FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       October 14, 2005

   Release No. M-79

           MAYOR HANNEMANN ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH VERIZON WIRELESS TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

            Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced that his administration will partner with Verizon Wireless to help address the needs of victims of family and domestic violence.

            “As is the case in many cities in our country, domestic violence is a serious issue on Oahu,” Hannemann said.  “What we hope to do is raise awareness about, and help curb, a painful and often devastating problem in our community.”

            Over the next few weeks, the administration will encourage local business leaders to take advantage of free programs Verizon Wireless offers, including the exhibiting of posters to raise awareness about domestic violence assistance, collecting used cell phones to benefit victims through Verizon’s HopeLine Program, learning about workplace guidelines, and to take part in the annual Men’s March against Violence on October 27^th.

            “Domestic violence is serious, but preventable in many instances,” Hannemann said.  “It’s not an issue that should be swept under the rug.  The more we educate ourselves and become involved, the closer we will get to a solution to this problem.”

            October is recognized around the country as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  It is estimated that issues of domestic violence cost American businesses more than $3 billion each year in absenteeism, health care costs, turnover and productivity.

            “We welcome Mayor Hannemann’s involvement in encouraging businesses, and the community at large, to address the needs of domestic violence in Honolulu, and to donate used cell phones for our HopeLine program” said Verizon’s Mark Yamauchi. 

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Contact

Bill Brennan 527-6928

Sharon Chen 531-6807 x3