From the Hawaii Tribune Herald at http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2006/11/05/features/features01.txt
Mainstreet board names Pahoa 'Home of Domestic Harmony'
Sunday, November 5, 2006 10:35 AM HST
Angel Festivals, Bay Clinic outreach efforts more than 6 years ago proved to be the catalyst for ever-growing, expanding awareness, say residents.
The board of Mainstreet Pahoa voted unanimously recently to designate Pahoa as "The Home of Domestic Harmony."Mainstreet Vice President Star Newland noted in support of the proposal that Pahoa was "the birthplace of domestic harmony awareness six-plus years ago when the first events were held with Angel Festivals and Bay Clinic.
"Since this was initiated here we have seen our outreach grow and grow beyond Pahoa throughout East Hawaii, islandwide, to other islands, other states and now other countries," said Newland. "We started with just a few people involved, or even interested, then to now when we are touching many thousands."
The governor, mayor and County Council have offered support via proclamations over the years."Looking at the recent articles in our local papers reveals an underlying trend towards more violence starting with our children. Research shows a distinct linkage between domestic violence and drug and alcohol issues."
It just makes sense morally, socially and economically that whatever we can do to bring more harmony to our lives and communities will reduce these related problems associated with domestic violence," said Newland."
For those reasons this is the year of the Domestic Harmony Awareness Initiative 2006 which includes local music events, literacy activities, skits for intermediate and high school students about changing language to change outcomes, art for youth."
Promotional giveaways will include the "Wearin' o' the green" neon green ribbons, and "Just say Yes to Domestic Harmony" bumper stickers, harmony T-shirt art projects and prizes for the entries in the T-shirt and poster Harmony Art Event at the Domestic Harmony Awareness Day concert at Keaau Village Market on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to around 4 p.m.
Proposed safe-baby legislation is being introduced at State Legislatures in at least four states, including Hawaii, and four countries, said Newland.Goal is to address some of the root causes of domestic violence -- "the violent gestations and births that many of our babies continue to be subject to.""Gentle births more often lead to more gentle babies," said Newland.
The kickoff event for Domestic Harmony Awareness Month will be at Shaka's Nightclub in Pahoa Village on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m.The program will open with a pule (prayer) by Ernie Cruz, dedicating Pahoa to domestic harmony.
Entertainment will feature Puna Keliihoomalu and Friends, Lola, Andrew and Ray, Max and Friends of the Red Road and other performers. Members of the public are invited to join in for an "open mic night."People interested in more details are invited to call Newland at 896-8658, or send her an e-mail: planetpuna@yahoo.com.
And log on to the Web site: http://www.planetpuna.com/dharmony throughout the month to keep up-to-date on proclamations, upcoming events and how you can be involved.
