Posted on: Sunday, June 8, 2003

First forum on state's child services program tomorrow

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Hawai'i residents will be able to give their views of the state's Child Protective Services program at a series of forums being held by the House Committee on Human Services and Housing.

The first of the meetings will be held 7 p.m. tomorrow at Nanaika-pono Elementary School cafeteria at 89-195 Farrington Highway. State Human Services Director Lillian Koller is expected to participate.

Others scheduled to attend the meeting tomorrow include House Human Services Chairman Mike Kahikina, D-44th (Nanakuli, Honokai Hale), House Health Chairman Dennis Arakaki, D-30th (Moanalua, Kalihi Valley, 'Alewa), Leeward child welfare administrator Pat Oshiro, family advocates John Rayford, Harry W. Simons and Faye Shaver-Simons and several child welfare supervisors.

Kahikina said that he has received numerous complaints and that he believes the agency has subjected some families to inappropriately invasive investigations.

"There are a lot of kids being taken away," Kahikina said, adding that he wants assurances that families are being treated with fairness and compassion by social workers.

The other scheduled meetings are:

• June 16, 7 p.m., Waimanalo Elementary School cafeteria, 41-1330 Kalaniana'ole Highway.

• June 30, 7 p.m., Sunset Beach Elementary School cafeteria, 59-360 Kamehameha Highway.

• July 15, 6 p.m., Kealakehe Intermediate School, 74-5062 'Onipa'a Street (Kailua, Big Island).

• July 16, 6 p.m., Hilo Union Elementary School cafeteria, 506 Waianuenue Avenue.

• July 28, 5 p.m., Kulana 'Oiwi Conference Room, Kalama'ula (across from Coconut Grove, Moloka'i).

• Aug. 6, 6 p.m., King Kaumuali'i Elementary School, Hanama'ulu Road (Lihu'e).

• Aug. 13, 6 p.m., Maui Community College Kaaike Building Room 105 (Kahului).

• Aug. 19, 6 p.m., State Capitol Auditorium, 415 S. Beretania Street.