Among bills signed Monday by Hawaii governor Josh Green was one inspired by a video showing a school athletic director getting hit by a parent after a basketball game.
As reported by Hawaii News Now, Green stood at the bill signing with Moanalua High School associate athletics director Natalie Iwamoto, the person in the video being struck by the parent.
The Hawaii State Department of Education banned both parents involved from school property, and the criminal case remains under adjudication, Mahealani Richardson reported.
“I’m so sorry you went through that. You look great. I hear you are a great person. No person should ever feel threatened or be assaulted,” Green said to Iwamoto.
Related: NFHS, Hawaii High School Association Denounce Assault of Administrator at Basketball Game
Key provisions of House Bill 1888, Act 234 include:
- Makes the intentional, knowing or reckless disruption or interference with a school function, school administration or school board an offense under harassment;
- Makes harassment of an educational worker and sports officials during their duties a misdemeanor;
- Requires the attorney general to assist educational workers and sports officials in obtaining a temporary restraining order.
“It is unfortunate that it took video of the assault of assistant athletic director Natalie Iwamoto to finally get this effort across the finish line,” said Osa Tui Jr., president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association.
“Workers want to feel that they’ll have the support of their employer to better protect themselves from outside harassers and this law will go a long way including the development of emergency safety plans, working with law enforcement, assisting with legal actions and providing paid leave to attend court proceedings.”
Related: Man, Wife Banned for Life From Public Schools in Hawaii After Alleged Attack on Associate AD
Cal Evans, board president of the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame, said the law benefits the officiating community, per Richardson's reporting.
“This is absolutely necessary. It helps us in the officiating community to recruit officials, retain officials when they know there is some protection and the state is supporting their efforts,” Evans said.
