All need to help to keep keiki safe

Recent cases have brought the heinous issue of child abuse into the public fore again— reminders that the problem, with its far-reaching degrees of tragedy and hurt, never goes away. It’s crucial that funding for awareness, prevention and intervention programs remain robust — but also, to know that each of us can help prevent child abuse by recognizing warning signs and taking action to aid families in stress.

Over the Jan. 13 weekend, Waimea toddler Marley Makanani, 3, was found unconscious and partially submerged in a bathtub at home, suspicious bruising on her body; she died two days later. Her uncle, Ezekiel Wakinekona, 37, has been charged with manslaughter; he pleaded not guilt and remains in jail on $500,000 bail, awaiting a Thursday court appearance.

 Last Friday, prominent Hawaii musician Cecilio Rodriguez, of the former Cecilio & Kapono duo, pleaded no contest to sexually molesting two young sisters in Los Angeles, repeatedly, starting 16 years ago. The one-time trusted family friend was sentenced to a year in a Los Angeles jail, and must register as a lifelong sex offender in Hawaii.

 There is concern in every tough budget cycle that social service funds will be cut. State lawmakers must keep whole those programs that work effectively to prevent child abuse, such as substance abuse counseling, parenting education and in-home support services.

Those are cited as factors in the steady decline in child homicides in Hawaii over the last 20 years. Data from the state Health Department’s Injury Prevention and Control Program shows homicides and possible homicides among children under age 2, from 1991 to 2010, fell by half, from 18 to nine.

 While encouraging, it’s important to remember that each number was a living child, now dead due to an act of violence. And it’s sobering to note that deaths are just the tragic tip of the proverbial iceberg: In 2010 alone, there were 4,199 reported (though not necessarily confirmed) cases of child abuse or neglect in Hawaii. In 2009 there were 2,174 confirmed cases.

 It’s clear that stresses in varying degrees are happening behind closed doors. Longtime efforts like Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, foster care programs and shelters are to be supported and commended for the profound work they do.

Now comes a new effort by the Hawaii Children’s Trust Fund: The “One Strong Ohana” ad campaign is based on research done in Hawaii by the nationwide Joyful Heart Foundation; findings suggest that the best way to reach residents is to promote strong social connections to strengthen the family.

Throughout this year, a series of ads will present practical ways for folks to build and support ohana ties: having lunch with parents, offering to run errands for them or driving their children to an activity.

 “The objective of this campaign is to make sure that every single person in a position to make a difference across the state of Hawaii knows that they can make a difference,” Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz said.

 Children come into this world under very different circumstances. Many will be blessed with nurturing families; many will not. It is imperative that vigilance is strong to keep all of Hawaii’s keiki safe. The traditional safety net provided by government, such as Child Welfare Services, is vital but really, lies at the far end of the defense spectrum. We should avoid getting there by working on the preventative side. By being more aware and involved, we can do better in keeping Hawaii’s children safe in the neighborhoods, even in their own homes.