Maui Walk Raises $18K for Suicide Prevention Efforts

A crowd of a couple hundred marched throughout Keōpūolani Park on Saturday to shed light on suicide prevention.

Amber Sakuda, one of the organizers for the “Out of the Darkness” walk, said that many of the attendees chose to participate to honor loved ones they lost to suicide.

“I personally was amazed at how many people participated and the solidarity and aloha spirit everyone shared,” Sakuda said.

“We hope events like this will help our community be more open about mental health.”

The event, which featured informational booths, entertainment, and exercise activities, raised $18,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Sakuda noted that the success is a testament to the collaboration between multiple organizations and volunteers, including students from Maui High and Baldwin High schools.

“Suicide is a preventable cause of death so we need to bring it into the light,” Sakuda added.

The event comes on the heels of Suicide Prevention Month.

For anyone experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, or anyone who knows someone who is, call the Crisis Line of Hawai‘i at (808) 832-3100 (O‘ahu), 1 (800) 753-6879 (neighbor islands), the National Suicide Hotline at 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255), and message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Resources are available 24 hours every day.

More information about suicide prevention is available online.