Five Mountains Hawaii

The North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition has been a Five Mountains Hawaii project since 2003. It is comprised of community leaders and members from each 12 community sectors in North Hawaii. Its goal is to strengthen local efforts to reduce substance abuse, increase communication and build social capital that will have a comprehensive impact on the community environment so that individual community members are better supported and more able to live drug free. Though the Coalition’s successes have been significant, much work remains. In response to current concerns, six new strategic areas have been identified.

Increase the awareness and capacity of medical providers to intervene during pregnancy.

Promote public awareness of the relationship between early childhood and substance abuse prevention.

Advocate for State and County policy change to allow after school, intercession, and weekend use of facilities and resources including transportation.

Collaborate with the private sector/business community/fraternal organizations and others to enable the community to create healthy activities for youth during non-school hours.

Conduct a media campaign around positive norm messaging highlighting issues of substance abuse.

Build public awareness of available resources for families on Hawaii Island.

Volunteers from Waimea, Waikoloa, Kohala and Hamakua work with North Hawaii Drug-Free Coalition subcommittees to implement environmental strategies.