THE SENATE

S.R. NO.

43

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE RESOLUTION

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO WORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE YOUTH OF THE FIRST REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY AGENCIES IN THE AREA TO DEVELOP COMMUNITY-BASED YOUTH PROGRAMS.

 

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii is committed to the youth of our State, as they truly represent the finest and best potential for a better and brighter future; and

WHEREAS, it is the State's goal to empower each student, and help provide those kinds of opportunities that nurture and encourage them to use their abilities, to soar to new heights, and to "shoot for the stars"; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes students as our top priority, with commitment to public school reform, which provides greater decision-making at the school level, ensuring that schools receive realistic funding, and increased accountability at all levels; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature also recognizes the ice epidemic on the Big Island as a top priority, funding prevention, treatment, and law enforcement, including community mobilization and community based prevention; and

WHEREAS, in today's society, students encounter many challenges that present possible stumbling blocks and obstacles that may prevent them from achieving their highest potential; and

WHEREAS, every day students face concerns such as substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and a host of other negative influences; and

WHEREAS, by channeling their energies and efforts into constructive programs and activities, students further develop their talents, knowledge, and willingness to serve the needs of others; and

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the power of each community's ability to bring various parties, agencies, and people together for the common goal of advancing the interests of our youth; and

WHEREAS, a critical element of the success of such endeavors is the active involvement of our youth to contribute their valuable insight to develop more effective strategies to meet these challenges; and

WHEREAS, the students from various schools have already initiated efforts to build programs that present opportunities for personal growth and development and a strong sense of confidence and pride; and

WHEREAS, this kind of effort will gain the greatest success with the involvement and support of the community and its agencies, such as the Department of Education, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation, the County of Hawaii Police Department, and the County of Hawaii Fire Department; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2004, that the Department of Education is requested to work in conjunction with the youth of the First Representative District to continue to support community associations and other agencies such as the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the County of Hawaii Police Department, the County of Hawaii Fire Department, the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation, and other public and private agencies, to develop specific programs such as athletic leagues, youth centers, youth hotlines, and fine arts activities in the areas of music, drama, or dance that will channel collective energies in a positive direction; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education, with broad community participation, and in conjunction with youth, various community leaders, and other agencies, is requested to provide assistance in developing community-based programs that promote leadership-building, team spirit, high self-esteem, and reinforcement of values that result in positive contributions to the community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a report to the Legislature on the progress of the collective efforts of establishing community-based programs for youth no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2005; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Education, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Hawaii County Director of Parks and Recreation, the Hawaii County Chief of Police, the Hawaii County Fire Chief, the Rural South Hilo Community Association, the North Hilo Community Council, the Hamakua District Development Council, and the Kohala Intergenerational Center.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Community based youth programs.