Drive with Aloha: Promoting Safe Roads on Hawai‘i Island

The East Hawai‘i Drug-Free Coalition (EHDFC) participated in the “Drive with Aloha” mural program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by Keep It Flowing aims to use the power of art to inspire safe choices and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of driving while impaired. This impactful program launched on Hawai‘i Island at Kohala High School on November 8–9, 2024, with plans to continue through the 2024–2025 school year.

Kohala High School’s Campaign

The first event of the campaign at Kohala High School began with a large sign-waving rally on Friday, November 8, followed by a school-wide assembly. The assembly featured moving presentations, including personal stories from guest speakers who have experienced the impacts of impaired driving.

On Saturday, November 9, over 30 participants—including Kohala High students, faculty, staff, and community members—came together to paint a vibrant 100-foot mural on campus. Among those contributing to this effort were EHDFC Vice Chair Camlyn Pola and her family. Camlyn shared her harrowing story of surviving a tragic multi-vehicle crash as a teenager, which claimed the lives of four East Hawai‘i residents, including three of her classmates. Pictured right, Camlyn addresses the students of Kohala High, with the assistance of her daughter, holding a banner of the vehicle wreckage in the crash.

EHDFC partners from Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC), the Salvation Army, and the Pola ‘ohana assist on the Community Painting Day.

The mural was officially unveiled on November 25, 2024, with a dedication by Keep It Flowing and few words of prevention and encouragement from EHDFC Coordinator and Vice Chair. Below is a collage of the final mural:

The Mission Continues

The “Drive with Aloha” murals align with EHDFC’s mission to reduce substance use across the generations. The coalition is focused on eliminating underage drinking, a critical issue on Hawa‘i Island, where alarming statistics reveal that children as young as eight initiate alcohol use, and 40% of high school girls engage in binge drinking (ATOD Study 2019–2020).

Looking ahead, EHDFC is excited to participate in future mural installations at:

• Kea‘au High School: January 2025
• Kā‘u High School: March 15, 2025
• Kealakehe High School: May 2025

These events not only bring art to the community but also strengthen efforts to build awareness and foster dialogue around impaired driving and substance misuse.

Get Involved

EHDFC welcomes community members and partners to join us in upcoming “Drive with Aloha” Community Painting Days. To learn how you can participate or support the coalition’s initiatives, contact EHDFC Coordinator Sally Ancheta at sally@hiphi.org. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @easthawaiidrugfreecoalition for updates and opportunities to make a difference.