Human Trafficking Panel in Hilo

The Zonta Club of Hilo will host a panel discussion that will feature law enforcement agencies and local organizations currently fighting the battle against human trafficking.

The event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel in the Moku Ola Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public.

The moderator of the discussion will be Kathleen McGilvray.

Panel speakers will include:

• Lt. Lucille Melemai, Hawai‘i County Police Department
• Melody Stone, HI Coalition Against Human Trafficking
• Renee Perrington, Ho‘ola Na Pua
• Suzanna Tiapula, Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office
• Zahava Zaidoff, Certified Prevention Specialist

Zonta International’s ongoing advocacy impact was built around “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women,” launched in 2012 to raise awareness of the global pandemic of women’s rights violations.

Zonta clubs the world over have led impactful advocacy actions to fight violence against women and gender inequality.

During the 16 days of activism from Nov. 25 to Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, Zonta International has asked local clubs to focus on human trafficking or the Istanbul Convention (combat violence and domestic violence against women) as the campaign centerpiece.

The Hilo club has chosen to focus on human trafficking—a very real issue in our Hawai‘i Island communities, the club’s press release stated.

The Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is located at 71 Banyan Drive.

For more information, email info@zontahilo.org.