Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
Psychologists back same-sex marriages
The nation's largest association of psychologists decided today to support the legalization of same-sex marriage and to oppose discrimination against lesbian and gay parents.The policy positions were approved by the American Psychological Association's Council of Representatives during the APA's 112th convention in Waikiki.
The positions drawn up by the APA Working Group on Same-Sex Families and Relationships are meant to guide psychologists in the public debate over civil marriage for same-sex couples.
"The APA recognizes the importance of the institution of civil marriage, which confers a social status with important legal benefits, rights and privileges," said Armand Cerbone, a Chicago psychologist who chaired the working group.
"Discrimination of all kinds takes a toll on people's health and psychological well-being," he said. "In the context of the huge social and political debate that is currently going on, APA and psychologists had to grapple with the issue of what psychology believes is in the public interest in this controversy."
The seven-member working group was charged by the council in February with basing its policy recommendations on research into same-sex relationships and families.
The group found that discrimination and prejudice based on sexual orientation harms the psychological, physical, social and economic well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals.
The panel also concluded same-sex couples are remarkably similar to heterosexual couples and that parenting effectiveness and the psychological well-being of children are unrelated to parental sexual orientation.
The APA, based in Washington, D.C., boasts a membership that includes more than 150,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students.
Volunteers needed for disaster exercise
The Hawaii chapter of the American Red Cross needs hundreds of volunteers for a mock disaster exercise on Aug. 11 and 12 on Oahu and Maui.The deadline to register is tomorrow.
The Strategic National Stockpile Exercise, run by the state Department of Health, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 11 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu. Register with Cassy Shinabarger at 739-8109, or e-mail shinabarger@hawaii.rr.com
On Maui the exercise is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 12 at the Baldwin High School Auditorium. Register with Erica Getty at 244-0051 or mauiredcross@hawaii.rr.com
Parking and refreshments will be provided at both locations.
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[Taking Notice]
>> The Children's Miracle Network has received $2,956 from the Victoria Ward Mother's Day fund-raiser, which gave hydrangea plants to shoppers who spent $25 or more and donated $5 to the CMN. The proceeds will go to the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. The network is a national nonprofit organization that helps children battling diseases and recovering from injuries.>> Arcadia Retirement Residence has received the final installment of a four-year $20,000 grant from First Hawaiian Foundation, the charitable arm of First Hawaiian Bank, for community outreach programs for seniors.
>> The March of Dimes Hawaii Chapter has awarded $10,000 to Malama Family Recovery Center to support prenatal health education in Lahaina, Maui, through the Baby SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) program. The nonprofit center will provide prevention services to pregnant women at risk for substance abuse.
>> The 2004 Kona Brewers Festival planning committee and the Healy Foundation have donated $26,500 to eight nonprofit organizations, including the Aloha Brewers Guild, which was awarded $2,500; Chefs de Cuisine Kona, Kona Chapter, $2,000; Kula Na Mea Hawaii and Kohanaiki, $3,500 each; Recycle Hawaii, $4,000; Tropical Reforestation & Ecosystem Education, $9,000; and Hawaii Montessori School in Kona and the Society for Kona's Education and Art, $1,000 each.
>> The Hawaii Foodbank has received a 14-foot refrigerated truck, valued at $50,000, from ConAgra Foods' Feeding Children Better Foundation, which supports the collection and distribution of fresh fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods.
>> David Lassner, chief information officer of the University of Hawaii, has been elected chairman of the Internet2 Applications Strategy Council and to serve on its Board of Trustees. Internet2 is a consortium led by 206 universities working with government to develop advanced network applications and technologies.
"Taking Notice" also runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffLEEWARD OAHU
Woman is arrested on suspicion of car theft
Police arrested a 34-year-old woman early yesterday in connection with a car theft earlier this month.The woman was pulled over in the 84-300 block of Farrington Highway near the Makua cave at about 2:20 a.m. after an alleged traffic violation, police said.
The car's license plates were found to be those of a car reported stolen from Waialua on July 4.
Police arrested the woman for outstanding warrants and on suspicion of car theft.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Rayven Abordo: The 15-year-old was reported missing from a Hilo home since July 14
Big Isle police search for missing Hilo teen
Big Island police are looking for a 15-year-old girl reported missing from a home in Hilo since July 14.Rayven Abordo is described as part-Hawaiian, 5 feet 4 inches in height, weighing about 150 pounds with a medium build and having a tan complexion, brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call Detective John Ancheta of the East Hawaii Juvenile Aid Section at 961-2276 or the police non-emergency telephone number at 935-3311.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
