“Kaua'i is in need of education at worksites regarding liquor laws, education of parents and community and legislative change that will restrict youth access to alcohol,” Gregg states. “In addition, Kaua'i’s youth and community attitudes and behaviors toward drinking need to be addressed regarding wellness, health, and decisions that impact the future, such as alcohol-related driving accidents and more.”

Kaua'i data from 2007 housed in the Anti-Drug Program office show the average age of first use of alcohol on Kaua'i by male children is 11, and for female children, 13.  In addition, Kaua'i’s 6th graders find it nearly twice as easy as the rest of the state’s 6th graders to gain access to alcohol by current alcohol users in intermediate and high schools.  Kaua'i’s older youths, 32.4 percent of its 17-year-olds, also beat the state (29 percent) when it comes to successfully acquiring alcohol.

NAWILIWILI -- In an effort to help promote awareness of drinking and driving during the holiday season, the Mayor's Anti-Drug Program office volunteered to help hand out "thank you" bags to sober drivers Thursday at a sobriety checkpoint near Nawiliwili Harbor. The contents of the bags were donated by the Boys and Girls Club and MADD, who collaborated to help thank the public with this simple 'thank you' gesture to those who passed the sobriety test and were subsequently told to continue on their safe way home by KPD.

On hand, too were Strategic Prevention Framework/State Incentive Grant Data and Project specialists Deslynn Jaquias and Amanda C. Gregg.

"It was a fun activity with a positive spin on the serious issue of drinking and driving," Gregg said.  

County Anti-Drug Coordinator Theresa Koki said campaigns like this are crucial in prevention efforts.

"It's a top priority to participate in events that augment public awareness of drinking and driving," Koki said.

"Alcohol is associated with celebration and is a social norm in many states, including Hawai'i. Unfortunately, however, the holidays are also a time when people make exceptions and let children drink, too. That said, we hope people remember kids can become addicted to alcohol and are susceptible to addictive behavior before allowing this to happen in their home. In addition, holidays are a time when there is more drinking and driving, and we want everyone this holiday season to ensure they help keep their families and themselves safe."

Shattered Dreams, a school-based alcohol prevention program that aims to raise awareness of the consequences of underage drinking through dramatization, is getting a boost from Kaua'i‟s emergency responders. All proceeds from the sales of a 2010 calendar featuring local fire fighters and lifeguards who donated their time and images will go towards training for the staff and volunteers of the underage drinking prevention program on Kaua'i. The cost per calendar is $20. On Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 am to 2 pm, the fire fighters and lifeguards featured in the calendar will be having an autograph session at Kukui Grove Center food court. Photo, left, of Ehren Edwards and Chauncey Pa, by Stan Koga

On July 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2009, County of Kauai's Anti-Drug Office held the UH Speed and Quickness Clinics at Vidinha Stadium.  Over 200 athletes participated each day.  To see pictures from these clinics, click "read more...".

The Ahu Waiwai program provides assessment, education, counseling, outpatient treatment and aftercare services.  Services address a variety of needs that include the following: addictions, situational stressors, interpersonal relationships, other trauma and issues that affect daily living and the ability to cope.  Available for adolescents and adults.

Click " read more..." for more information, including how to contact Ahu Waiwai.

The Continuum of Care matrix is now available for download.  The matrix includes an anti-drug's program's type of services, primary purpose, enrollment requirements, and when, where, and who the program serves.  This matrix is primarily for the youth, with programs for children from preschool to high school.  The adult matrix can be found in the Kauai Community Drug Response Plan, also available for download.

Click on "read more..." to download the Substance Abuse-Related Continuum of Care Matrix for Kauai's Youth.

Click on "read more..." to take the survey.  Thank you.

This online survey is sponsored by the Kaua'i County Government and the East Kaua'i Drug Prevention Education Team (EKDPET). It is anonymous, so personal information isn't necessary. Please be as forthcoming as possible as the information we gather will help ensure more resources to make our island a better place to live and raise a family. We appreciate your help. Mahalo.