TEAM FIGHTS SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Welcome to our first Drug Action Team news column, Beyond the Influence.

Like a growing number of other communities, our beautiful island is not
immune from the drug problem.

By writing this column, the DAT expects to educate our community on
substance abuse and addiction and restore hope to individuals and
families. And at the same time, heighten awareness on the goals,
activities and outcomes of the Kaua'i Community Drug Response Plan.

In 2003, the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste formed four teams to investigate
the elements of the drug problem: drug prevention, enforcement, treatment
and integration. DAT is composed of representatives from each of these
four interconnected components of the drug problem.

Drug prevention involves the promotion of positive youth development and
the development of positive social environments at home, at school and in
the community that facilitate drug-free lifestyles. The Prevention
Committee co-chairs are Kaui Castillo of Queen Lilioukalani Childrens
Center and Bridgette Arume of the Department of Education.

Drug treatment refers to a broad range of services, including
identification, intervention, assessment, diagnosis, counseling, medical
services, psychiatric services, psychological services, social services
and follow-up for persons with substance abuse problems. This committee is
co-chaired by Mardi Maione, CSAC of Child and Family Service, and Rebekah
Reid, CSAC of Ke Ala Hoku.

The Community Integration Committee is chaired by Bradley Chiba of the
state Department of Public Safety's Kaua'i Intake Service Center.
Integration refers to the positive integration of individuals into the
community after treatment, committing a drug related offense or
incarceration. Successful integration includes job training and placement,
housing, transportation, medical assistance, mental health assistance,
family counseling and support services, parenting, individual and group
counseling and recovery groups.

Enforcement refers to the law enforcement system of county, state and
federal governments. The overall goal of drug enforcement is to reduce the
use and distribution of drugs to ensure a healthy and safe island.

Another goal of enforcement is to ensure that individuals who commit
crimes receive appropriate treatment and punishment for their actions. The
Law Enforcement Task Force is co-chaired by Alton Amimoto of Drug Court
and Lt. Eric Shibuya of the Kaua'i Police Department.

All DAT members are volunteers. Together with their teams, they have
dedicated countless hours to save and rebuild lives for the people of
Kaua'i. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their
commitment to continue to fight the battle of substance abuse and
addiction.

I would also like to acknowledge The Garden Island newspaper for allowing
us to host this column. This is an introduction to our monthly news. Next
month, you will hear from Amimoto.