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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-15 CSW Minutes Approved as amendedCOUNTY OF KAUAI Minutes of Meeting OPEN SESSION Board /Committee: Committee on the Status of Women Meeting Date October 21, 2015 Location Mo'ikeha Building — Meeting Room 2A /B Start of Meeting: 5:00 p.m. End of Meeting: 6:02 p.m. Present Chair Sharon Lasker; Vice -Chair Virginia Beck; Members: Edie Ignacio - Neumiller, Liza Cabal - Trinidad, Kathy Crowell, Suzanne Ellis Also present: Board & Commissions Office Staff: Support Clerk Mercedes Omo; Deputy County Attorney Mahealani Krafft. Guest: Empowerment Coach Savita Agarwal Excused Jenai Yoshi Absent Regina Carvalho and Uli'i Castor SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Call To Order Chair Lasker called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. with six (6) member present constituting a quorum. Approval of Regular Open Session Minutes of August 19, 2015. Minutes Chair Lasker asked if anyone had comments or corrections to the meeting minutes, and if not, she would called for a motion to approve the minutes. In reference to page six (6) of the meeting minutes under Career Day, Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller asked for clarification on whether the request that was made by Attorney Andrea Suzuki - Andrade for someone from the committee to send a written request for clarification on sponsorships to the Office of the County Attorney was done. She added that according to her notes from the last meeting, no one from the committee was assigned to do the task and that she couldn't remember if Ms. Smith may have said something to the attorney. Ms. Smith stated that she spoke to HSCSW Executive Director Ms. Betts and was told that she would have to check with the State Attorney regarding her concerns over co- mingling of state and county funds. In regard to the committee's inquiry about applying for a 501c3, Ms. Smith stated that she would have to check but she thought she Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 2 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION sent the information including a link to the members in case they were Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller moved to approve the interested in applying for a tax exempt status. meeting minutes of August 19, 2015. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad seconded the motion. Motion With no further comments, Chair Lasker called for a motion to approve the carried 6:0 meeting minutes. Recap of the Ms. Agarwal began by thanking the committee for sponsorship and the Empowerment YWCA for allowing her to host her workshop at their facility. Ms. Session by Agarwal stated she felt that the event was well attended given the short Empowerment notice in which the committee had to advertise the event. She stated that Coach Savita based on the surveys collected majority if those who participated were Agarwal relatively happy with the exception of one. Ms. Agarwal shared that she received a few calls since then from people seeking her help which was good because it made her feel that she was doing her job. Ms. Agarwal stated that the Police Department had asked her if she would be willing to hold a workshop at their facility which prompt her to seek advice from First Deputy County Attorney Stephen Hall to see whether or not there was a conflict. According Mr. Hall because her services does not involved any financial transactions he does not see any conflict, however, he asked her to speak to County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask for additional clarification on the matter. Ms. Agarwal shared that she made a trip to Waimea High School to meet with the school counselors there to talk about the possibility of holding an empowerment workshop at the school. She stated that in the course of their discussion, she made an inquiry as to the last Career Day event and was told that the girls were happy, however, some of the girls felt that they had to compete with the other girls because they were the top of their class. Ms. Agarwal asked that the committee take her comments into consideration and select only the girls who really needs inspiration Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 3 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION motivation instead of the girls who are already well accomplished. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller reported that there were a total of eighteen (18) people at the workshop of which seven were members of the committee which includes Ms. Smith. Ms. Smith commented that she saw a few ladies from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney who might be interested in attending another empowerment workshop. Ms. Agarwal stated that perhaps in the near future she could hold a luncheon workshop at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney which is in the same location as the Police Department. Vice Chair Beck stated that she would like to clarify that the committee's intentions was not to select only top girls but the girls who are at a lower tier to which Ms. Agarwal replied she understands and only trying to convey that perhaps the next time the committee could make clear its intentions before approaching the school counselors to which Vice Beck replied she thought the committee did. Ms. Smith commented that she thought the committee did a good job on informing the school counselors on the specific criteria's. She added that to help shed some light regarding Ms. Agarwal's concerns the girl from Kapa`a who was selected to participate was later voted as the school's prom queen which might have intimidated the girls from Waimea High School to which Ms. Agarwal replied that's what happened. Vice Chair Beck stated that from what she understands, Ms. Yoshii is now the committee's liaison for Kapa`a High School and perhaps she could Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 4 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION provide specific details on what the criteria's are. She shared that she has worked on the West side for many years and from experience the girls do feel that they are not as good and sophisticated as the kids living in town. Ms. Smith asked if the committee would continue to support Ms. Agarwal to which Chair Lasker replied yes, it's already been decided on. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller noted that after Ms. Agarwal clears protocol she should go ahead and set a date for her next workshop at either the Police Department or at the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney to which Ms. Agarwal replied she still needs to get clarification from County Attorney Mauna Kea Trask before she approaches KPD and OPA. But in the meantime, she could hold her workshop at the YWCA facility in Li -hu`e. Chair Lasker asked Ms. Agarwal if she could inform the committee to when she finalizes her decision to which Ms. Agarwal replied yes. With no further comments, the Committee moved onto the next agenda item. Recap of the Chair Lasker stated that according to the sign in sheet there were thirty (30) 2015 Paint the participates which to her seems very healthy given the fact the event was Town Pink held in the middle of the week. Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Ms. Smith shared that Dennis Fujimoto did a great job in publishing the event in the local newspaper which she will forward to HSCSW Executive Director Cathy Betts. She noted that Kauai is the only committee that submits information on its current events to the HSCSW. With no further discussion, the Committee moved onto the next agenda item. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 5 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION General Chair Lasker called for a motion to defer the item to the next meeting with Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller moved to defer the item discussion on the the anticipation of Administrator Furfaro's presence to discuss any changes to the next meeting in November. Vice Chair Committee's FY that might be made to the committee's FY 2017 budget. Beck seconded the motion. Motion carried 6:0 2017 budget Business Discussion and decision - making on future Committee events including but 2015 -06 not limited to: • Rise of the Wahine Film Event (On- going) Vice Chair Beck shared that now she is no longer employed she will make an attempt to contact the Administrative Assistant to Nike's CEO to see if they would be interested in providing financial support to help the producers of the Rise of the Wahine film to get the film moving. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad shared that happens to know the Marketing Director of Nike who is the son -in -law of her girlfriend. Vice Chair Beck asked Ms. Cabal- Trinidad if she would like collaborate their efforts to try to get Nike to provide some financial assistance to which Ms. Cabal- Trinidad replied yes, and that she would ask her girlfriend's son -in -law if he could contact Kevin Day to which Vice Chair Beck replied that would great. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad asked if Kauai is the only committee in the state who is supporting the film to which Ms. Smith replied that HCSW is also supporting the event and from what she understands a request went to Maui and the Big Island committee's but she doesn't know whether they are supporting the event. Chair Lasker noted that from what understands Kauai is the only committee who have expressed interest in supporting the event. With no further comments, the Committee moved onto the next agenda item. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 6 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION • 2016 Career Day Event Ms. Cabal - Trinidad reported that she contacted the Kauai Marriott for information but till today has not received any information. She added that Kauai Beach Resort is willing to hold the event at their facility on either March 18 or April 22. In addition, KBR have also agreed to drop the room rental fee down to $200 plus service fee and tax. Also, Ms. Cabal - Trinidad reported that the principal and school counselor at Kauai High School have both agreed to participate in the Career Day event and that they were both informed about the criteria on choosing the girls most suitable. Chair Lasker stated that she may have missed something along the way but she thought that the committee wanted to hold the career day event in January or February of next year to avoid the testing period which usually occurs in March. Vice Chair Beck added that at the previous meeting, the committee talked about seeking input from the school counselors as to what they felt was an ideal date to hold the career day event. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller stated that since Ms. Yoshii is not here she will read her constructive suggestions relative to the event: 1) develop a mission statement for the event; 2) paint a clear picture on the time of the event to avoid pulling the students at the last minute; 3) make ready a list of criteria for the students the committee would like to be selected; 4) create a program that would allow the students to engage in the full four hour time period and limit the time for each speaker (too long the last time); 5) potential follow -up /mentoring by the committee with the girls to ensure accountability, as well as, entice inspiration; 6) if the event is done earlier in the year there may be an opportunity to mentor some of the girls senior Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 7 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION projects (Janice Gokan and Tara Punzal are the contacts for the senior projects); and 6) how many students is the committee looking to invite at the next career day event. Vice Chair Beck stated that the committee did have a vision and a plan but had to make last minute changes because all of the sudden the committee did not have the forty (40) girls as originally planned and instead ended up with eighteen (18) girls which caused the elimination of the breakout sessions. She stated that if the committee does decide to hold the event earlier in the day (9 a.m. to 12 noon) then it wouldn't have to provide lunch just refreshments which would be less costly. In regard to the timing of the event, Vice Beck stated that she did speak to the Waimea High School counselor but till today she has yet to receive a verbal confirmation. However, she did manage to get verbal confirmation from Island School counselor that having the event in January or February was fine but it all depends on the day, time and the amount of girls; they even offered the committee free use of their gym. Additionally, Vice Chair Beck shared that she also spoke to Joy Koete from Ke Kula Niihau O Kekaha Charter School about the career event noting that the committee might want to include a few of their students for some diversity. Chair Lasker asked based on the conversation it is right for too she assume that the committee wants to hold the career day event in January or February of next year to which Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller replied yes. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad stated that from what she understands Kauai High School does not have a preference on the date they want to be told ahead of time. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 8 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Vice Chair Beck questioned whether the timing would be a problem for the Marriott Resort or the Kauai Beach Resort since its high season for them. Ms. Smith mentioned that as a former mall manager February is relatively a slow month to which Vice Chair Beck replied except for the visitor industry. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad commented that February would be an ideal month since March is when spring break begins. She stated that today would be a good day for the committee to select the date because it would give the schools enough time to select the girls. Ms. Cabal- Trinidad suggested the following dates February 5, 12, 19 and 26. Ms. Smith noted that the committee's meeting falls on the 171h of February to which Vice Chair Beck stated that if the 19th is selected it would give the committee another opportunity to go over the logistics to see if any problems exist. Ms. Smith suggested that it would be a good idea for the committee to select two days just in case the 19th turns out to be a holiday or an out of school day to which Ms. Cabal - Trinidad added the President's Day falls on the 15th Chair Lasker asked if the 19th or the 26th would be okay with the 19th being the committee's first choice to which the members agreed. Chair Lasker stated that now that the committee has nailed down two (2) potential dates it needs to select a venue. In regard to the timing, Ms. Cabal- Trinidad questioned whether or not the students would have to return back to school. She explained that if the Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 9 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION program was to start at 9 a.m. and end in the afternoon the students would realistically miss the entire school day. Vice Chair Beck stated that the committee could start the program from 9 a.m. to 12 noon or extend it into the afternoon. Chair Lasker added that the committee's original intent was to make it a nice afternoon for the girls so that they wouldn't have to return back to school. But from what she is hearing there may be a sport event on Friday night that needs to be considered. Vice Chair Beck stated that the committee could shorten the program (which works out for her because she has to take the girls back to Waimea) by having just one keynote speaker and do the rotation with the rest of the guest speakers. Chair Lasker stated that the committee should try to do that next year. Vice Chair Beck stated that having the program start atl2 noon and ending it at 3:30 p.m. would be an ideal time to which Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller stated that the girls would then have to arrive at least by 11:00 a.m. to which Ms. Cabal- Trinidad added or 11:30 a.m. Chair Lasker called for a motion to confirm that February 19th is the Vice Chair Beck moved that the committee hold committee's first choice and the 26th as the second choice to hold the 2016 the 2016 Career Day event either on February Career Day event. 19th as the committee first choice and the 261h as the second choice. Ms. Crowell seconded the motion. Motion carried 6:0 Chair Lasker called for a motion for a tentative time. Vice Chair Beck moved to select 9 a.m. to 3:30 Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 10 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION p.m. as the tentative time to start and end the event; to be decided upon comments received from the school counselors. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller seconded. Discussion: Ms. Crowell commented thatl 1:30 a.m. seems to be a good time to host the meet and greet that way it could give the students ample to get to the hotel. Ms. Smith mentioned that having the extra time to transport the students would be very helpful especially if she has to deal with unexpected traffic delays. Chair Lasker asked if the motion on the floor needed to be amended, and if Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller withdrew her second. so, she would call for a withdrawal of the second. Vice Chair Beck withdrew her motion. Vice Chair Beck moved that the committee Chair Lasker called for a new motion. move the start time from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ending at 3:30 p.m.; pending the approval of the school counselor's on whether or not the timing is appropriate and take their guidance accordingly. Discussion: Ms. Ellis questioned didn't the committee determined from last year's analysis that four (4) hours was too long. She asked if it would help to address the complaint from last year by splitting the time from 11:30 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 11 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Chair Lasker stated that based on what she's hearing if the committee decides to follow a different format it's not going to be speaker after speaker but the keynote speaker first followed by the breakout sessions; which is why having the extra time is necessary. Vice Chair Beck pointed out that the analysis Ms. Ellis was referring to came from just one high school. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller noted that the breakout sessions was original slated for twenty minutes each but if the committee chooses to it could always make the adjustments during the planning period. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller seconded the motion. Chair Lasker noted that she should have called for a second on the amended time of 11:30 a. in. Motion carried 6:0 With no further discussion, Chair Lasker called for the vote. Getting back to the selection of the venue, Chair Lasker stated if the members needs more time to investigate the matter she would call for a deferral for continued discussion at the next meeting. Ms. Cabal - Trinidad stated that the committee should move forward and select a venue so the counselors can be informed in timely manner. Ms. Crowell asked what the committee's budget is for the lunches. Vice Chair Beck stated that the committee does not have a budget and will be seeking sponsors to cover the cost for the student lunches. She stated that one of the questions that was raised was whether or not the state or county would sponsor the lunches. She added that the last time she went to the Waimea Rotary Club to ask for help and she was successful. Ms. Crowell asked if she would approach the Rotary again since she was successful to which Vice Chair Beck replied yes, and if she is still unemployed she could Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 12 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION make a Powerpoint presentation to the other Rotary Clubs as well. Vice Chair Beck asked Deputy County Attorney Krafft if any in -kind donations can be accepted to which Ms. Krafft replied, any accepting of monetary donations must to go to council for approval. Vice Chair Beck then asked what if the gifts are goodies and not in -kind donations to which Ms. Krafft replied she was not sure and would have to look into it. Vice Chair Beck stated that in order to save time of running through the same process over and over perhaps the committee could do a one -time mini presentation to the County Council to let them know what the committee is doing and get their approval once and for all. Ms. Krafft stated that it would depend on the funding as well. Vice Chair Beck stated for example, if Ishihara Market wanted to donate a box of granola would that have to go through council for their approval to which Ms. Krafft replied she would have to look into it. Vice Chair Beck stated that what the committee is looking for is a mechanism because the committee may want to do this more than once. Ms. Smith stated that the committee could apply for a 501c3 status to which Vice Beck replied there are so many 501c3 here on the island and it would better for the committee to just partner with other organization than go through a lengthy application process. Chair Lasker pointed out the committee already knows the type of goodies it will be providing therefore it needs to get back to the real issue of finding a venue and sponsors to cover the cost of the lunches, and if that's case, the committee does not have to worry about holding the event at a resort. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 13 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Vice Chair asked if the audio equipment was included to which Ms. Omo replied she was not sure and that she should check with Ms. Cabal - Trinidad to which Ms. Cabal- Trinidad replied the resort will only provide the podium. Ms. Omo stated that the last time the Courtyard at the Marriott allowed the committee to use their equipment at no cost and perhaps Ms. Cabal - Trinidad could ask the Kauai Beach if they would do the same. Vice Chair Beck stated that once a date is set Ms. Cabal - Trinidad can go ahead and approach Kauai Beach to see if the date is available. Chair Lasker pointed out that she wants the committee to go each of the schools to confirm the dates and report back to the committee at the next meeting so the committee can move forward with the official invitation to the school before holiday season starts. Vice Chair Beck asked if there was a way to the members could communicate with each other to know what dates the school counselors are leaning towards prior to the next meeting to which Ms. Omo explained that the subcommittee members can communicate with each other as long no decisions are made. Ms. Ellis asked how many girls are expected to attend from each of the high school to which Vice Chair Beck replied ten (10) girls from each high school and perhaps one or two from the Charter School since it's a smaller population. Ms. Ellis asked if the committee had considered reducing the number of girls from the local high schools to make room for more girls from the Charter school to which Chair Lasker replied she doesn't think it would be necessary to drop the number of girls unless the other members disagree. Vice Chair Beck stated that her impulse is to be as generous and inclusive Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 14 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION as possible because the basic work will be done regardless of how many girls there are. Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller pointed out that once the date is set everyone from the committee needs to attend the event; not just for this event but for all Ms. Ignacio - Nuemiller moved to defer the the events. Women's History Month event and the April's Equal Pay Day event to the next meeting. Ms. Vice Chair Beck stated that she would like the committee members to be Cabal- Trinidad seconded the motion, prepared to select the speakers at the next meeting. Motion carried 6:0 Chair Lasker indicated that it's ten (10) minutes to the top of the hour and would like to call for a motion to defer the next two items to the next meeting because Ms. Smith still needs to brief the committee on the agenda item CSW 2015 -07. • 2016 March Women's History Month (Deferred on August 19, 2015) • 2016 April Equal Pay Day Event (Deferred on August 19, 2015) CSW 2015 -07 Report from HSCSW Kauai Rep. Lisa Ellen Smith on the 2016 National Association of Commissions for Women Conference to be held in Hawaii on the island of Oahu on July 16 -21, 2016, and other pertinent updates. (On-going) Ms. Smith stated that she has no report to provide at this time and that she is still waiting for a status report from HSCSW Executive Director Ms. Betts regarding the establishment of a 5106. With no further comments, the Committee moved onto the next agenda item. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 15 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION CSW 2015 -08 Discussion on participating in the YWCA's 3rd Annual Women's Pink Expo Event on Sunday, November 22, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kauai Veteran's Center on Kapule Hi lg zway. Chair Lasker stated that the committee needs to decide today if it wants to participate in the event. She explained that there is no cost to the members anything except for their time. Ms. Crowell stated that event is to benefit the programs of the YWCA. The vendor fee is $65 but because CSW is a non - profit organization the fee will be waived. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller noted that she would be at the event but will have to work at the Zonta Table. Vice Chair Beck stated that she is willing to make a display using some of the Powerpoint slides, but if decides to have a table of her own she could still support CSW in some way. Ms. Smith stated that she would be happy to work at the CSW resource table for the duration of the event to which Ms. Crowell replied she would also help. Chair Lasker called for a motion to participate in the upcoming YWCA Vice Chair Beck moved to participate in the Pink Expo event. YWCA's Pink Expo Event on Sunday, November 22, 2015. Ms. Crowell seconded. Discussion: Ms. Smith asked who will be tasked to fill out the vendor application form to which Ms. Crowell replied she would. With no further discussion, Chair Lasker called for the vote. Motion carried 6:0 Chair Lasker suggested having a discussion on taking shifts to cover the resource table at the next meeting, and the members agreed. Chair Lasker added that along with providing informational brochures, the committee Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 16 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION could also provide water infused with mint leaves and cucumbers, but only if it can have access to the kitchen to which Ms. Crowell added that she would check into it. Chair Beck stated that rather than overwhelm the people with a lot of brochures perhaps the committee could provide information on its upcoming events such as the Women's History Month including a sign -up sheet for people who might be interested in following the legislative bills that effect women here on Kauai. With no further comments, the Committee moved onto the next agenda item. Announcements Chair Lasker made the following announcements: • The next meeting - Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 2A /2B. • Kaua`i Drug Court 26th Graduation Ceremony is set for Friday, November 20, 2015, froml2 to 3 p.m. at the Fifth Judicial Circuit Courtroom 6, in Li-hu`e. • Committee support for the first Coalition meeting regarding the Family Leave Act is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at 12 noon in Honolulu on the Fifteen Floor Conference Room in the State Office Tower. Ms. Smith noted that she would make try to contact the State to see about V -Tech Room in the State building. Vice Chair Beck noted that she will be at Wilcox Hospital tomorrow and could probably ask someone there about using their V -Tech Room in the future. Committee on the Status of Women — Advisory Committee Regular Open Session Meeting October 21, 2015 Page 17 SUBJECT DISCUSSION ACTION Adjournment With no further business to discuss, Chair Lasker called for a motion to Vice Chair Beck moved to adjourn the meeting. adjourn the meeting. Ms. Ignacio - Neumiller seconded the motion. Motion carried 6:0. The meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m. Submitted by: Mercedes Omo, Staff Support Clerk Reviewed and Approved by: ( ) Approved as circulated on (x) Approved as amended. See minutes of November 18, 2015 meeting. Virginia Beck, Vice Chair