WHEREAS, the mission statement of the Department of Human Services states, in conjunction with child welfare services, that, "Our committed staff strives, day-in and day-out, to provide timely, efficient and effective programs, services and benefits, for the purpose of achieving the outcome of empowering those who are the most vulnerable in our State to expand their capacity for self-sufficiency, self-determination, independence, healthy choices, quality of life and personal dignity"; and

WHEREAS, child welfare services has provided timely, efficient, and effective programs on the Big Island in the communities of Hilo, Kau, Kamuela, Captain Cook, and Kona; and

WHEREAS, child welfare services has announced the closure of the Kau, Kamuela, and Captain Cook offices; and

WHEREAS, the closure of these three offices will seriously hamper the accessibility of child welfare services in several communities, including Oceanview, Naalehu, Pahala, Honalo, Kainaliu, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Hookena, Milolii, Kamuela, Hawi, and Halaula; and

WHEREAS, the closure of these three offices will present a hardship for the populations served, as it will necessitate having to travel up to fifty miles to the Kona office on roads that are often congested and unsafe and on routes where public transportation is marginal; and

WHEREAS, the closure of these offices contradicts the stated mission, goals, and objectives of the Department of Human Services; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that the Department of Human Services is urged to reconsider its reorganization plan for the Big Island that eliminates child welfare services offices in Kau, Kamuela, and Captain Cook; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Human Services is urged to work with its staff, the community, and the Legislature to resolve any logistics or financial problems that may endanger the continued provision of services from these offices; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of Human Services, the Mayor and county council chairperson of the County of Hawaii, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Human Services of the Senate, and the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Human Services of the House of Representatives.

Report Title:

Child Welfare Services; Offices Closure; Big Island; Reconsider