Our Morning at Honolulu Hale

Mayor Peter Carlisle is a hoot. He's the most energetic mayor with a silly sense of humor. Just before he took his place in the spot light, he lightened the mood and cracked jokes about the importance of a dramatic proclamation reading.

But as he read the proclamation, there wasn't a giggle, chuckle or laugh in the room. We all knew the seriousness of the subject matter: sexual assault. The mayor proclaimed April to be Sex Assault Awareness month. As a former big-time prosecutor, Carlisle worked with Adriana Ramelli of the Sex Abuse Treatment Center (SATC) since 1976 putting away sex offenders. It was fitting that he was able to make the proclamation and celebrate a 35-year joint effort against sex abuse.

It was a surprising turn out of more than 25 people from the Army, Marines, Air Force, and local supporters. We joined in with SATC and other supporters for the group shot. After the stodgy, hands-by-your-side photo op, Carlise insisted on a shaka photo. And was really into it.

Congratulations to Adri and Paula, of SATC and Hawaii Coalition Against Sex Assault respectively, for helping to make a difference in Hawaii.