Maui Participates in Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino will issue a proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assualt Awareness Month on Monday, April 8, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

April 1, 2019 is the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi. Several State Departments are partnering to raise public awareness about sexual violence throughout the month of April across the islands.

The Department of the Attorney General, Department of Health, and the Hawaiʻi Coalition Against Sexual Assault are working to raise public awareness about sexual violence and support initiatives that work to prevent sexual violence.  Hawaiʻi’s effort is part of a nationwide campaign.

This year’s SAAM theme, “’I Ask’, encourages and empowers everyone, no matter the scenario, to ask for consent, listen, and accept answers without pressuring or coercing another.”

On April 12, 2019, Governor Ige will officially proclaim April 2019 “Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi” and recognize 14 community members and organizations who are making a difference in Hawaiʻi by encouraging healthy relationships, teaching youth about consent, and how power dynamics impact consent.

These include: Barbie-Lei Burgess, Waiʻanae Neighborhood Place; Jan Fukada and Keʻalapualoke Fukuda, Hawaiʻi State Department of Education; Lorrie Kanno and Officer Anson “Kaipo” Paiva, Weed and Seed Program Hawaiʻi; Gina Kaulukukui, Kauaʻi Police Department; Cathy Kapua, Kuaʻana Project; Cyril Lopez, Jr. and Jennifer Makuakane, Kaʻu Middle and High School; David Matlin and Nick Rolovich, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Athletics; Captain Romuel “Roy” Nafarrete, U.S. Navy, PACFLT SAPRO; Gregg T. Waki, Waiakea High School; and the Maui Sexual Assault First Responders.

“Sexual violence has no place in our communities,” said Attorney General Clare E. Connors. “I commend every effort to raise awareness of the problem and I am encouraged that so many are promoting the value and importance of healthy human relationships.”

According to the 2015 and 2017 Hawaiʻi Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 1 in 12 high school students (8.5%) who dated or went out with someone in the previous 12 months experienced sexual dating violence. Anyone can experience sexual violence, including children, teens, adults, and seniors.

Local SAAM proclamations will be held throughout the islands during the month of April:

Maui Mayor’s SAAM Proclamation

Monday, April 8, 2019, 10 a.m.
University of Hawaiʻi Maui College

Kauaʻi Mayor’s SAAM Proclamation/Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

Monday, April 1, 2019, 1 p.m.
Kauaʻi County Office Building Rotunda

Honolulu Mayor SAAM Proclamation and City Council Certificate Ceremony

Tuesday, April 16, 2019, 1 p.m.
Honolulu Hale, City Council Chamber (3rd Floor)