Maui Teens Take Stand on National Meth Awareness Day

Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council member Rachel Nguyen spoke to 310 of her fellow classmates at Seabury Hall on Maui about the dangers and devastating effects of crystal methamphetamine in observance of National Meth Awareness Day. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

Students on Maui led a discussion on the dangers and devastating effects of crystal methamphetamine or “ice” during a presentation at Seabury Hall this morning.

The event was one of several being held across the state in observance of today’s National Methamphetamine Awareness Day.

The Maui event was led by Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council members Oksana Girl and Rachel Nguyen.  Nguyen joined more than 300 of their fellow classmates in the educational discussion.

Governor Neil Abercrombie also issued an official proclamation today, naming Nov. 30, 2012 as Methamphetamine Awareness Day in Hawaii. Gov. Abercrombie urges the public to join the Hawaii Meth Project’s efforts.

On Oahu, the Hawaii Meth Project partnered with Washington Middle School’s leadership class to host anti-meth sign waving in front of the school and a meth awareness assembly attended by more than 800 students.

Well-known local street artist Katch 1 also created an aerosol mural in front of the student body that will be featured in the Meth Project’s “Take a Stand Against Meth” art display at the Hawaii State Capitol.

On the Big Island, Waiakea High School students wore white as part of “White Out Meth,” an event organized by Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council member Kayla Yamada, to promote meth awareness and prevention.

And finally, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii Meth Project Teen Advisory Council members Jordan Balbin, Bryson Cayaban, and Mae Ortega, and 30 of their peers from Kapaa High School took a visible stand against meth by sign waving near the school.