Bill 52 introduced to prevent bullying on O‘ahu

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, October 4, 2022

HONOLULU – On Wednesday, October 5, 2022, the Honolulu City Council will hear Bill 52, “Relating to Bullying of Youth.” Mayor Blangiardi thanks Council Member Augie Tulba for introducing Bill 52, designed to prevent bullying of youths in City programs on City property, prevent retaliation against those who report bullying and establish City policies and procedures necessary to provide a protective environment for youth. Our administration has been working very hard to improve Honolulu’s municipal equality index rating, which trails behind other major cities in the United States. Inclusivity, respect, equality and fairness for all residents and taxpayers are shared values in our community and bullying of youth runs counter to those values and will not be tolerated in our City youth programs.

“We proposed an anti-bullying bill to ensure our City provides a protective environment for all of our youth, not just some. Bullying can take many forms and has no place in city programs or on city property,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “All youth should know there is a place for them in our city programs, like Summer Fun, where they will be welcomed and treated as equals amongst their peers, knowing that it is a safe space for them to grow and learn. Unfortunately, many youth are reported to have experienced bullying, with bullying of our youngest members of the LGBTQ+ community growing at an alarming rate. Bill 52 serves to stop this vicious cycle as it relates to our future generations and takes major steps forward to stop the vicious cycle of bullying. Mahalo to Council Member Augie Tulba for introducing this measure on behalf of our administration and for continuing to be a strong advocate in protecting our young people.”

“I was bullied growing up in Kalihi, and it was even harder to see my kids face the same challenges," said Council Member Augie Tulba. "For the last 10 years through my daughter’s foundation B.R.A.V.E. (Be Respectful And Value Everyone), my family and I have been involved in bringing awareness to bullying and advocating for a culture of respect and kindness in our schools and community. Bill 52 (2022) is the City’s opportunity to take a huge step in preventing bullying at our City programs and establishing policies to ensure our youth have safe programs to grow and thrive."

To read Bill 52, view the City Council calendar, or for information on how to submit testimony, visit https://www.honolulucitycouncil.org/.

—PAU—

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