Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women extends heartfelt appreciation for outgoing commissioners Edie Ignacio Neumiller of Kauaʻi and Stacey Moniz of Maui, whose public service was instrumental to the success of local initiatives for women and girls.
Both of their terms are ending and the commission encourages people on both islands willing to serve to submit applications by the end of the calendar year to ensure Kauaʻi and Maui continue to have voting representation when it comes to state commission business.
Ignacio Neumiller has been a commission support clerk for Kauaʻi County Board of Water at the county Department of Water, Zonta Area 1 director for Hawaiʻi, member of Kauaʻi County Committee on the Status of Women and social media advocate for Kauaʻi Fashion Weekend.
She is a former president of Zonta Club of Kauaʻi and former director of Kauaʻi Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
Ignacio Neumiller led the establishment of the Human Trafficking Forum on Kaua’i as well as championing Title IX for equality in women’s sports, specifically for the University of Hawaiʻi women’s volleyball team.
She also has volunteered her time keeping the community aware about empowering topics and issues related to women and girls’ rights.
“My service on the commission over the past 6 years has strengthened my commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable and supportive Kauaʻi — one where women’s voices are heard, their contributions are valued and their safety, health and economic security remain priorities,” said Ignacio Neumiller.
Ignacio Neumiller succeeded former Kauaʻi commissioner Sierra Hampton-Eng.
She was instrumental in supporting a Kauaʻi County resolution that urged inclusion of social and economic considerations in recovery initiatives from the COVID‑19 pandemic.
“This work reflected my commitment to ensuring that women, families and vulnerable members of our community were not overlooked during times of crisis and recovery,” Ignacio Neumiller said.
Moniz succeeded former Maui commissioner and commission chairperson Leslie Wilkins.
“Serving as Maui County’s commissioner has been a huge honor. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring Maui’s voice to the state level and help shine a light on issues that matter deeply to our community, including reproductive justice, missing and murdered indigenous women and relatives and the many forms of violence women continue to experience,” said Moniz.
She has been proud to highlight meaningful work done locally by the Maui County Committee on the Status of Women.
“Maui has strong, passionate women who speak up, show up and work for change,” Moniz said. “It has been a privilege to represent them.”
Both outgoing commissioners encourage residents on their respective islands to apply to serve on the commission. In addition to the upcoming vacancies for Kauaʻi and Maui counties,
Oʻahu also has a vacant seat.
Former Hawaiʻi Gov. John Burns created the state commission in 1964 by executive order. It consists of 13 members, 7 of whom can vote and are appointed by the governor.
These include one commissioner each from Hawai‘i, Maui and Kaua‘i counties as well as 4 members from Oʻahu.
The commission works to advance the health, safety, opportunity and equality of women and girls through advocacy, education, collaboration and program development statewide.
Hawaiʻi Legislature established the framework and scope of the state commission and county committees, providing a statewide program to implement legislative recommendations, long‑range goals and coordinate research, planning, programming and action.
“Please apply if you are interested in a meaningful volunteer experience,” said Commission Executive Director Llasmin Chaine. “We need statewide perspectives and representation to strengthen Hawai‘i’s laws, policies, programs and practices to achieve equality and address the issues impacting girls and women.”
Submit an application
An application takes about 30 minutes to complete and is open to U.S. citizens who are residents of the state. People who want to work toward equality for women and girls as well as serve as catalysts for positive change are encouraged to apply.
To start your application on the Governor’s Boards and Commissions web page, click:
- “Read More” (under “Apply”).
- “Apply Online.”
- The “+” sign next to Department of Human Services.”
- The checkbox for Commission on the Status of Women.
- “Submit.”
Visit the frequently asked questions page if you have any questions about commissioner duties. You also can email the Boards and Commissions Office at boards.and.commissions@hawaii.gov.
More information about Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women is available via phone at 808-586‑5757 or email at dhs.hscsw@dhs.hawaii.gov.
