Honoring Hawai`i's Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth
Governor Lingle recognized individuals and organizations who work to make life better for Hawai`i's children during a luncheon at Washington Place. "It is important to pause and recognize those who go above and beyond, especially in times that are so challenging as these, to recognize people who, even in tough times, found a way to help others," Governor Lingle said.
Governor Lingle, Senator Chun-Oakland, Representative Mizuno, Representative Brower and community leaders recognize Michael Wood (third from left) during the luncheon.
"The most important thing we can do is set children on the right path and give them the tools they need to live a good life," the Governor added.
The following individuals and organizations were recognized:
- Ron Mizutani and Greg Lau of KHON for their reporting of issues affecting youth, such as domestic violence, violent crimes and safety issues.
- Michael Wood, who was instrumental in building the Ho`omalu O Na Kamali`i receiving home for children removed from abusive or neglectful parents on Leeward O`ahu.
- Hawai`i Self Storage, for its community outreach programs, including scholarships for graduating high school seniors.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hawai`i, which provides one-on-one mentorship for youths and offers activities that include ukulele lessons, art lessons, video production, leadership programs, community service projects, cultural field trips and career shadowing.
- Jean and Michael Morrisey of Lexington, Massachusetts. They spearheaded efforts in New England to pass baby safe haven laws which allow parents to surrender newborn infants without facing criminal prosecution.
- Melissa Monette, a 17-year-old from Mililani who created a nonprofit called Harvest for Many Inc. to feed children. Over three years she has helped distribute more than 22,000 pounds of food.
- Juliet Lighter, a domestic violence survivor, who went on to be crowned Miss Hawai`i. She created the nonprofit Women Speaking Out foundation to raise awareness of the dangers of teen dating and domestic violence.
- Loretta "Deliana" Fuddy, chief of the Family Health Services division at the Department of Health. In her 35 years at DOH, she has overseen or developed programs to benefit Hawai‘i’s children.
- Honolulu Community Action Program Inc. (HCAP) which serves more than 1,650 children and their families each year.
- John "Jay" Jarman, founder of Common Grace. In the wake of the shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999, Jarman came to the conclusion that another such tragedy could be avoided if adults took time to befriend and take an interest in youths.
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Governor Lingle declared the month of October as Children and Youth Month in Hawai`i. Read the proclamation.
