Lihue – Teen members from the Lihue Outreach published their first print ad to kickoff an anti-underage drinking ad campaign aimed at educating youth, parents, and merchants.

Using a digital camera and graphics editing software, youth planned and created the photograph below, which will be made into poster-sized prints.

The anti-underage drinking ad campaign is a project funded by the Hawaii Program to Prevent Underage Drinking (HPPUD), which is facilitated by the Hawaii Army National Guard and the County of Kauai’s Liquor Commission.

The first ad created by Lihue teens

Koke’e, Kaua’i – From August 14-16, 31 youth from Kekaha to Kilauea participated in the second Kauai Youth Network Youth Activist Summit at Camp Sloggett. Under the tutelage of mentors skilled in the realms, of global issues, community development, school reform, anti-drug activities, anti-discrimination, and environmental issues, youth finalized their strategies to resolve dilemmas ranging from diversifying school uniforms to responsible use of agricultural zones.

Youth were mentored by Katy Rose (global issues), Rep. Roland Sagum (community), JoAnn Yukimura (school reform), Valerie Saiki (anti-drug activities), Kipukai Kuali’i (anti-discrimination), and Lea Tadonio (environment). Youth balanced hard work and equally intense fun with an impromptu volleyball game with their mentors.

The Kauai Youth Network will be presenting their strategies to solve these issues on Saturday, August 22, 2009, along with a showing of the documentary “The World We Want” at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. The event begins at 6 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for youth.

Youth, staff, and volunteers from the Lihue Outreach participated in Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s Walking Workbus.

In s County of Kauai press release the mayor said, “It’ a great opportunity for people to get some exercise every Tuesday, as well as talk story with us and let us know what’s on their minds.”

The group from the Boys & Girls Club joined the walking workbus at its midpoint as it passed Lihue Court Townhomes. Youth and staff took the opportunity to introduce themselves to business people and county personnel–including Mayor Carvalho–to let them know of the Boys & Girls Club’s presence an programs in Lihue.

Participants from the Mayor's Walking Workbus, including Boys & Girls Club staff, members, and volunteers.

SSgt. Barbara Payomo and County of Kauai Liquor Control Commission Investigator Gerald Rapozo, representatives from the Hawaii Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking (HPPUD) met with teens from the Lihue Outreach who recently worked on The Photo Voice Project.

The Photo Voice Project involved teens on every island photographing various factors that influence young people to begin drinking at an early age. The group of teens from the Lihue Outreach photographed accessible alcohol at home, empty alcohol containers near playgrounds, and visible alcohol ads.

Having learned about the physiological dangers and socioeconomic costs of underage drinking through the Photo Voice Project, these teens will soon be launching a media campaign and educating youth and parents through public events funded by HPPUD.

According to the State Attorney General’s Office website, HPPUD
was created to address the problem of underage drinking in the State of Hawaii. The members of the partnership represent county, state, and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, private businesses, and community residents concerned with the health of Hawaii’s youth.

HPPUD members and Boys & Girls Club staff and youth

Former professional football player Eason Ramson of the San Francisco 49ers’ first Super Bowl Championship Team helped start the first day of summer programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii – Kauai Branch with a “youth empowerment seminar” about making healthy and smart decisions. Club members, parents, volunteers, and staff were also treated to an autograph session with Ramson.

“The coolest part was holding his gigantic Super Bowl ring,” said Lihue Outreach member Brandon Iida.

According to its website, Pros & Cons for Kids mission is “to provide a holistic module of youth development services for families.” The team is led by Eason Ramson as its director, as well as honorary board member Russ Francis, from Kailua High School and Dana McLemore, who played for the University of Hawaii.

Eason Ramson speaks to Boys & Girls Club members on Kauai about making safe and healthy choices.

Club members get autographs from Eason Ramson following the Pros & Cons for Kids youth empowerment seminar.

Teens at the Lihue Outreach afterschool program at Lihue Court Townhomes recently learned to cook garlic bread. Using French rolls and common household ingredients, the teens produced epicurean delights enjoyed by youth and staff!

Teens smile with the garlic bread that they created.

Young people today face many challenges: online predators, drug use, peer pressure, predatory advertising techniques. Yet, youth are often marginalized and isolated based on gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, and cut off from the tools they need to improve their lives. Their voices and opinions are often not included in the politics and decision-making processes that affect their lives, schools, and communities.

As a response to the issues young people face and to the community’s need for youth leadership, The Boys & Girls Club Hawaii – Kaua`i branch and the YWCA of Kaua`i have joined forces to initiate a new, unique leadership program for Kauai’s young people.

The Kauai Youth Network (KYN) will be a new youth organization that seeks to expand opportunities for young people to engage, partner and lead the changes they want to see on our rural island. KYN will be planned, directed and owned by the youth participants themselves.

The KYN will be hosting The First Annual Youth Summit, to be held at the YWCA Camp Sloggett. It will provide a setting and project foundation where participants can meet and bond in a fun, intellectually stimulating and challenging environment. The Summit will be held 13 – 15 March 2009. Contact the KYN at kauaiyouthnetwork@gmail.com or via telephone 245.9552. Also, look for KYN on facebook!

The Koloa after school program will be hosting an Ohana Day on Saturday, February 28, 2009, at the Koloa Boat Harbor.

The family potluck begins at 3 PM. Families are encouraged to bring something to barbecue, go swimming or fishing, talk story, and to try their hand at winning prizes in various games!

Contact our staff at 632-0009 for more information.

The Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii – Lihue Outreach is hosting the Stages of Change breakdance competition. The event will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009, from 6 PM to 8 PM. A dance until 10 PM follows. Tickets to the event cost $5 ($7 at the door). Contestants enter for free. Competition includes crew/crew and 1-on-1 battles. Call 632-0009 for more information.