Behavior Policies

The personnel, participants and/or volunteers in the Honolulu Wind Ensemble (HWE) should be aware that it is the policy of HWE to strive to provide a safe environment that is free from sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and other offensive behavior. Such behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated by HWE. Any volunteer, participant, or personnel found to have acted in violation of HWE's policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action at the discretion of HWE up to and including reporting allegations to appropriate civil authorities, if necessary. Personnel, participant(s) and/or HWE volunteer(s) may also be subject to personal legal liability for engaging in acts of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and/or other offensive behavior.

1. SEXUAL HARASSMENT includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature when submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for decisions within an organization, or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with one's work/ volunteer/participant performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Sexual harassment does not refer to behavior or compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that to a reasonable person, is unwelcome, that is personally offensive, lowers morale, and consequently interferes with work or participation effectiveness.

2. SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: A comprehensive list of specific acts constituting sexual misconduct would be impossible. Common sense must be followed. Sexual misconduct can include any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by or between any personnel, participants, or volunteers involved in any HWE event/activity. It also includes any sexual conduct that arises from or during the work of HWE involving any HWE personnel, volunteer and/or participant that is unlawful, morally inappropriate, or otherwise within the definition of sexual harassment.

3. INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: It is the policy of HWE to maintain an environment free from intimidation, threats or violence. This includes, but is not limited to, intimidating or threatening behaviors, physical, written (including through electronic transmission), or verbal mistreatment, vandalism, sabotage, use of weapons, carrying weapons, or any other act which in opinion of HWE's Board of Directors is inappropriate.

4. REPORTING: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, or Other Offensive Behavior.
   
   a. INTERNAL REPORTING is reporting to HWE’s Board of Directors or Ombudsman. HWE cannot respond to concerns about sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or other offensive behavior if HWE is not informed that such conduct is taking place. Therefore, if anyone believes that he/she has been a victim of or has witnessed someone else be the victim of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and/or some other offensive behavior, they should report the incident immediately to a member of HWE’s Board of Directors or Ombudsman.
   
   HWE requests the support and cooperation of all personnel, volunteers, and participants in this effort. Complaints will receive prompt attention and the situation will be investigated by HWE and the police. All investigations will be kept as confidential as possible, though HWE cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. Based on the results of the investigation, disciplinary action or other corrective actions that HWE, in its discretion, feels is appropriate, will be taken. Personnel, volunteers, and/or participants should directly contact proper law enforcement authorities (by dialing 911 or otherwise) if they believe there is an immediate threat to their own health and safety, the health and safety of others, or property. HWE will not tolerate any retaliation for making any complaints under this policy or participating in any investigation
   
   b. EXTERNAL REPORTING is reporting to local law enforcement and/or local departments of social services. Any instance of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or other offensive behavior may be reported externally as you see fit. In addition to the foregoing, it is HWE's intent to comply with all federal, state and local laws regarding discrimination, harassment, and other offensive behavior, and this policy expresses such intent for your guidance. However, this section and the policy referenced are not intended to and does not create any contractual rights.