For Immediate Release: February 17, 2021
Press Release by:
Councilmember Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez
Vice-Chair, Maui County Council
Council to hear resolution urging governor to establish protocols to resume sports and recreational activities
KAUNAKAKAI, Hawaiʻi—Council Vice-Chair Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez announced today she has introduced a resolution for Friday’s council meeting to urge Governor David Y. Ige to create a task force to establish protocols to safely resume organized sports and recreational activities in Hawai‘i.
The resolution states that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated their website to provide guidance on engaging in sports during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rawlins-Fernandez said. In response, California’s Department of Public Health recently posted guidelines on returning youth and adults to recreational sports.
“We have resources available to provide necessary guidance to safely return our youth and adults back to recreational sports consistent with current CDC guidance,” Rawlins-Fernandez said. “It’s time for the governor to take necessary steps to establish statewide guidelines to get our kids back to safe, organized play.”
The resolution cites the World Health Organization, stating “sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on the health, well-being, and quality of life of individuals,” and “quarantine can also cause additional stress and challenge the mental health of citizens.”
“We know that re-engaging our youth with sports and teammates has physical and psychological benefits,” said Rawlins-Fernandez, whose resolution cites Academy of Pediatrics guidance stating “youth may experience benefits from increased socialization and friends and coaches and return to a more structured routine.”
Members of the public can view the council meeting on Akaku Channel 53 or provide testimony via the video conference link or phone number listed on the meeting agenda at MauiCounty.us/agendas.
In addition to receiving testimony by phone or video conference, the council will accept written testimony. For instructions on submitting written testimony, please visit http://mauicounty.us/testify/.
For more information, visit Mauicounty.us or contact the Office of Council Services at (808)270-7838.
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