MEDIA RELEASE

After a prolonged controversy that attracted national attention within therapy circles, a new Hawaii organization for marriage and family therapists has been launched.

The president of HAMFT, Dr. Kai Swigart, said, “After more than a decade of dictatorial leadership, resulting in various abuses of power and cover-ups, one of its state divisions, the Hawaii Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, stood up against this national powerhouse due to its questionably punitive handling of a matter which resulted in an EEOC Complaint and Settlement.”

Swigart said membership dues then were withheld.

“When we stood strong, our charter was then suspended with the threat of charter revocation if we failed to submit to the bullying tactics. Holding on to our courage, strength, and dignity, we stood our ground,” he said. “We were then dechartered, and this national organization representing a profession based on the systemic healing of relationships, dissolved our 23 year affiliation without allowing a single meeting, phone call, or email to discuss the matter.”

While struggling through these challenges, Swigart and the Board of Directors began realizing they could survive without the national organization, and could create an independent Hawaii state association that could better serve the unique needs of the Hawaii therapists and communities.

Although there was no map to follow,and the national organization said they would lose everything if dechartered, they stood up for truth and in the process discovered that they, the state rather than the national organization, held the power over their state corporation.

“On May 31, 2011 we were dechartered, and on June 1, 2011 we arose as a fully independent, tax exempt Hawaii Domestic Nonprofit corporation, continuing on, with greater freedom and creativity, in our 37 year tradition of serving the Hawaii communities,” says Dr. Leslie Ross, HAMFT City and County of Honolulu Representative.

“HAMFT can now continue carrying out its mission of service without having its hands tied by a national organization whose only interest appears to be its corporation,” Ross said.

After rewriting Bylaws and Policies, and holding a Referendum to obtain the ratification of organizational amendments, the HAMFT reopened its doors to membership.

“On Aug. 1, 2011 the newly independent Hawaii Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (HAMFT) is once again available to more broadly serve Hawaii’s therapists, communities, and families.We have opened our doors to all mental health practitioners and ancillary professionals (attorneys, clergy, hospital and clinic personnel) interested in systemic and relational therapies,” Swigart said.

Makela M. Bruno-Kidani, HAMFT Hawaii County Representative, UH Hawaiian Language Professor, and author of a bilingual children’s book, “Aia He Kaheka: There’s A Tide Pool” shares, “Fighting for freedom and truth is not something foreign on Hawaiian soil. We have endured great losses and yet triumphed in great victories, such as the unification of all Hawaiian Islands under one monarch, the revitalization of Hawaii’s indigenous culture, the recent same-sex civil union becoming law, all the way to acquiring our very own autonomous association for Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawaii. The true essence of Hawaii is within our aloha, the epitome of truth, honor and compassion. As a newly independent organization, our association can be more creative in building upon these universal values and be able to better serve the unique needs of Hawaii and Hawaii’s people. I am very humbled and proud to be a part of this pioneering effort for our island communities and beyond.”

Eager to move forward, Swigart wrote the following to his members on Aug. 1, 2011 “So let’s get started enjoying the benefits of autonomous professional development deriving from freedom and creativity within a culture of transparency, accountability, and aloha!”

Having already set the wheels in motion for future conferences, legislative advocacy, and community service, Swigart said, “We are excited to begetting started under our newly revised governance structure, with greater freedom and flexibility to truly make a difference for our families, communities, and profession. We are honored to be serving you and want to hear your voices.”

The HAMFT has existed since 1974 in a variety of forms and under various names. From 1974-1988, the HAMFT was comprised of an informal group of mental health professionals interested in promoting systemic and relational therapies.

On Jan. 8, 1988 the “Hawaii Division, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy” was formed as a Domestic Nonprofit Corporation under the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

On July 23, 1998 Articles of Amendment were filed changing the corporate name to the “Hawaii Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: Division of American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy.”

On May 19, 2011 Articles of Amendment were again filed changing the name to “Hawaii Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (HAMFT),” reflecting the dissolution of its relationship with the AAMFT.

On June 1, 2011 the HAMFT, no longer affiliated with the AAMFT, returned to independently promoting the field of Marriage and Family Therapy in Hawaii.

— Find out more:
www.HAMFT.net