WHEREAS, it is with great sorrow that the people and state of Hawaii have learned that the CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS of Hawaii will soon end their 20 year commitment to the Keiki of Hawaii as part of a national reorganization and reallocation of resources throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS, a national privately endowed nonprofit agency whose mission is to support families, youth, and children in reaching their full potential, has served the most vulnerable Keiki of Hawaii since 1984 with an office in Honolulu and a second office in Hilo; and

WHEREAS, the Honolulu Division of the CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS took the lead role with the "Adoption Connection" in developing and implementing much needed post-adoption services such as support groups, training, and mentoring for both the parents and children of recent adoption; and

WHEREAS, the Hilo Division of the CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS was the catalyst for the formation of "Coalition 4 Youth," a collaboration of over 15 agencies that help foster youth become more self sufficient; and

WHEREAS, professional staff and personnel in both offices of the CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS have been exemplary and active in many community groups to raise the awareness on how to improve the quality and quantity of resources for our youth in foster care; and

WHEREAS, the selfless commitment of CASEY FAMILY PROGRAMS and staff in offering leadership and dedication to improve the quality of life enjoyed by all citizens -- especially foster and adoptive keiki -- is deeply respected and appreciated; now, therefore,