ADMINISTRATION HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH AND SAFETY

Aug 2 - During a ceremony at the State Capitol last week, Lt. Governor Aiona declared a month for prostate cancer awareness, recognized the unique efforts of a 9-year-old girl, and praised volunteers of a late-night basketball league for making a positive difference in the community.

On behalf of Governor Lingle, the Lt. Governor proclaimed September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Hawai`i.

An estimated 780 men in Hawai`i will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and statistics show the disease may take the lives of 130 men across the state in 2007 alone.

Separately, the Lt. Governor honored 9-year-old Kailua resident Hannah Skaggs by proclaiming Aug. 30, 2007 as No Screens Day, reflecting her efforts to have young people turn off their TVs and their computers for a day and participate in outdoor activities with friends.

Hannah's efforts last year resulted in 650 families turning off their televisions and spending time together. This year she hopes to encourage more than 2,000 children statewide to do the same.

In another ceremony, the Lt. Governor declared Aug. 2 as Teams Against Trouble Day, recognizing the positive outlet a late-night basketball league has become for youth in Kalihi.

More than 25,000 young adults have participated in the league since it was founded 16 years ago. Perhaps most important is that the league has taken them off the streets and put them into an environment that encourages teamwork and fair play.

Watch the proclamation ceremony here.