Thank you for your support of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. We appreciate your dedication to quality journalism. Please enjoy this exclusive story!
Governor Josh Green took a significant step towards addressing domestic violence and sexual assault by signing eight bills at the state Capitol. An additional seven bills focusing on wellness and child welfare were also signed.
Speaking about the importance of the legislation, Governor Green stated, “These bills are about protecting our people.” He highlighted the alarming statistics of violence against women, with 1 in 3 women in both the United States and Hawaii experiencing violence from their partner.
The newly signed bills aim to create a safe and secure environment for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Hawaii. Senate Bill 1527, for example, transfers the Address Confidentiality Program from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor to the state Department of Law Enforcement to enhance protection against stalking.
Included in the package of bills are measures proposed by the Women’s Legislative Caucus, such as House Bills 579, 580, and 581. These bills tackle issues like human trafficking prevention and training requirements for child custody evaluators, ensuring better support for survivors and their families.
The University of Hawaii is also impacted by the legislation, with measures like HB 580 expanding victim-counselor privilege to include confidential advocates employed by the university. Additionally, HB 554 focuses on trauma training for staff, requiring annual sexual misconduct prevention and awareness programs for students, employees, and protecting victims who report campus-based sexual assault.
In a powerful address, Nanci Kreidman, CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center, urged continued efforts to address the complex and costly problem of domestic violence and sexual assault. Kreidman emphasized the importance of ongoing support.
The remaining seven bills primarily concentrate on child welfare and the Office of Wellness and Resilience. Governor Green acknowledged the record highs of child abuse reports in Hawaii in 2021, attributing it to isolation and desperate times. The establishment of the Office of Wellness and Resilience plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
One of the bills, SB 894, transfers the Office of Wellness and Resilience to the state Department of Human Services, while SB 295 establishes the Malama ‘Ohana Working Group within the Office of Wellness and Resilience. This group, consisting of representatives from organizations like EPIC Ohana Inc. and Hale Kipa, will recommend changes to the child welfare system.
Venus Rosete-Medeiros, President and CEO of Hale Kipa, emphasized the tragedy of over-represented Native Hawaiian youth in the child welfare system and the importance of addressing this issue.
Furthermore, HB 948 will introduce a two-year child and adolescent crisis mobile outreach team pilot program on Oahu and another on a neighboring island. These teams will provide immediate support to families in crisis, helping them stabilize and access necessary resources.
In terms of child protection, HB 777 mandates more extensive background checks for employees, volunteers, and contractors working closely with minors or vulnerable adults. HB 349 and SB 1267 expand protective order jurisdictions for teens and victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault who are temporarily residing in Hawaii.
Gov. Green expressed his gratitude to the Senate and House leaders for their contribution. These bills mark a significant step forward in supporting survivors and safeguarding the well-being of Hawaiians.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
