Drive With Aloha: Youth Leadership, Creative Expression, and Community

Throughout January 2026, the Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth (MCDFY) partnered with schools, community organizations, and local leaders to engage young people in activities focused on impaired-driving awareness, substance use prevention, and positive decision-making. Through art, education, and youth leadership, students helped carry prevention messages beyond the classroom and into the broader community.

On January 7, MCDFY partnered with Keep It Flowing to host a sign-painting workshop at Baldwin High School, where students were given a platform to express their voices through art, transforming prevention messaging into something personal and visible. About 50 students created hand-painted signs with messages such as “Drive with Aloha,” “Don’t Drink and Drive,” and reminders to make healthy choices. The following morning, students brought those signs to a roadside rally in front of the school, engaging passing motorists and raising community awareness about safe driving practices. 

On January 9, MCDFY participated in a student assembly attended by approximately 100 Baldwin High students. The program focused on the real-world consequences of impaired driving and featured perspectives from law enforcement and families personally impacted by impaired driving.

Officer Stephen Kelly of the Maui Police Department Traffic Section and School Resource Officer Nephi Laga discussed traffic safety, enforcement, and the dangers associated with impaired driving. Charlene and Everett Brown shared the story of losing their daughter, Hannah, in a drunk-driving crash. Andrea Maniago spoke about the loss of her son, Kaio Fukushima, and the devastating impact on her family. The student body president served as narrator, helping to facilitate a respectful, youth-led space for reflection. 

On January 13, MCDFY again partnered with Keep It Flowing to paint a large “Drive with Aloha” mural at Baldwin High School. Approximately 30 students helped create the mural, which now serves as a lasting visual reminder of the importance of sober driving and making positive choices. By involving youth directly in the creation process, these mural projects strengthen ownership and reinforce protective factors such as connection, purpose, and positive peer influence.

The month’s efforts culminated on January 28 with the official unveiling of the mural. Mayor Richard Bissen addressed students and attendees, encouraging safe and substance-free driving practices. Spencer Headley, Maui Nui Youth Council Coordinator, reinforced messages about healthy decision-making and sober living. During the ceremony, the County of Maui issued a proclamation designating January 28, 2026, as “Drive With Aloha Day,” recognizing the collaborative efforts behind the initiative.

Keep It Flowing, founded in Honolulu in 2014 by artist Ken Nishimura, advances its mission of “Awareness through Art” by working with youth to create murals that promote health and resilience. The organization has collaborated on nine prevention-themed murals across Maui County, addressing youth alcohol use, vaping, methamphetamine prevention, and impaired driving. The Baldwin High School mural marks the nineteenth “Drive With Aloha” mural statewide.

As MCDFY continues to expand prevention programming across Maui County, the coalition remains committed to fostering environments where young people are supported in making safe, healthy, and substance-free choices. To learn more about or get involved with MCDFY, visit mcdfy.org.