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Aloha and a warm Mahalo to all Hawaii Island residents who participated in the islandwide "Hugs Not Drugs" anti-substance abuse sign waving on Wednesday, July 16, 2003. Over 1,500 of you came out to stand tall from around the Island of Hawaii for a drug free environment. Some who are "in recovery" came to share your stories. Some came as part of a healing process for a loved one lost to "ICE." Many came because they want to contribute in some small way and because you will not tolerate drugs in your neighborhoods or businesses.
Mahalo to the Mayor's Office, Prosecutor's Office, Police and Fire Departments, and County Council members who came out to support communities around the Island. Thanks also to the businesses, especially Hawaiian Bank, HELCO and Verizon for joining this event. Coordination of the islandwide event could not have happened without the commitment of all site coordinators who had their community members and students gather to make signs with their chosen slogans. Special thanks to the inmates and staff of the Hawaii Community Correctional Center who also made signs. Awesome!
Someone asked me if this really makes a difference. There are many specific stories I could share, but what comes to mind is one concerned uncle who stopped at the side of the road, asked the sign wavers for help for his nephew. That young man is now working with trained advocates - the first step toward recovery. This is how it works. One person at a time, one neighborhood, one community.
For continued involvement or information visit www.healingourisland.com website. Also, if you have information about drug sales or use in your community, call the ICE hotlines: West Hawaii - 329-0-ICE; East Hawaii - 934-VICE. Callers can remain anonymous or give their name and telephone number and get a case number for future follow up.
Mahalo to all for your support and for caring about the health and well-being of this island. We will do this again - all around the Big Island - from 3:30 - 5 p.m., Wed., Oct. 29, 2003. Please join us!
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Here are some photos from just a few of our locations
Taj Gunter founder of Aina Keepers anti-graffiti, anti-litter campaign and also a program instructor with Goodwill Industries of East Hawaii-says ...
“Goodwill is a drug free org. and waving for a good cause and to help out all government agencies to help keep drugs off the streets and out of the hands of our children”.
Hilo Bayfront
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Hilo Sign Waving
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STOP! Dope
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Hilo Bayfront
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Hirayama Brothers Electric
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BISAC support
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Kanoelehua fronting Zen Woodworking
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Keaau at Shipman Park
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Shipman Park
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Keaau
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Pahoa Elementary School
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Entrance to Pahoa
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Pahoa at Homestead Road
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Kona
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Leilani Estates
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Oceanview
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