June 2016 -

Access to Justice Conference

WHMCadmin on June 28, 2016

All five State of Hawaii mediation center’s

West Hawaii Mediation Center staff, Zaheva Knowles, Chelsea LaFrance and Gina Tumasone, attended the annual Access to Justice Conference on June 24, 2016 at the William S. Richardson School of Law on Oahu. Keynote speaker and access to justice champion former Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, of the New York Supreme Court shared the important role that non-attorneys, mediators, and pro bono legal aid plays in helping communities obtain critical access to the judicial system. Chief Judge Lippman underscored that most litigants, the majority of whom are low-income, people of color, with limited education, appear in court without a lawyer for critical types of cases: evictions; domestic violence; child custody; guardianship; visitation; support; and paternity. His message to conference attendees was that we must continue to challenge ourselves to find new and creative ways to help those who are in need of legal representation or guidance to ensure that they get their day in court—with the goal being 100% access for Hawaii’s most needy.

Throughout the day a variety of speakers addressed different avenues of access to justice including mediation, attacking implicit bias, understanding the historical and cultural impact of the Hawaiian people as it relates to equal access and the resources available to assist our own clients. Bringing people together of diverse backgrounds and fields of practice gave WHMC staff insight into the important issues and challenges we face. We appreciate the work of the Access to Justice Commission and their hard work putting together this free conference every year. We look forward to participating again next year.

Hawai’i Civil Rights Training

WHMCadmin on June 21, 2016

The state of Hawai’i has a strong commitment to the protection of civil rights. The legislature gave meaning to this commitment by creating the Hawai’i Civil Rights Commission (HCRC) in 1989. The HCRC was organized in 1990 and officially opened its doors in January 1991. For twelve years the HCRC has enforced state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and access to state and state-funded services. The HCRC receives, investigates, conciliates, and adjudicates complaints of discrimination.

As part of its commitment to civil rights, the HCRC supports mediation by giving aggrieved parties an opportunity to resolve their claims before they advance through the formal process. By providing the parties an opportunity to mediate their disputes, the HCRC supports WHMC’s mission of empowering individuals to reach peaceful solutions to the conflicts that arise in their lives.

WHMC Hosts 3rd Annual Middle School Peer Mediator Conference

WHMCadmin on June 2, 2016

Nearly 50 peer mediators from Kohala and Kealakehe middle schools gathered in Hawi for the 3^rd Annual Middle School Peer Mediator Conference. The students were joined by numerous adults and volunteers, including WHMC BOD members Ruth Smith and Jan Marrack. The purpose of the event is to bring together mediators from different schools so that they can get to know one another and develop camaraderie over their shared interest in mediation. The day was filled with an abundance of positive, youthful energy as the mediators engaged in a diversity of activities including a mixer, the creation of 60-90 second video commercials about peer mediation, a rousing game of kick softball, and an ono lunch served with aloha by the friendly staff at The Hub. Students were sent on their way with gift bags and our sincere aloha for the service they offer to their schools. This event gets larger and more complex every year and we are grateful for the support of the Hub, volunteer videographer Mike Frailey, school counselors Lauren Canton and Lisa Harris, WHMC BOD and staff members, and most of all – the kids! It’s easy to get excited about the future when you spend the day around such engaging youth.