East Hawaii
Aloha Friday, Members!
Where lush, enchanting rainforests meet the rhythmical, whispering sea; and where swirling, mischievous winds lift aquadescent, dancing waterfalls into the heavens, where they merge, as watercolor archways, with the early morning sun; is where we live. I hope you are taking the time to enjoy the sacredness and beauty of our land.
Like youtube? Please click on the following link to watch a video of today’s East Hawaii chapter meeting. In this video you will hear from myself, as well as other Clinical, Associate, and Student members.
I want to thank you for your continued support and feedback pursuant to division matters. I also want to thank those of you who have already contributed to our Legislative Fund. We are making significant progress and need to continue pressing on. Our current fund raising effort runs through April 30, 2010. We have raised $4678 toward our $10,000 month-end goal. If you have not yet contributed, please do so today.
http://www.hamft.net/index.php/fundraisers/
And, if you prefer to contribute via check, please make your check payable to HAMFT, enter “Legislative Fund” in the memo section of your check, and mail to:
HAMFT Administration
PO Box 2120
Honolulu, HI 96805-2120
We need to retain Alex Santiago as our lobbyist for all of the reasons stated in prior e-mails, and also because he knows the moods and flows of the Hawaii state legislature. When we lobbied for vendorship in 2007 under Alex’s direction, and because he knew who to work with in the Finance Committee, we were able to avoid another “assessment” which would have required at least another year. We would have needed to go through the legislature twice. It was through Alex’s knowledge, experience, and legislative relationships that we were able to attain vendorship in a relatively short period of time. This saved us more than $50,000 in additional costs. With the economic downturn, and the cost-cutting measures within so many agencies; the “upgrading” of our license to include our ability to bill insurance companies brings us greater career opportunity, autonomy, and economic stability.
During the recent bill crisis, under which we nearly lost our MFT licenses in Hawaii along with our ability to bill insurance companies; it was Alex’s relationships with the key legislators that helped us get the bill “killed.” Alex had also been directing me, as HAMFT President, in my leadership efforts. Losing our MFT licenses would have affected all of us: MFTs, interns, and students. Thank you again for your testimony and support during the HB2029 crisis.
By retaining a lobbyist, we are joining the ranks of most other AAMFT, social work, and psychology divisions. It is a method for protecting our licenses and livelihoods, similar to that of an insurance policy. We sincerely hope that we never need it, as with auto, homeowners, or life insurance; but if we do need it, then we are very thankful that we have it. Alex will advocate for HAMFT when something unexpected occurs in the legislature, and will also keep us informed regarding legislation affecting MFTs and mental health concerns. Employing Alex as our lobbyist will help keep our profession safe, strong, and viable.
I want to take some time in this e-mail to introduce our lobbyist, Alex Santiago. Following are some highlights from Mr. Santiago’s resume. Please read them, to gain a better understanding of Alex, his qualifications, and his contributions.
Experience 2008-Present
CEO, PHOCUSED (Protecting Hawaii’s Ohana, Children, UnderServed, Elderly and Disabled)
· Organization providing an advocacy voice for the Health and Human Services sector in Hawaii
2004-2008
Consultant -Executive Director of Hawaii Psychological Association
2003-2004
Chair - Democratic Party of Hawaii
2000-2004
President - Health & Human Services Consultants
Provided Governmental Affairs consulting to:
· Easter Seals Hawaii,
· Honolulu Symphony,
· Hawaii Nurses Association,
· Mental Health Association of Hawaii,
· National Association of Social Workers,
· Hawaii Psychological Association,
· Hawaii Association of Marriage and Family Therapy,
· Adult Foster Home Association and
· Case Management Council
1990-2000
State Representative – Hawaii State Legislature
· Chair, House Health Committee
· Chair, Ocean Marine Resources
· Majority Whip
1988-1995
Director of Social Services – Kahuku Hospital
1985-1988
CPS Social Worker IV, Case Manager – Department of Social Services and Housing, Child Protective Services
1983-1984
Program Director, Youth Intake Center – Susannah Wesley Community Center
1980-1982
Academic Advisor - University of Hawaii College of Continuing Education and Community Services
1979-1980
Associate Director – Community Mediation Services
1978-1979
Paralegal – Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
1975-1977
Audit Clerk – Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington, D.C.
Education MSW - University of Hawaii - 1982
Damien Memorial High School – 1975
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Catholic Charities Board of Directors – 6 years
Protection & Advocacy Center of Hawaii Board of Directors – 2 years
North Shore Neighborhood Board Vice Chair – 2 years
National Conference of State Legislators Social Workers/Legislator Caucus
Founding Chair – 2 years
Hawaii Alliance for Arts Education Board member
Appointed – Hawaii Council for the Humanities
Appointed – Mayor’s Advisory Board Waianae Landfill Oversight
Committee
Please make your contribution today:
http://www.hamft.net/index.php/fundraisers/
And, if you prefer to contribute via check, please make your check payable to HAMFT, enter “Legislative Fund” in the memo section of your check, and mail to:
HAMFT Administration
PO Box 2120
Honolulu, HI 96805-2120
Alex’s duties to HAMFT include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Assist with drafting and amending legislation.
2. Recommend specific strategies and a timetable for implementing the Objective.
3. Assist in preparation of testimony as needed.
4. Help to generate grassroots activities as needed.
5. Monitor legislative and political developments.
6. Carry out other lobbying related duties.
7. Provide HAMFT with timely updates as needed.
8. Satisfy the need to be prepared and represented by someone who can defend our profession when needed.
9. Having someone who is close to the legislative decision makers to insure that MFTs are included in the Task Forces and other legislative opportunities.
10. Having a lobbyist representing HAMFT throughout the year, since much of the decision making occurs during the Interim, between Legislative Sessions, when lobbyists continue to establish and strengthen relationships with legislators. Much of this work is done away from the Capitol in between sessions.
If you need additional information regarding Alex, or his lobbying and consulting duties, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail or phone.
Thus far, 57 of the 329 members have contributed; and we have raised a total of $4678 toward the $10,000 (needed by April 30).
This means that 17.32% of members have contributed, and we have raised 46.78% of the needed funds pursuant to our April 30, 2010 fund raising deadline.
Please make your contribution today:
http://www.hamft.net/index.php/fundraisers/
And, if you prefer to use checks, please make your checks payable to HAMFT, enter “Legislative Fund” in the memo section of your check, and mail to:
HAMFT Administration
PO Box 2120
Honolulu, HI 96805-2120
Many expressed that they were unable to view the photo of my wife Julia and I in a recent e-mail, so we have included it in this one in a different format. I offer this so you can see who is writing you all these e-mails, and his lovely, supportive wife. Aside from spiritual things, our marriage is our highest priority, and we consider it an honor to share the joy with others!
Thank you for your support of the MFT profession, HAMFT, and the Hawaii community.
Big aloha,
Kai
P. D. Kai Swigart, PhD, MFT, CEAP, SAP, CAI
HAMFT President
Chair Political Action Committee
Co-Chair Legislative Committee
Chair Federal Liaison Committee
Chair Membership Committee
Chair Website Development Committee
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HAMFT networks, educates, and advocates for the enrichment of our members, the advancement of our profession, and the health of our community.
