Mahalo - Mahalo - Mahalo for the 3rd "Hugs Not Drugs!"

Mahalo to all Hawaii Island residents who participated in the 3rd "Hugs Not Drugs!" community sign waving Friday, Feb. 20, 2004!

Over 1,600 turned out around the island (including a whopping 500 in North Kohala - too good, Kohala!). And many thousands more honked and showed their support for a healthier, safer Big Island.

Hats off to the hard-core supporters waving their hearts out in rain blessed with rainbows. And warm kudos to those in recovery - or celebrating the recovery of loved ones - including one young women waving with us who on that very day had racked up 5 months and 2 weeks of "clean and sober" living! You go, girl!

We especially appreciate our volunteer site coordinators who spread the word with flyers throughout their community and for keeping everybody safe on our roadways during the event. Also, thanks for coordinating sign making activities at schools along with having contests for the best "slogan" or creative art work. Thanks to business and local general stores for providing drinks, water, cups and a variety of snacks.

Two sites were out at 8 a.m. posting signs along guardrails and handing out information on where to get substance abuse recovery support and then returning in the afternoon to sign wave.

This islandwide initiative raises awareness and brings community unity by neighbors sharing stories and learning the ins and outs of their community. This day is not only about sharing - but overcoming fear - realizing that you're not alone - and finally making a public statement.

Oh, and did we mention one sign waver in Waimea whose cell phone began ringing right smack during the waving…the call was from a friend and fellow employer who had two staff members who needed help finding their way into recovery? Yup, part of this is about knowing who to call for help!

Mahalo for all the interaction of our businesesses, support groups, public, private and charter schools and our government service agencies. To continue on with this wonderful day will be out for our 4th sign waving before the school year wraps up!

A hui hou -

Lil Beaufrere, Volunteer Chairperson
Solutions: Neighborhoods In Action