‘We Care!’ safety awareness fair

Hawai‘i Pacific University, Aloha Tower Marketplace (ATM) tenants and community partners will present a community fair supporting a commitment to safety, sexual violence prevention and alcohol awareness education. The kick-off event will be held on Thursday Sept. 10, 5 p.m.-7 p.m., at the ATM atrium, and will include displays and tables where people can ask questions and get information about support services and resources.

Gordon Biersch and Hooters are providing free appetizers and beverages, and Hooters is also offering 50% off on appetizers ordered in the restaurant during the kick-off event. 

Dean of Students Marites McKee is pleased HPU has the opportunity to collaborate with the larger community on this event.

“We want our students and the public to know that we care about this topic (sexual violence prevention),” said McKee. “We want to take a stand and be able to empower our students to make the best decision they can in any scenario.”

International Student Senator and Peer Academic Coach Megan Pugh added, “I believe that student safety is the most important part of our education at HPU since feeling safe eliminates extra stress and worries. [This] provides a stronger focus in class and therefore augments the overall quality of our

education.”

Jerrell Davis, President of the Social Work Club, encourages students to check out the event and learn more about the various clubs and organizations of HPU and community organizations, taking part in the “We Care!” event. 

Participating organizations include Student Government Association, Social Work Club, Athletics, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Campus Recreation, Chaplain’s office, Counseling and Behavioral Health, Security and Safety, Title IX Team, Human Resources, Dean of Students office, Gordon Biersch, Hooters, Nashville, Sex Abuse Treatment Center, Joyful Heart Foundation, and City and County of Honolulu.

In addition to the safety awareness fair, HPU students are invited to participate in a self-defense class on Sept. 10, 6:15 p.m.-7:15 p.m, at The Lounge, ATM 1.

The course, which is being sponsored by Campus Recreation and funded by the Student Activity Fee, will be taught by Bruno Ballestrero exclusively for HPU students. Ballestrero is originally from Argentina and has been training in martial arts (including kung fu and tai chi) since 1999 and teaching since 2004.

Participants will gain information and techniques on how to escape from a front and back choke; ways to deal with strikes and kicks; and what to do if you are on the ground. There will also be a focus on proper mental attitudes to avoid problems.

For more information, including questions about the safety awareness kick-off event or student self-defense class, contact 544-1116 or studentlife@hpu.edu.