Hilo mediation center hosting open house

In observance of Conflict Resolution Day 2015, Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center invites the public to a free open house from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni St., Suite PH 1014 B-2.

“The highlight of our open house is our one-hour brown bag series simulation from noon-1 p.m.,” said Ku‘ikahi Executive Director Julie Mitchell. “We will conduct a mock mediation session so that the public can see a live-action demonstration of a mediation in progress.”

Other activities are interspersed throughout the day. The morning lineup includes a 9:30 a.m. showing of the video “Mediation: An Alternative to Court,” a 10 a.m. live demonstration titled “Got Conflict? What Happens When You Call Us For Help!” and a 10:30 a.m. presentation “Foreclosure Mediation Program.”

Afternoon activities include a 1:30 p.m. panel with volunteer mediators titled “Why Do You Mediate?,” a 2:30 p.m. presentation titled “5 Principles of Mediation” and a 3 p.m. talk about “Youth Peer-To-Peer Mediation.”

On display will be Conflict Resolution Day 2015 proclamations from Mayor Billy Kenoi and Gov. David Ige.

“The public is invited to meet our staff, watch mediation videos, listen to mediation PSAs, browse literature, explore the office, make a donation and more,” Mitchell said.

Open house visitors also will have a chance to sign the “Hawai‘i Mediation Pledge,” an aspirational document stating signers will strive to resolve all disputes outside litigation using alternative dispute resolution processes such as negotiation, mediation, ho‘oponopono or other appropriate nonlegal process.

“We hope community members, parents, teachers, professionals, social service agencies, businesses, civil servants and others will join us at our open house,” Mitchell said.

For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.