Representative Linda Ichiyama Wins National Advocacy Award

Hawaiʻi State Represen­tative Linda Ichiyama was awarded the Bud Cramer Advocacy Award from the National Children's Alliance in Washington, D.C. She was chosen for her exceptional promotion of the children's advo­cacy center model. The award is named after former Alabama District Attorney, Congressman Bud Cramer, who advocated for children to be safe from harm, minimize trauma, and have access to justice.

Rep. Ichiyama was nominated by Jasmine Mau-Mukai, the state­wide director of the Hawai'i Children Justice Center (CJC). Mau-Mukai called Ichiyama a "respected leader and champion for children," and acknowledged her support of many bills focu­sing on improving the outcomes for children who are subject to maltreatment.

One of the most recent bills that Rep. Ichiyama played a critical role in passing was the 2022 bill to amend the Hawai'i Children's Justice Program's statute to acknowledge the extensive mission of these centers, to include all forms of harm to children. As a result, the bill allows children who are alleged victims of sex traf­ficking, witnesses to violence, sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, and other forms of exploitation to have access to the same comprehensive services.

"Representative Ichiyama is cognizant of the importance of addressing vicarious and secondary trauma for the CJC's Multi-Disciplinary Teams," said Mau-Mukai. "She connected us to the recently established Office of Wellness and Resiliency under the Governor's Office. This may result in a comprehensive plan to promote resiliency for professionals, minimizing burnout and staff turnover."

During her acceptance speech, Ichiyama recognized the CJCs, law enforcement, prosecutors, Child Welfare Services, child service providers, and lawmakers for their collaboration. "It really takes a village to make significant and meaningful change," Rep. Ichiyama said. "I am proud to be part of our Hawaiʻi team as we work collectively to ensure our keiki are safe, accepted, and can thrive."