WAR ON DRUGS REFLECTED IN GRANTS

More than $34,500 in grants were awarded to 16 organizations Monday
afternoon through the county's anti-drug office.

"The fight against drugs takes the community coming together to offer
opportunities for choices," said Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste at the
gathering in the courtyard of the Mo'ikeha Building in Lihu'e.

"If there are more choices available to our young people, there are
better chances one of those choices becomes a positive one," Baptiste
said.

Working through Theresa Koki, the director for the county's anti-drug
office, Baptiste said the purpose of the "Healing Our Island" grants
is to provide seed money to various groups that offer choices for
Kaua'i's young people.

"This was Theresa's first opportunity to review the applications, and
she took the job seriously," Baptiste said. "I wish we had enough
money to be able to fund everyone's requests, but that is not the
case. This is just a small part of a year-round effort to help our
youth make the right choices."

Koki said funds for the program were secured through the efforts of
Kaua'i's state legislative team and Gov. Linda Lingle.

One of the groups receiving funds from the ceremony, the "Spirit of
the Westside Wind," opened the program with a performance that
resonated through the hallways and offices of the Mo'ikeha Building.

Representatives said the group was born using borrowed equipment
because they have none.

"Our drums are all termite-eaten, and the funds will be used to
acquire new equipment and bachi for our students," the leader said.

Similar stories were echoed as each of the groups stepped up to
receive its award handed out by Baptiste and Koki.

The group that included Roland Sagum, also were treated to a
demonstration by Kaua'i Martial Arts: Wing Chun Kung Fu, another of the
award recipients.

Mark Marshall, one of that group's leaders, said the adults serve on a
voluntary basis.

Organizations that were awarded grants include the Kaua'i Martial Arts:
Wing Chun Kung Fu, Hale 'Opio, Kaua'i Special Olympics, Circles of
Light, "Spirit of the Westside Wind" taiko group, Love the Journey, Ka
'Ohana Punana Leo O Kaua'i, Kaua'i Team Challenge, Waimea High School
PCNC, Wilcox Elementary School, Kilauea Elementary School, Kapa'a
Elementary School, Waimea Canyon School-E Ola Pono (Live the proper
way), Malie Foundation, Ka Ala Hoku Community Integration, U turn for
Christ Kaua'i, Imi Ola and Kanu I Ka Pono.