Striving for harmony

WAIMEA — According to recent statistics, 5 million children witness domestic violence each year in the U.S., and 40 million adult Americans grew up living with domestic violence.

Closer to home, in the last year a mother and her two children were killed on the Big Island as a result of domestic violence. And approximately 70 percent of cases go unreported.

These chilling facts have motivated Waimea residents to bring the pressing issue to the forefront. On Oct. 28, they are hosting the town’s first Domestic Harmony Peace Walk and Vigil.

Lana Incillio, a domestic violence survivor, is part of the event’s planning committee, along with representatives from the Waimea prosecutor’s office, Waimea police department and caring individuals.

“The title we have adopted for the event is Domestic Harmony, in light of the negativity and injustice that surrounds such crimes. We wanted to use language which gives it a positive solution approach,” she said. “The committee was formed by concerned agencies and volunteers within our community. It’s about sharing love and harmony even in the darkest of places.”

At 4 p.m., participants will assemble at Waimea Park for a blessing and at 4:15 they will walk together to Church Row. Sign waiving will commence at 4:30 p.m. with a vigil, resource fair and light refreshments. The event will conclude with a lighting of candles at 7 p.m.

“I hear a lot of domestic arguments as a police officer,” May Lee said, a community policing officer in Waimea who will be speaking at the event. “I think there needs to be more awareness of the effect it has on families within the community and judicial system.”

Additional guest speakers are Mitch Roth, prosecuting attorney for the Big Island; Dara Carlin, an independent domestic violence survivor advocate from Kona; District 9 County Councilmember Margaret Wille; and a kahu representative from New Beginnings Assembly of God.

“People tend to think of it as a woman’s issue but it effects everybody,” Roth said. “Domestic violence is a root cause for other crimes.”

Currently, North Hawaii doesn’t have resources set up to assist residents wanting to escape domestic abuse. Those who want to file a temporary restraining order (TRO) have to go to Kealakekua or Hilo.

“Our goal is for the victims to be able to file TROs in Waimea,” said Donni Sheather, a council aide and planning committee member. “Our long-term goal is to have a shelter and safe house here too.”

The event’s planning committee is looking for community support.

“Oct. is domestic violence month. Kona and Hilo have held marches with speakers in the past but this is the first year for Waimea,” Incillio said. “Anyone is welcome to participate. I want to work together to find solutions to support the victims and their families with resources and a system that enables them to break this cycle of violence that can run through many generations. We’re hoping to make a change and get support from the judicial program. It’s a broken system that we need to fix.”

Women and children suffer many forms of abuse within society.

“Silence contributes to violence against them,” Incillio said. “If your mothers and daughters — and even men along with kupuna — are effected by violence, it is everyone’s kuleana.”

Churches, schools, businesses, hospitals and government officials have been invited to participate in the event. The committee has also reached out to the fatherhood initiative groups.

“We are inviting them to come alongside us, showing that it’s not all right to use abuse in any form against our families,” Incillio said.

The lighting of the candles at the end of the ceremony will signify the lives lost to domestic violence and the families that still live on and speak up for their loved one.

“My hope is that the vigil will raise awareness, education and prevention,” Incillio said. “Domestic violence thrives when we are silent, but if we take a stand and work together we can bring forth changes.”

Info: Lana at 557-5626