Advocates for kids honored at luncheon

State lawmakers recently honored Hawaii's Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth for 2005 at a luncheon at Washington Place.

The event followed a month of activities celebrating Children and Youth Month.

"Our children and youth do not have a voice when it comes to decisions that affect their future," said Rep. Dennis Arakaki, (D, Alewa Heights-Kalihi Valley-Fort Shafter) co-chairman with Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland (D, Sand Island-Kalihi-Liliha-Nuuanu-Pauoa-Puunui) for the Keiki Caucus and Children and Youth Month.

"That is why it is so important that we recognize those who speak up for a child or youth," he said, adding: "Hawaii as a state is so fortunate to have many who are willing to give voice to children and youth concerns and it becomes evident when you look at Hawaii's ranking in the well-being of its children."

This year's Outstanding Advocates for Children and Youth include Hawaii's congressional delegation.

Sens. Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka and Reps. Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case were honored for their voting records on federal legislation affecting children lives.

The Hawaii delegation was ranked first with a 94 percent rating by the Children's Defense Fund, which called them the "Best State Delegation for Children."

Other award recipients were:

» Judith F. Clark, executive director, Hawaii Youth Services Network, for her efforts to coordinate collaborative funding and program development among network members. Brynne Willis, who nominated her, said she is an outstanding role model for many on how we can better serve the youth of today."

» Honolulu Theater for Youth, where about 85 percent of Hawaii's children go at least once a year "to be amused, inspired and emotionally and intellectually moved by plays that celebrate who they are while reflecting and validating the experience of living and growing up in Hawaii," said Stephanie Conching of Maryknoll Schools.

» Diane McKeague, employee of the Volunteer Center of Maui County, who organized high school rallies to prevent underage drinking and has coordinated the Annual Youth Summit to Prevent Underage Drinking for five years.

» Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Hawaii, which allows employees to spend 1.5 hours a week mentoring children at Moanalua Middle School, Shafter and Red Hill Elementary Schools.

The State Commission on Fatherhood also presented Hawaii Outstanding Parent-Friendly Business Awards to Keiki O Ka Aina Family Learning Center and First Hawaiian Bank.

The center received the Small Business Award for policies allowing employees to attend children's school activities, care for illnesses in the family and to take care of their own health and well-being.

First Hawaiian received the Large Business Award for giving employees access to information and referrals to community resources, child care options, flexible work and lunch hours and paid time off to address a child's health concerns.