of the principals from the high schools was afraid of the backlash not only on sex education, but because the term itself has been tainted from the "Pono Choices" controversy. Ms. Beck asked if there has ever been instances of the schools being involved in liability suits for failure to provide adequate health education according to the State of Hawaii standards. Ms. Chiang replied there is a particular high school where she found herself at odds with another health educator because the information that is being provided to the students is not in line with Hawaii State law. Ms. Beck stated she feels that one of the biggest allies right now is the internet because the kids can upload the information via their cellphones for everything. Ms. Chiang stated to help spread the word, the University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Nursing & Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Nursing outreach Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION program has created an all -in -one resource card that lists the name of all of the health care providers. Chair Carvalho asked how can the Committee help to which Ms. Chiang replied if any of the Committee members have ties to any of the middle schools she would appreciate any opening of doors so that she can meet with either the chairs of the PTSA or PCNC to let them know that she would be more than willing to hold a parent night to discuss topics relating to parent /child communication. Ms. Crowell asked for clarification on "Pono Choices" to which Ms. Chiang explained "Pono Choices" is a ten week curriculum with a native Hawaiian stance that was developed by the University of Hawaii in collaboration with Alu Like and Planned Parenthood of Hawaii. She further explained that "Pono Choices" is the first teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections prevention curriculum developed exclusively for youth ages 11 to 13 in Hawaii. The curriculum is culturally responsive and introduces students to Hawaiian cultural terms, practices and concepts that stress positive character development (does not promote homosexuality), including making "pono" or "right" choices. Ms. Lasker asked whether the DOE has ever thought of bringing all of the middle school principals together to offer some training, and at the time give the principals the time to speak their case on sexual health education, or anything of that nature. Ms. Chiang replied last year, she was invited to attend Kauai Superintendent Bill Arakaki's monthly school principals meeting, which Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION gave her the opportunity to introduce herself, but unfortunately the key people who she wanted to meet was not at the meeting, which prompted her to ask if she could attend this year's meeting, but she was unsuccessful. Ms. Beck thanked Ms. Chiang for a great presentation and wondered whether it was possible for her to video record her presentation so that it can be readily available for viewing in either the schools (when needed or wanted), or as a segment on Hoike television, or uploaded onto the Planned Parenthood of Hawaii website. Ms. Lasker stated after hearing everyone's concerns it seems that the Committee is very supportive, but at the same time concerned about all of the roadblocks Ms. Chiang seems to be running into. She asked if the Committee would consider writing a letter of support to the PTSA. Chair Carvalho noted that she liked the idea. Ms. Chiang stated if the Committee agrees to write the letter she would like to request that the letter be published in the Garden Island newspaper, as well. Ms. Crowell noted that she would like to ask Ms. Smith if she could write a letter of support to which Ms. Smith replied yes. Budget Reports Committee on the Status of Women budget update. for Fiscal Year Chair Carvalho stated as of October 28, 2014, the Committee had a balance 2014 -15 of $1704.57 and total expenditures of $295.43, which went towards mileage reimbursements and food items for the 2014 September Health Fair and Drug Court Graduation Ceremony. State Grant. Chair Carvalho stated as of October 28, 2014, the Committee had a balance Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION of $8,811.79 and total expenditures of $940.81, which went towards the Committee on the Status of Women business cards and balloon decorations for the October's Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. Chair Carvalho stated she has just learned that the grant fund from the State cannot be used to purchase food items. Ms. Lasker stated in light of being unable to utilize the grant fund to cover the cost of the lunches she asked if a motion should be made to allocate the monies in the CSW's budget. Ms. Beck asked if a venue had been selected to which Chair Carvalho replied the Committee is still working on a venue because according to the County's procurement process the Committee needs to obtain three price quotes from three different vendors. Ms. Beck stated there are community organizations such as the Rotary Clubs who would probably be willing to provide the resources to cover the cost for the lunches, but she would need to check. Chair Carvalho stated before she calls for a motion she wanted to know if the Committee is allowed to seeking funding from other public or private organizations. *A call was made to Deputy County Attorney Jodi Higuchi - Sayegusa who was on stand -by. Ms. Beck stated she does not see why it should be a problem because the project itself is not directed to the County per se; it's actually an Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION educational opportunity for young women attending high school. In fact, the Committee could probably get one of the major hotels or a local food supplier to donate the lunches. Ms. Lasker stated the fact that the remaining balance in the CSW budget may not be enough to cover the cost for the lunches, and the cost for future expenditures, and she would like to offer a less expensive food venue, but is unsure whether or not the Regency at Puakea can accommodate the breakout sessions. Chair Carvalho asked if it was possible for someone to approach KIUC (Aloha Grant) and some of the other organization to seek funding to help cover the costs for the lunches, and if so, it should be included in the motion. Deputy County Attorney Sayegusa (by phone) stated pursuant to the Hawaii Revised Statutes §367 -4, each county committee shall endeavor to secure the widest possible citizen participation in its efforts, and for this purpose may utilize existing public or private organizations. Ms. Lasker moved that the Committee assign a Chair Carvalho called for a motion. committee member to approach KIUC (Aloha Grant) or some other organization to seek funding to help cover the cost for the career day Ms. Lasker asked now that a motion has been made and voted on, who will luncheon. Ms. Crowell seconded. be assigned to write the letters to KIUC (Aloha Grant) and the other Motion carried 7:0 organizations to which Vice Chair Ignacio - Neumiller replied she would volunteer to write the letter to KIUC. Chair Carvalho noted that she would approach KCC (Kaua`i Community College). Ms. Beck stated she would make some phone calls to the Rotary Clubs to see where the letters need to go. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Business CSW • Rise of the Wahine future film events. 2013 -33 items Chair Carvalho stated it is crucial that the Committee make a decision on the date, time, and location. Vice -Chair Ignacio - Neumiller stated from what she understood someone suggested March Women's History Month would be a great month to hold the event. Chair Carvalho stated rather than pay for a venue the Committee could hold the event at the Kauai Veterans War Memorial Convention Hall, at no cost. Chair Carvalho stated she really liked Ms. Chiang's idea about meeting with the school principals that perhaps she and another member could make arrangements to meet with the principals to see if they would agree to allow their students to attend the Rise of the Wahine event. Ms. Smith stated perhaps someone from the Committee could write a letter to State Representative Tulsi Gabbard to see whether or not she would be available to attend the showing. Chair Carvalho stated although she liked her suggestion she would like to discuss the particulars of the program first. She asked for volunteers to run the PR (Public Relations) to which Ms. Lasker stated she would be willing to be a co -chair only if Vice Chair Ignacio - Nuemiller agrees to be the chair to which Vice Chair Ignacio - Nuemiller agreed. Ms. Beck stated because the film is focused on gender equality there are some distinct lessons that can be learned, and be of valuable to both girls and boys. She asked if the Committee would consider inviting all three high schools to the showing. Ms. Lasker stated if the event is during a school week perhaps the DOE could provide bus service for the students. Chair Carvalho asked if it was possible to hold an evening event specifically for the general public. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Beck stated although it may take a lot of work perhaps the students could turn it into an assignment by writing an essay on what they have learned by watching the film. Ms. Mooy noted that it sounds to her that a letter needs to be written to the School Superintendent to see if it's part of the DOE's curriculum. Ms. Beck stated she would be glad to help her draft the letter. Chair Carvalho stated as health educators she asked Ms. Mooy if she would be willing to work with Ms. Beck to draft the letter to which Ms. Mooy agreed. Vice Chair Ignacio - Nuemiller expressed her concerns of whether or not the $3500.00 that had already been allocated for the event was enough to cover two showings. Chair Carvalho stated she does not think it would be a problem because it will be a one -day event, and the producers would already be on the island. Ms. Mooy noted for the record that she will be in New Zealand during the spring break and will not be here for the showing. Chair Carvalho stated at this time, she would like to continue the discussion at the December meeting. She indicated that although the Committee has begun the planning process she would still like to give everyone a chance to contact all of the pertinent parties, and give Ms. Beck and Ms. Mooy time to work on the particulars regarding the letter to Kauai District School Superintendent Bill Arakaki. The Committee agreed. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION • Career Day luncheon for females 9th through 12'h ,grade residing on the island of Kauai. Chair Carvalho asked the members to pick a month to host the event. Ms. Lasker stated based on today's discussion she felt more time was needed because it involves a lot of leg work. She stated perhaps the Committee might want to consider holding the event in the month of April, which would bring it close to the end of the school year. Chair Carvalho asked whether the month of April would be a better month to hold the career day luncheon to which Vice Chair Ignacio - Neumiller and Ms. Lasker both agreed. At 6:07 p.m. Ms. Mooy announced that she would be leaving the meeting. *Note the following discussion relates back to the Rise of the Wahine event. After a lengthy discussion, the Committee unanimously agreed that March 5, 2015, was the best day to host the event because it coincides with March Women's History Month. Vice Chair Ignacio - Neumiller noted that she would have to check with the producers to see whether or not they would be available on that day. In addition, she asked whether or not the Committee would like to pay for an ad in the Garden Island Newspaper to which Chair Carvalho replied absolutely. Ms. Lasker stated if she had a choice, she would rather pay for the space in the Garden Island Newspaper than have it advertised in a free magazine because most people would probably not see the ad. Chair Carvalho asked if she could get price quotes to which Ms. Lasker replied she already has the price quotes on file. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Ms. Smith stated it probably would be a good idea to have someone from the Committee write a letter to the Editor of the Garden Island Newspaper to help promote the film. Ms. Lasker stated she saw Councilmember JoAnn Yukimura at the premier showing, and maybe she could be convinced to write a letter of support to the Editor to tell him how valuable she thought the movie was. Ms. Beck stated if Councilmember Yukimura agrees to a letter she would not have a problem writing a letter herself, and perhaps the Committee could send a cluster of letters as well. Chair Carvalho stated that she would like to continue the discussion in December because it will give everyone enough time to do what needs to be done. She asked everyone to be prepared to re ort back to the entire Committee in December. • March Women's History Month. Chair Carvalho noted as previously stated she would like to continue the discussion on this matter in December. • Women's Expo on Sundau. November 23, 2014, at the Kauai Veteran's Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chair Carvalho stated because the Committee will not be participating in the event perhaps those who want to attend could wear their CSW polo shirts to show support. Announcements Next regular meeting — December 17, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the Mo'ikeha Building, Meeting Room 2A /2B. Vice Chair Ignacio - Nuemiller announced that the Zonta Club is having their signature event "Eat Dessert First Scholarship Fundraiser ". The event is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2015, at the Kauai Beach Resort. If any of the members are interesting in volunteering to please let her know. Committee on the Status of Women Regular Meeting - Open Session November 19, 2014 Page 11 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Adjournment At 6:15 p.m. Chair Carvalho declared the meetin adjourned. Submitted by: Mercedes Omo, Staff Support Clerk (x) Approved as circulated on: December 17, 2014 ( ) Approved as amended. See minutes of meeting. Reviewed and Approved by: Regina Carvalho, Chair