Hawaii’s Children’s Organizations Unify, Launch Policy Agenda

(HONOLULU, HI — January 14, 2016) — Today, Hawaii Children’s Action Network (HCAN) convened children’s advocates and lawmakers to launch the state’s first-ever Hawaii’s Children’s Policy Agenda in time for the 2016 legislative session.

The 2016 Hawaii Children’s Policy Agenda establishes policy priorities and needed investments identified by organizations serving children and their families. Focus areas are education, health and wellness, child welfare and safety, economic security and equity for children and family strengthening. The agenda was outlined this morning at the Hawaii State Capitol.

“Hawaii has fallen behind in areas that measure how well our children are doing”, said Deborah Zysman, HCAN’s executive director. “We created this policy initiative to make sure we’re taking smart steps to get back on track.”

Recommended measures include addressing topics from early education and paid family leave to homelessness.

“These policy positions come from professionals and volunteers working directly with our kids, from people who know what needs to be fixed and how,” said Zysman.


About the Hawaii Children’s Action Network
The Hawaii Children’s Action Network (HCAN) grew out of Good Beginnings Alliance (GBA), the veteran organization that for two decades has been focused on childhood issues. In 2015, the respected nonprofit was renamed to reflect a broader mission of expanded advocacy and community organizing to support all of Hawaii’s children. For more information, visit www.hawaii-can.org.

Media Note: A summary and copy of the 2016 Hawaii Children’s Policy Agenda can be downloaded here. www.hawaii-can.org/2016policyagenda

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