HILO, KONA DRUG COURTS JOIN NATIONAL CELEBRATION

Appreciation and Education Are Focus of Activities In
May

The Big Island Drug Court (BIDC) in conjunction with "National Drug
Court Month," an annual celebration of the success and growth of drug
court systems across the nation in the successful treatment of drug
offenders, has launched a month of special activities.

Mayor Billy Kenoi started things off by making a Hawaii County
proclamation in support of the observance.

On Monday, Judge Ronald Ibarra presided over the 31st graduation
ceremony for the Kona Drug Court. The morning event in Ibarra's
courtroom showcased the accomplishments and success of the drug court
clients and the program.

Today, Ibarra will address a visiting group of Kealakehe School
students who will be on an educational field trip to Kona Drug Court.

On Wednesday, students from other Kona schools will meet with the
judge.

On Thursday, Judge Greg Nakamura will preside over the Hilo Drug
Court's 32nd graduation ceremony at Hale Kaulike in Hilo. The event
will be at 1 p.m. in Nakamura's courtroom and will pay tribute to the
program and its clients.

At 1 p.m. May 20, on Hilo Drug Court Appreciation Day, Nakamura will
acknowledge employers, sponsors and supporters for their assistance to
BIDC participants and the program.

The Kona-side tribute will be at 1 p.m. May 24 in Ibarra's
courtroom.

In addition to the special BIDC in May, the public is invited to
observe any of the drug court hearings. In Kona, drug court is at 10
a.m. Mondays with Ibarra. In Hilo, sessions are at 1 p.m. Thursdays in
Nakamura's courtroom.

For more information regarding the Big Island Drug Court, please call
Warren Kitaoka, drug court coordinator, at 443-2201.