MEDIA RELEASE

North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition has named three Hawaii Island youth delegates (and two adult advisors) to attend the National Youth Leadership Institute (NYLI) at CADCA’s Mid-Year Conference in Nashville, Tennessee July 23-26.

Youth delegates were selected by a team of five NHDFC leaders, based on a student essay.

Youth shared their past efforts to support drug-free communities; what they felt was the biggest risk factor for youth in North Hawaii; what ideas/actions they have to reduce underage drinking or prevent substance abuse in their local (home and school) communities; and what they are hoping to gain from attending the conference.

The youth delegates representing North Hawaii at this year’s conference are: Makanani Akau, of Waimea, attends Honokaa High School (10th grade); Hokuulaikaleiohu Pagan, of Waimea, attends Waimea Middle School (8th grade), and Kynan Kawai, of Hawi, attends Kamehameha Schools Hawaii in Keaau.

The adult advisors are: Beth Mehau from The Pantry/Mama’s House Lifeplan Program (Waimea) and David Fuertes from Ka Hana Noeau Mentorship Program (Kapaau).

Additionally, Cielito Rooney, North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition leader representing the parent sector in Waikoloa will attend.

Youth will receive four days of training to develop leadership capacity in mobilizing communities for change and will develop a plan of action to address local issues and contribute to a healthy, drug-free community.

Adult advisors receive training on how to support youth leaders and commit to helping them implement their plan in the year following the training.

North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition is a regional network of community groups and agency representatives from North Hawaii whose mission is to facilitate coordination and collaborative action among communities, organizations, and government agencies to prevent and reduce substance abuse.

North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition is a project of Five Mountains Hawaii.

— Find out more:
http://fivemountains.org/