MEDIA RELEASE

Drug-Free Hawaii Awareness Month (DFHAM) 2010 will kick off with an official proclamation ceremony, “Live Aloha, Live Drug-Free.” hosted by Mayor Billy Kenoi, at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5 at the County Building, 25 Aupuni street in Hilo.

“DFHAM allows schools, service organizations, counties, and government agencies opportunities to sponsor activities and events that educate the general public about the negative effects of substance abuse on our youth, families, and communities and what we can do to address the issue,” says Alan Shinn, executive director for the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii.

Formed in 1987 out of a spirit of business and community concern, CDFH has become a highly regarded leader in the substance abuse prevention field in Hawaii.

Other speakers will include Kaleo Evans, director of Friday Night Live, a program that builds partnerships for positive and healthy youth development which engages youth as active leaders and resources in their own communities, and Joel Cohen, director of The Hamakua Youth Foundation a program which focuses on prevention of risky behavior, isolation, drug and alcohol use by engaging youth in environmental stewardship, providing Hawaiian culture and arts education, developing youth leadership, and connecting youth and their families with local social service agencies.

County Council Member Guy Enriques of Ka’u who was head coach at Konawaena, Ka‘u and Kamehameha Hawaii high schools will also have share a positive message. An inspiring and engaging speaker, Enriques is entering his 23rd year as the owner/director of one of the largest team volleyball camps in the country.