Commentary
In darkest of times, don't let down our keiki

By Dennis A. Arakaki

We have heard it countless times since Sept. 11— that the world as we know it will no longer be the same because of the events in New York and Washington.

"Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate Hawai'i's keiki as our most precious resource," says Dennis Arakaki Advertiser library photo

We see an unprecedented sense of fear and insecurity that has not been a part of the American psyche since the days of the Depression. Our young people, even if not directly in touch with those expressions of fear and insecurity, can sense the apprehension and anxiety in adults around them.

Concern for our children must be reflected at all levels of society — from the basic family unit to our president and national government, remembering that children often become unintended victims during crisis and in times of war.

To put things into perspective, more than 5,000 victims died in the Sept. 11 acts of terrorism but more than 12 million children die every year as victims of starvation, preventable diseases and wars. All these deaths are shameful and needless.

Here in Hawai'i, despite the tragic events and ensuing economic downturn, we must remain steadfast in ensuring that all Hawai'i's children and youth grow up healthy, safe and ready to learn and succeed.

Healthy now and later

	That personal touch
	The American Counseling Association suggests the following ways to help children cope with disaster:
•	Children should be limited in their exposure to TV and other media exposure, especially those that are graphic and violent.
•	Allow children to express their feelings about what happened.
•	Reassure children that they are now safe and that they are loved.
•	Be honest and factual with children about what happened.
•	Return your children and family to a normal routine as possible.
•	Spend extra time with your child, doing something positive and fun.
•	Remember the importance of touch. A hug can provide reassurance.
•	Review safety procedures so children feel safe and prepared.
•	Talk with teachers, baby sitters, daycare providers and others so they know how the child has been affected.
•	Watch for re-enactment of disasters or excessive reference to the traumatic experience by children as opportunities for resolution.

We know that loss of full-time employment may result in loss of health-care benefits, but do we realize that it could also mean loss of dependent health insurance coverage for children? Will loss of jobs mean that families will no longer be able to afford health insurance for their children?

One solution would be to raise the eligibility levels for the state's QUEST Health Insurance to 300 percent of the federal poverty level for all children in Hawai'i as allowed by the federally funded Children's Health Insurance Program or CHIP. Raising the eligibility threshold to 300 percent would bring in new federal dollars on a 2-to-1 match and could, in all practicality, provide universal health insurance coverage for all children in Hawai'i.

Safe homes and families

Questions being raised regarding the safety and security of our environment, our workplaces, schools and communities are bound to affect our children and youth. The insecurities and fears of adults are unintentionally transmitted to children.

We must provide safe havens for children especially in our homes, at their schools and where they play. In addition, we must be mindful that stresses from the threats of war and terrorism along with loss of work and income could bring added pressure and tension that could result in abusive behavior.

There are also concerns that lack of employment opportunities and termination of welfare benefits because of time limits may result in large number of children being abandoned or severely neglected. Relatives, friends and neighbors must be especially vigilant in noticing signs of parental stress, or indications of abuse or neglect in children. For children to be nurtured and thrive even through troubled times, we must provide them with environments that are free from physical and psychological harm.

Ready to learn and succeed

The real test of stability during this crisis will be our continued investment in education. Providing millions for tourism promotion on one hand while, on the other, asking the Department of Education to restrict its budget because of revenue shortfalls, sends messages that indicate our priorities are askew and we lack the will to "walk the talk."

The recent settlement between the governor and the teachers union sets an example of how we must put aside our personal agendas and positions for the sake of our children and the greater good. Teachers, skilled and ready to teach with the proper tools to prepare our children and youth for a challenging future, are keys to overcoming fears and preventing terrorism, whether the threat is technological, biological or to the economy.

Fear can grow and fester like a cancer in the absence of knowledge and information. All the rhetoric espoused about developing new sources of revenue other than tourism or a more diversified economy means a larger investment in higher education is a necessity rather than an option. Hawai'i's colleges and universities must be the fertile soil from which bold and innovative ideas are sown, grown and harvested.

Hope for the future

One of the intangible but critical elements needed for all children and youth in Hawai'i is hope for the future. When a person feels in his or her heart that the future is something to look forward to, it can greatly affect one's attitude about life.

Fears and anxieties brought on by the tragic toll of terrorism have left many with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Nothing could be worse to a child's development, self-esteem and psyche than that.

We must be able to picture a bright future for our children and youth.

Celebrate our children

Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate Hawai'i's keiki as our most precious resource. Despite the avalanche of negatives heaped upon us in the past few weeks, we have an opportunity to lift up our youngsters and demonstrate what is positive and hopeful about Hawai'i's children and youth. We can show the world and the nation how we as a community have provided our children with one of the safest and healthiest places to raise a child.

While it can be argued that every day should be Children and Youth Day and every month should be Children and Youth Month, we may be the only state in the country that has chosen by statute to set aside a day and a month to celebrate our children and youth. This year's Children and Youth Month will be celebrated today on the grounds of the State Capitol and 'Iolani Palace, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is free to the public and everyone is welcome.

If you are unable to join us today, check the Web site for other events that are planned for Children and Youth Month, all made possible by the collaboration of public and private agencies, organizations and businesses.

We also invite all those who are interested in advocating for children and youth to join the Keiki Caucus in setting the 2002 legislative agenda for children and youth at a meeting on Thursday, Oct.18, at the State Capitol auditorium starting at 9 a.m. Call 586-6050 for more information.

Most important, during these stressful times take time to tell a child or youth how special and important that individual is to our collective future. Listen to their ideas and concerns or just give them a reassuring hug.