What are some of the things happening in those states which passed marijuana legislation, and do we want those things happening here? Theresa Koki, coordinator of Life’s Choices Kauai, said that was one of the multi-pronged issues discussed during the
What are some of the things happening in those states which passed marijuana legislation, and do we want those things happening here?
Theresa Koki, coordinator of Life’s Choices Kauai, said that was one of the multi-pronged issues discussed during the 2014 Drug Summit, “The Truth About Marijuana and Other Drugs,” that wrapped up this week at the Kauai Marriott Beach Club and Resort.
“We are so fortunate Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and Managing Director Nadine Nakamura are advocates of learning,” Koki said.
During the seminar, Smart Approaches to Marijuana team member John Redman joined by Dr. Daryl Inaba, director of Clinical and Behavioral Health Services at Addictions Recovery Center in Medford, Ore., and Keith Kamita, the chief special agent of the Narcotic Enforcement Division, in offering the latest science-based marijuana facts.
“It is important for people to come and discuss the issues,” Koki said.
The second day of the summit included discussions on the current drug trends and updates as well as the impact on the developing brain when using marijuana and drugs.
Current drug trends change so quickly, and it’s sad to hear of the increasing number of heart attacks to young people who abuse Red Bull, vodka and Ecstasy, Koki said.
The discussion on drugs, led by Dr. Inaba and Gary Shimabukuro of Laulima Hawaii, included bath salts, crystal meth, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, alcohol and marijuana.
“This is about prevention,” said Koki, the head of the one-person office. “Prevention, because we can prevent things from happening. We work with people of all ages, from keiki to kupuna, in all parts of the island to build stronger families and communities.”
One of the leading missions of Life’s Choices Kauai is to engage and empower Kauai’s residents to make the choice to be drug-free.
That has not changed since the office was formed following the passage of Resolution No. 2003-14 by the Kauai County Council stemming from Mayor Bryan Baptiste’s community-based efforts to deal with the islandwide drug problem.
Roy Nishida was named the first head of the new county’s Anti-Drug Program operating out of the Mayor’s Office, educating the community, coordinating resources, securing funding, and overseeing the development of a Community Drug Response Plan.
In 2012, the office was renamed Life’s Choices Kauai, a title which Koki said eliminated the double negatives.
“I’m a silo buster,” Koki said. “In a time when budgets shrink and people tend to work among themselves, isolated in silos, to ensure a share of the limited funds, we try to get people to come together and collaborate.”
Koki is excited about the development of the Community Resources Contact List through the efforts of Kaeo Bradford and the county’s Office of Economic Development.
“It lists resources for people and where they can go for help,” Koki said. “As an example, no one on Kauai should go hungry. We have food pantries operating six out of the seven days in the week. There are free bus passes, and more to help people trying to get back on their feet.”
Life’s Choices Kauai works to develop access to affordable, effective drug treatment and support which offers hope for a happy, productive life without drugs.
The group also unites the community to resist drug use, provide caring treatment and support for those affected by drug use, and support enforcement to reduce drug-related crimes.
“We work with a lot of partners,” Koki said. “Our office doesn’t operate on a typical county day. We work with community partners like the YWCA of Kauai, Hale Opio, Hina Mauka, Teen Care in the high schools, law enforcement, and others.”
Life’s Choices Kauai is not limited to drug-related issues as Koki said the office works with re-entry of prisoners into the community, suicides and other major community issues which trace back to drug-related, or substance abuse causes.
TGI: What is the biggest challenge facing Kauai when it comes to drug use?
Theresa Koki: No consistent funding streams for prevention and no treatment center for youth and adults
TGI: Can you share a few thoughts on how prevalent drugs are here?
TK: Drugs here in Hawaii are very prevalent, especially marijuana and alcohol — it’s such a social norm.
TGI: What is the most dangerous drug facing our youth today, and why?
TK: All drugs are dangerous for youth. Especially alcohol and what it does to the developing adolescent brain and the risky behavior and consequences associated with being drunk. Meth is the most dangerous drug because of all the toxic chemicals used to make meth. It destroys your mind and body.
TGI: What are reasons that lead people to turn to drugs?
TK: Childhood trauma, curiosity, peer pressure.
TGI: How, specifically, can we prevent drug use?
TK: By funding evidence-based programs in the schools as part of the curriculum — and it needs to be consistent.
TGI: What it take to win the battle against drugs on the homefront?
TK: Everyone needs to be involved!
TGI: What impact has Life’s Choices had in this area?
TK: Life’s Choices has funded evidence-based programs, provided education in the schools and in the community, we are currently working on one of the mayor’s top holoholo 2020 projects, which is to build and adolescent treatment center.
TGI: Why is this so important to you and can you talk about how you came to be involved at Life’s Choices?
TK: It is important to me because I care about the families here on Kauai and what the future holds for my children and grandchildren. Anyone can be involved in our monthly meetings, and/or assist our program as a volunteer. I also have youth leaders in all of our schools. They can call me at 241-4925 or email me at tkoki@kauai.gov
