KAUA'I DRUG SUMMIT DELIVERS SOBERING MESSAGE

NUKOLI'I - The 2009 Kaua'i Drug Summit offered a sense of camaraderie
for those looking for answers to a tough challenge - methamphetamine
and the toll it takes on families.

Over 100 people turned out for this county-sponsored event held
recently at the Hilton Kaua'i Beach Resort, according to a county
press release.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. kicked off the summit with a plea to those
who work within the anti-drug framework to continue their fight
against drugs and to help strengthen Kaua'i's families.

Ideas were exchanged among the different teams including - prevention,
enforcement, treatment and community integration.

During breakout sessions, action steps were developed in line with the
Kaua'i Community Drug Response Plan 2008 to 2013.

Gary Shimabukuro of Laulima Hawai'i, well-known throughout the state
for his hard-hitting, oft-graphic anti-drug presentations, was the
keynote speaker.

He noted that while the popularity of other drugs is on the rise, such
as prescription medications, meth and the violence often associated
with it remain a gruesome reality.

"Ice is still very much a threat to Kaua'i's families," said
Shimabukuro.

Eight people were recognized for excellence in their anti-drug efforts
focusing on prevention, treatment and integration, or enforcement
including: Maile Carvalho; Kimberly Cummings; Melanie Furugen; Lisa
Llewellyn; Arvin Montgomery; Mark Ozaki; Brian Silva; and Eula Ta'ala.

The prevention group worked on devising a framework for a strategic
plan aimed at preventing underage drinking, while the enforcement
group did a presentation on young people sharing their experiences
with drugs and alcohol on YouTube, Facebook and Myspace.com, and
discussed possible ways to reduce these types of activities.

Among the topics covered by the treatment and integration group were
the following: the need for residential treatment, therapeutic living,
and clean and sober homes; how to educate the community on residential
treatment options; and how to address the NIMBY - not in my back yard
- - syndrome.

Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki, who has arranged this year's and
prior drug summits, said she is committed to supporting
community-based efforts to deal with the island-wide drug problem,
which was started by the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste.

"We need to continue to keep up the momentum," Koki said in the
release. "Hope should be stubborn."

Funding for the Drug Summit was provided by the Hawai'i Community
Foundation through a Crystal Methamphetamine Initiative Grant from the
U.S. Department of Justice, Community Oriented Policing Services.

Other sponsors included: the National Methamphetamine Training and
Technical Assistance Center and Kaua'i Drug Court.

For more information, contact Koki at 241-4925 or tkoki@kauai.gov.