  October 28, 2003 Sign WavingMAHALO MAHALO
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Mahalo and Mahalo to all Hawai`i Island residents who participated in the 2nd Islandwide "Hugs Not Drugs" Sign Waving on October 28, 2003. More than 2,100 of you (beating the July 16th count of 1,500) came out to say "no ice -- we want our neighborhoods back!" And, for the third time plan on early February 2004 - the exact date will be posted soon - to continue this wonderful way of sharing and caring.
PUNA - AINALOA Sub-Division50 signs colorful and impressive (Wal-Mart helped contributed for supplies) made by Wai Ola kids were put on a cable along side the road with clothespins. All sign wavers received many smiles, thumbs-up, and horn honking on that beautiful day- sunny sky. Now, the signs are being stored at the Ainaloa Longhouse for next year. For next time around Head Start in Kea`au wants to come on board with the rest of the community. HILO - BAY FRONTAt least 200 people were standing along Bay Front having coffee donated by Starbucks. For those who preferred soft drinks Ali`i Water supplied ice for the coolers donated by McDonalds. Along with community members were the following groups: Waiakea cheerleaders, St. Josephs Reality Check, Head Start, Panaewa Neighborhood Watch, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, HELCO, Mayor's Office and staff, Prosecuting office, Community policing officers East Hawaii, BISAC, Healingourisland.com, Hawaiian Rhythms 92.7, A+ Programs, Hawaii Air National Guard, Hiroyama Electric. HILO ROTARYS - KANOELEHUA AVENUE & KTA SUPERSTORE HWY II100 people at these sites from 3 to 6 P.M. They had great signs and lots of people waved and honked at them. This was a combined effort of the Hilo Rotary, South Hilo Rotary and Hilo Bay Rotary and the Waiakea High School Interact Club. Great turn out, lots of fun. They are ready for the next planned event. They have all of the signs (some were professionally printed) in storage. HONAKA`AOver 400 residents were participating and watching the Honaka`a Homecoming Parade which had the Honaka`a Power of Choice group participating with their chants and signs saying "Hugs not Drugs".PAHOA - LEILANI ESTATESLeilani Neighborhood Watch group with over 35 participants for the second time for "Hugs Not Drugs" were out with their slogans and signs waving "NO ICE". PAPA`ALOA, LAUPAHOEHOE TRAIN MUSEUM, O`OKALAOver 45 community members along with Laupahoehoe School students and business member Minit Shop waved their signs with CPO Don Canario. Don worked with Laupahoehoe School students to create posters which were judged on sign waving day.WAIMEAThis area extends a warm thanks to the more than 900 Waimea residents who turned out including all 500+ students at Waimea Middle School with their teachers and school staff. Also joining the sign waving were members of all other Waimea schools - including Waimea Elementary School, Kanu O Ka Aina New Century Public Charter School, HPA's lower and upper campus, both Montessori Schools, Waimea Country School, Punana Leo O Waimea, Kamehameha Pre-School and Parker School, plus friends in recovery from Big Island Substance Abuse Council, the Waimea Cowboys Football Team, the Buddhist Women's Association and several other churches, the YMCA A+ after school youth, physicians, real estate brokers, Waimea Outdoor Circle, ILWU, numerous small business owners and members of the Makali`i 'ohana, plus Waimea police, fire and rescue squads. Mahalo, also, to all the drivers who took extra care and slowed down for the safety of all.Special Mahalo to Pepsi Big Island for contributing cold beverages for the sign wavers! Also to Kamuela Liquor Store for ice, and Waimea Power of Choice for healthy snacks, ice water and coordination.  CAPTAIN COOK - KONAWAENA TWO SITESTwo sites combined had over 130 people. Thy Word Ministries had their church and community members make signs the weekend before and after the event all attended a dinner at their church. Their sister site had freshly baked donuts donated by Choice Mart. All have saved their signs and informational material for the next go around scheduled for early February 2004. OCEAN VIEW - KA`UAll 35 participants attending a seminar took a break and sign waved for about 45 minutes. Also Montessori preschool was represented along with the Police Department and State Representative Bob Herkes. NAPOOPOOThis area had its first sign waving with over 25 residents and they were very enthusiastic! The whole community spent the previous Saturday cleaning up the park area, having pot luck, and making signs. Their goal is to chase away the drug dealers which is a good start! KEAUHOU30 members of the community along with Ka Hale Kahalu`u housing and youth council, Police and Fire departments for the second time showed the community that "Drug Free" is the right way to go. These people have been and continue to report all drug activity in their neighborhood.UNIVERSITY OF NATIONS IN KONAOver 100 students and teachers took part along both sides of Kuakini Hwy in front of the University waving signs. "Joining Forces" includes the Chancellor of the U of N Kona, David Boyd and Chief Operating Officer, Bobby Normant KONA55 community members, Police and Fire Department, Bridge House, Kona Beach Hotel, United Way and Neighborhood Place members were waving hand-made and professionally printed banners. Our recovery gal was there again with her two kids, along with husband this time, showing how proud they are of their Mom….now drug free….95 days in recovery!! VOLCANO VILLAGEOver 35 residents along with the Fire and Police Department stood at three different entrances into Volcano Village to say they are aware of drugs and were showing others with their creative signs. Next time around for sign waving Volcano National Park and the National Guard want to show they are there to support this event. The skate boarders were out on the streets with their boards showing their moves of awareness. Skate instead of drugs!KEAAU |