HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	37
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of education to expand its teen pregnancy education program and encouraging community organizations to train youth groups to educate And Raise Awareness among teens about teen pregnancy.

     WHEREAS, teen pregnancy in Hawaii is a great concern throughout the State; and

     WHEREAS, approximately 3,600 teen pregnancies occur a year in Hawaii; and

     WHEREAS, Hawaii ranks twelfth in the nation in the number of teen pregnancies; and

     WHEREAS, education and awareness are key in preventing unwanted teen pregnancies; and

     WHEREAS, the Department of Education can play a significant role in educating teens about teen pregnancy; and

     WHEREAS, community groups can also play an important role in providing training to youth groups whom, in turn, can educate others and spread awareness; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that the Department of Education is requested to expand the peer education program and train peers in providing advice relating to sex and sexuality in order to prevent unwanted teen pregnancies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is further requested to train faculty to talk with teens about sex and teen pregnancy; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is also requested to support a program of peer presenters who can speak to classes about the issue of teen pregnancy; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that community organizations with expertise in teen pregnancy are encouraged to offer training to youth groups like the Honolulu Community Action Program's Youth Advisory Council and other interested groups on how to educate and bring awareness to teens on the issue of teen pregnancy; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education, the Director of Human Services, the Honolulu Community Action Program, and the Hawaii Youth Services Network.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Teen Pregnancy; Keiki Caucus