Hawaii News Now

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The governor has declared March 5 to 12 "Hawaii Says No More" week to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Gov. David Ige presented Maile Zambuto, CEO of the Joyful Heart Foundation, with the official proclamation on Friday.

Locally and nationally recognized musicians, television personalities, athletes, cultural practitioners, and community leaders have joined forces launched a campaign today to raise much-needed visibility and awareness about the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault across the state in a dramatic new series of public service announcements released today by the Joyful Heart Foundation.

In Hawaii, one in seven women is sexually assaulted, according to advocates for victims.

Mariska Hargitay, the Emmy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning actress who stars as Olivia Benson on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, will speak at a National Press Club Speakers Luncheon on March 13.

A three-month collaboration between Whole Foods Market Kahala and the Hawai‘i Children’s Trust Fund has raised $1,029 for the One Strong ‘Ohana campaign. From April through June of this year, Whole Foods Market Kahala customers were able to “recycle” their leftover change at registers upon check-out to benefit One Strong ‘Ohana.

Whole Foods Market is helping shoppers Recycle Your Change! Whole Food's Natalie Aczon says the effort is in support of the Hawaiʻi Children's Trust Fund's One Strong ʻOhana campaign.

The sweet reward of a three-month promotion between Jamba Juice Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i Children’s Trust Fund has raised more than $6,700 for the trust fund’s One Strong ‘Ohana campaign. From January through March of this year, Jamba Juice Hawai‘i donated 25 cents from every Fit ‘n Fruitful smoothie.

Kata Issari, Hawai'i Regional Director of the Joyful Heart Foundation, visits SUNRISE to discuss the Foundation's important work in Hawai'i to heal and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues.

The Joyful Heart Foundation announced today that Kata Issari has joined the organization as its first Hawai'i regional director. Issari will play an integral role in leading the organization's growth locally and dissemination of innovative, statewide programs to serve island residents.

 A new study reveals the number of Hawaii families touched by child abuse.

The Joyful Heart Foundation asked people around the state if they know someone who's been abused. Approximately 40 percent of those people answered "yes."

According to the study, 80 percent feel that it's a major problem, but the remaining 20 percent think it's a minor one.