Dozens turned out for a Men's March Against Violence rally to encourage men to stand up against domestic violence this afternoon.

At the march, state Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter) announced a legislative measure for the 2009 session that would establish a "White Ribbon" campaign organization in Hawai'i, a news release said.

Mizuno was among the lawmakers who participated in today's rally.

"Wearing a white ribbon in support of the 'White Ribbon' campaign is a personal pledge to never commit, condone, nor remain silent about violence against women and girls and to end all forms of violence," said Mizuno, in the written statement.

Mizuno also stated, "We need to secure a stronger campaign against domestic violence and this is a way of contracting the much needed support and pledge from men and boys to unite for a most important cause -- to end domestic violence in Hawai'i."

The Honolulu Police Department estimates that up to one-third to one-half of police officers' work time is spent responding to "domestic" calls, the release said.

At least two former U.S. surgeon generals, Antonia Novella and General C. Everett Koop, have declared domestic violence to be a problem of epidemic proportions nationwide.

Also on hand was State Rep. Tom Brower, D-23rd (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka'ako), who said "we must raise awareness of violence in our community and we need everyone: men, women, seniors, and children, to recognize that domestic violence is not acceptable and if we work together we can achieve our goal of substantially reducing all forms of violence in Hawai'i."