ASSOCIATION OF HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUBS
A RESOLUTION
No. 2018 – 30
URGING THE ASSOCIATION OF HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUBS TO ENDEAVOR TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF MEMBERS BY PROMOTING ANNUAL COLON CANCER EDUCATION AND SCREENING
WHEREAS, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States killing nearly 60,000 people each year; and
WHEREAS, it is widely known that early and regular screening for pre-cancerous colon lesion can prevent 90% of colon cancers; and
WHEREAS, in Hawai‘i, Native Hawaiian kāne have the highest mortality rates from colon cancers from among the five major ethnic groups; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, it is estimated that there will be 140,250 new cases of colorectal cancer in the United States; and
WHEREAS, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States, and is expected to cause about 50,630 deaths during 2018; and
WHEREAS, in Hawai‘i, Native Hawaiian men and women have the highest mortality rates from colon cancers from among the five major ethnic groups, and
WHEREAS, this unequal burden of colon cancer deaths exists because nearly 60% of Hawaiian kāne over age 50 have never been screened for colon cancers, and colorectal cancer risk increases with age, especially after age 50; and
WHEREAS, it is widely known that early and regular screening for pre-cancerous colon lesion can prevent 90% of colon cancers; and
WHEREAS, the goal of No Ke Ola Pono o Nā Kāne (for the good health of Hawaiian men) is to improve the health of Hawaiian kāne by facilitating hui kūkākūkā (discussion sessions) among nā kāne during community meetings, and perpetuating the traditional practice of the hale mua (men’s house); and
WHEREAS, educational materials and resources to increase awareness about early detection and assist Hawaiian kāne in obtaining no-cost colon cancer screenings have been created and secured by the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center’s Kāne Project (No Ke Ola Pono o Nā Kāne).
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs at its 59th Annual Convention in Kalapaki, Kauaʻi, in the malama of Welehu and the rising of ʻOlepau, this 17th day of November 2018, urging the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs to endeavor to improve the health of members by promoting annual colon cancer education and screening; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs recommends that each Hawaiian Civic Club commits to implementing educational efforts to assist its members to learn more about their health and to seek regular annual physical examinations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that each Hawaiian Civic Club committed to improving and preserving the health of kāne members, will consider participation in programs designed and established to assist nā kāne with learning about kāne health issues and options. One such program is the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center’s Kāne Project (No Ke Ola Pono o Nā Kāne); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a certified copy of this resolution be transmitted to Executive Director of Papa Ola Lōkahi, Director of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center, Dean of the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Executive Director of the American Cancer Society, Director of the State of Hawai‘i Department of Health, Chair of the Hawai‘i Comprehensive Cancer Coalition, as well as the Governor of the State of Hawai‘i, President of the State Senate, Speaker of the State House of Representatives, Chair of the State Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, Chair of the State House Committee on Ocean, Marine Resources & Hawaiian Affairs, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, and all County Mayors.
The undersigned hereby certifies that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted in the malama of Welehu and the rising of ‘Olepau on the 17th day of November 2018, at the 59th Annual Convention of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs in Kalapaki, Kaua‘i.
Annelle C. Amaral, President
