Updated at 4:31 p.m., Monday, June 4, 2007
State launches underage drinking enforcement campaign
By Kim Fassler
Advertiser Staff Writer
In addition to a statewide awareness campaign about underage drinking, stores with liquor licenses will be closely monitored for underage sales, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said in a news release. Police will also be stepping up surveillance of parks and other popular locations for teenage drinking.
A 24-hour hot line will also be set up at the Honolulu Liquor Commission for people to report underage drinking, including instances at private residences. To make a report, call 523-4194.
Already, 500 stores statewide have been randomly selected to be checked, said HPD Sgt. Bob Lung, chairman of the Hawai'i Partnership To Prevent Underage Drinking.
The effort was spurred in part by Hawai'i-born U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu's visit to Hawai'i last month.
A recent statewide survey estimated 9.1 percent of sixth- through 12th-graders drink alcohol on a daily basis in Hawai'i. Nationally, alcohol is responsible for around 5,000 youth deaths each year, primarily through motor vehicle accidents, homicides and suicides.
