Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth Recognized as MADD’s Community Partner of the Year

Queue the pupu and dry bar. It’s award season, prevention style. At Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD’s) annual Law Enforcement Recognition Event, members of the Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth (MCDFY) posed for a packed photo, award in hand, surrounded by law enforcement officers from O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i, and Hawai‘i Island. At the event, hosted by MADD on the afternoon of June 25, 2026, MCDFY was recognized as Community Partner of the Year, cited for its “outstanding service in the fight against impaired driving.”

Accepting the award on the coalition’s behalf were Dennis Barger, Vice Chair; Lisa Tomita, Secretary; and Kamalu Carroll, coalition member. Reflecting on the honor, Dennis said, “It was a pleasant surprise to see so many in law enforcement and politics honored for their conscientious effort to reduce impaired driving. But it still leads me to wonder how we can significantly reduce the suffering and death that result when people drive while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.”

Lisa Tomita added, “It is an honor to be a part of the Maui Coalition for Drug-Free Youth. The privilege to be recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, alongside our law enforcement partners and Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin, is a milestone for us.”

The Coalition is humbled and grateful for the recognition, and would like to turn that appreciation toward the local organizations it has partnered with this past year to raise awareness and continue community education against impaired driving. Over the past year, MCDFY has taken part in Drive With Aloha mural-painting events, organized sign-waving events with Mayor Bissen’s office, and led breakout sessions at the Boys & Girls Club Youth Summit. As with so many things in Maui County, it takes a village to do good work, and we strive to be a positive part of that village.

MCDFY remains committed to fighting impaired driving using every tool at our disposal. Alongside the efforts above, the coalition also focuses on “upstream” approaches to drug and alcohol prevention, working through the local legislative process to advance environmental changes that reduce drug- and alcohol-related harm.

To get involved with MCDFY, contact coordinator Spencer Headley at spencer@hiphi.org.