LIHUE — There was a lot of energy and a lot of honking on the corner of Rice Street and Umi Street in a sign-waving event for World Suicide Prevention Month on Wednesday Sept. 4.
Kaua‘i Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami presented a proclamation, and declared September 2024 as Suicide Awareness Month. In attendance for the mayor’s proclamation was Virgina “Lei” Taber of Liliuokalani Trust, Gina Kaulukukui of Life’s Bridges and Priti “Maya” Tayal of Hale Opio
In his proclamation, Kawakami stated that in the state of Hawaii there were 1,050 documented suicide deaths among state residents between 2019 and 2023, and on Kaua‘i there were 66 documented suicide deaths in the same years.
We really want to raise awareness in the community about suicide, and bullying, said Priti “Maya” Tayal, Community Programs Director at Hale Opio Kaua‘i.
“It’s a really big problem here on our small island, a lot kids are being bullied which then can lead to suicide alleviation,” she said.
“I don’t think a lot of people know that its suicide awareness month, we want to make every one think as they are driving by— ‘Hey I know somebody,’ none of us are too far removed from knowing someone that needs help or knows of somebody that is struggling especially as the holidays approach, that’s why we are trying to do this now and continue through to the end of the year with different events.
“The holidays are difficult for people— they feel isolated they feel hopeless and this is the point to just say hey, there’s hope, help and healing. That’s really the philosophy for the Suicide Kaua‘i Task Force.”
Throughout the month of September, the Prevent Suicide Kaua‘i Task Force will be hosting weekly events that include free training sessions and sign waving. They’ll also be present at first Kapa‘a Saturday and Hanapepe art night on Sept. 20 to continue to spread the message of awareness in the community.
Individuals can also get help by dialing the three-digit number ‘988’ to connect directly to the 988 suicide and crisis line, which is available 24/7.
“September 8 is also ‘988’ day. If you just want to talk to someone, you can do it over the phone, but really it’s about giving people an outlet,” Tayal said.
“It doesn’t mean you have a mental health issue, it doesn’t mean that you’re depressed, everyone struggles at some point or another, everyone needs help and sometimes its hard to admit it, but when there is a place to go or talk to, that makes all the difference. Remember there is hope, help and healing can be done with awareness and support.”
Suicide is an urgent and growing issue in Kauai. Residents seeking help or individuals interested in the upcoming events can visit haleopio.org.
