Waimanalo rallies against drug use
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
WAIMANALO — Hundreds of sign wavers turned out yesterday to send the message to drug users that they're not wanted in their neighborhoods.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser
During the evening rush hour about 350 people stood along Kalaniana'ole Highway from the entrance of Waimanalo to the beach park and said no to drugs. They wanted their neighbors to do the same.
Tyson Tynanes, 10, of 'Ewa Beach joined a protest against drugs near Kaiona Beach Park yesterday afternoon. Residents organized the rally in Waimanalo along Kalaniana'ole Highway.
About 80 more people were at the Castle Medical Center junction waving signs against drug use in Kailua.
Waimanalo and Kailua residents join a growing list of communities across O'ahu and the Big Island who are waving signs, holding community discussions and participating in some way to rid their neighborhoods of drug dealers and users.
"We're not here to chase the drug addicts out," event organizer Rocky Like told sign wavers prior to disbursing them along the route. "We want to save them. But if they don't want to change, we want them out."
Residents came for varying reasons, but they all said they wanted a drug-free community.
Angela Tisseraud, 45 and who's been living in Waimanalo for eight months, said she has been approached by dealers at the beach park trying to sell her drugs when she's walking at 6 a.m.
Gordon Kaaihue, 37, was there with the entire staff of Waimanalo Kai, which offers snorkeling, lei making and other culture activities to tourists. They wanted to show their support for the campaign.
Yvette Like, a recovering drug addict, carried a sign offering help by calling 261-5975. Like said she kicked the habit through treatment that was culturally sensitive and wanted to spread the message in this predominately Hawaiian community that others can do the same.
"I want to let people know that there's a way out," she said.
Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com. or 234-5266.
