WAIMANALO RALLIES AGAINST DRUG USE

WAIMANALO -- Hundreds of sign wavers turned out yesterday to send the
message to drug users that they're not wanted in their neighborhoods.

During the evening rush hour about 350 people stood along Kalaniana'ole
Highway from the entrance of Waimanalo to the beach park and said no to
drugs. They wanted their neighbors to do the same.

About 80 more people were at the Castle Medical Center junction waving signs
against drug use in Kailua.

Waimanalo and Kailua residents join a growing list of communities across
O'ahu and the Big Island who are waving signs, holding community discussions
and participating in some way to rid their neighborhoods of drug dealers and
users.

"We're not here to chase the drug addicts out," event organizer Rocky Like
told sign wavers prior to disbursing them along the route. "We want to save
them. But if they don't want to change, we want them out."

Residents came for varying reasons, but they all said they wanted a
drug-free community.

Angela Tisseraud, 45 and who's been living in Waimanalo for eight months,
said she has been approached by dealers at the beach park trying to sell her
drugs when she's walking at 6 a.m.

Gordon Kaaihue, 37, was there with the entire staff of Waimanalo Kai, which
offers snorkeling, lei making and other culture activities to tourists. They
wanted to show their support for the campaign.

Yvette Like, a recovering drug addict, carried a sign offering help by
calling 261-5975. Like said she kicked the habit through treatment that was
culturally sensitive and wanted to spread the message in this predominately
Hawaiian community that others can do the same.

"I want to let people know that there's a way out," she said.