PA'I - People Against Ice - Kailua Kona, HI

Mission Statement

The following is a description of our organization and how we plan to integrate our goals of educating our community to the perils of the drug epidemic that is raging through our beloved islands, most especially Kona and the Big Island.

PA'I (People Against Ice) - Kona Chapter - came into being in August 2002. What started out as a mothers journey to save her two sons from the ravaging effects of "ice" in their lives, has turned into an organization to help other families and friends who were hurting due to the drug addiction of their loved ones.

The idea of Ohana (Family) Support Groups is one that promotes healing for the entire family, which includes the addict, friends and family. Drug addiction is, without a doubt, a family disease, and one cannot expect to help the addict through rehabilitation, while the family is left to deal alone with their pain, grief and shame.

The PA'I Organization consists of people from the Kona community who have been affected by the drug addiction of a family member or friend, addicts in recovery, or those who have the desire to recover, members of the general public, medical and mental health professions. Our members have volunteered their services to help in any way they can.

The mission of PA'I is to join forces with every available and willing agency, organization, school and church, through communication. We need to work together to help prevent drug addiction, to help educate families, individuals and school children on the perils of drug addiction and to provide information on available support groups to help heal the broken families. Unity is "key" to accomplishing our goals.

As a catalyst, PA'I is reaching out to families impacted by the drug epidemic to attend functions such as Ohana Support Group meetings that promote family healing. We also aid neighborhoods in setting up Ohana Support Groups in their areas, with the help and participation of other organizations. The ultimate outcome of such unification is a positive step toward helping friends and families to be aware of the "ice" epidemic and to prevent the urge to "try it just once". Through this networking PA'I can bring about awareness, education, prevention and for many - healing in our West Hawaii communities. The culmination of these important aspects of addressing the drug problems can be shared throughout the Big Island.

To have our presentation at your school, church or organization, please contact Chris. Our goal is to speak to every man, woman and child, on the Kona Coast and beyond!

Mahalo Nui Loa,
Christine K. Light (Matsuoka)

Leka: paikona@hawaii.rr.com