NUKOLI‘I — The 2009 Kaua‘i Drug Summit offered a sense of camaraderie for those looking for answers to a tough challenge — methamphetamine and the toll it takes on families. Over 100 people turned out for this county-sponsored event held
NUKOLI‘I — The 2009 Kaua‘i Drug Summit offered a sense of camaraderie for those looking for answers to a tough challenge — methamphetamine and the toll it takes on families.
Over 100 people turned out for this county-sponsored event held recently at the Hilton Kaua‘i Beach Resort, according to a county press release.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. kicked off the summit with a plea to those who work within the anti-drug framework to continue their fight against drugs and to help strengthen Kaua‘i’s families.
Ideas were exchanged among the different teams including — prevention, enforcement, treatment and community integration.
During breakout sessions, action steps were developed in line with the Kaua‘i Community Drug Response Plan 2008 to 2013.
Gary Shimabukuro of Laulima Hawai‘i, well-known throughout the state for his hard-hitting, oft-graphic anti-drug presentations, was the keynote speaker.
He noted that while the popularity of other drugs is on the rise, such as prescription medications, meth and the violence often associated with it remain a gruesome reality.
“Ice is still very much a threat to Kaua‘i’s families,” said Shimabukuro.
Eight people were recognized for excellence in their anti-drug efforts focusing on prevention, treatment and integration, or enforcement including: Maile Carvalho; Kimberly Cummings; Melanie Furugen; Lisa Llewellyn; Arvin Montgomery; Mark Ozaki; Brian Silva; and Eula Ta‘ala.
The prevention group worked on devising a framework for a strategic plan aimed at preventing underage drinking, while the enforcement group did a presentation on young people sharing their experiences with drugs and alcohol on YouTube, Facebook and Myspace.com, and discussed possible ways to reduce these types of activities.
Among the topics covered by the treatment and integration group were the following: the need for residential treatment, therapeutic living, and clean and sober homes; how to educate the community on residential treatment options; and how to address the NIMBY — not in my back yard — syndrome.
Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki, who has arranged this year’s and prior drug summits, said she is committed to supporting community-based efforts to deal with the island-wide drug problem, which was started by the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste.
“We need to continue to keep up the momentum,” Koki said in the release. “Hope should be stubborn.”
Funding for the Drug Summit was provided by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation through a Crystal Methamphetamine Initiative Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services.
Other sponsors included: the National Methamphetamine Training and Technical Assistance Center and Kaua‘i Drug Court.
For more information, contact Koki at 241-4925 or tkoki@kauai.gov.
