Graduates triumphantly proclaim renewed self-possession: Completion of Big Island Drug Court heralded with jubilation.
Seventeen individuals marked a significant milestone in their lives at the 73rd graduation ceremony of the Big Island Drug Court (BIDC) held at Hilo's Third Circuit courthouse on May 15. This marked the largest number of program graduates presided over by Judge Peter Kubota since his tenure as a Drug Court judge, which began in 2022.
In his address, Kubota emphasized the four pillars central to the BIDC program: sobriety, housing, education, and employment. He stated, "We aim to build the foundation of these individuals, addressing substance use, mental health issues, and trauma, often intertwined in one's journey."
Established in 2002, the BIDC serves individuals navigating the legal system in both Kona and Hilo. The program currently has 110 participants, with 61 in Hilo and 49 in Kona, as reported by Drug Court coordinator Grayson Hashida.
Individuals with a high risk of recidivism and limited violent offenses are prime candidates for BIDC. The graduates shared a similar path, starting with a brief stint in jail, followed by rehabilitation, and eventually gaining independence, earning a minimum high school education, acquiring a driver's license, and securing employment—all while maintaining sobriety.
The day before the graduation, a sense of camaraderie was palpable among the participants, with them finishing each other's sentences and heartily cheering on each other's accomplishments. This bond permeates throughout the Drug Court network, extending to graduates, recovery doctors, parole officers, attorneys, and even the judge—who serves as a parental figure for the group.
One testimonial of transformation came from Amy Lou Smith, 43, of Hilo, who was addicted to heroin, meth, and cocaine. Now three years sober, she has reclaimed her life, earning the admiration of her coworkers at the Waiakea Water company, several of whom attended the ceremony.
Similar tales of redemption were shared by Ronald Alta Jr., Tiarre Kobayashi, Stefani Sugimoto, Sampson Davidson, and Suliana Tui, all of whom spoke of their newfound relationships, stability, and continued sobriety.
Drug Court, part of a nationwide system of compassionate judicial correction programs, aims to help non-violent offenders avoid incarceration and improve their lives through judicially supervised treatment and rehabilitation rather than imprisonment. Aiming for improved success rates compared to traditional criminal justice approaches, recidivism rates for Drug Court participants are normally significantly lower than those of offenders not participating in such programs.
While the exact success and recidivism rates for the Big Island Drug Court specifically could not be found in the recent data, the program's overall goals and success are generally well-known and highly regarded. For the most up-to-date and accurate statistics, one should consult official Hawaii Judiciary or state government sources or contact the program administrators directly.
- As the BIDC program focuses on sobriety, housing, education, and employment, Judge Kubota highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues and trauma, thus expanding the program's focus to include health-and-wellness and mental-health aspects.
- In his testimony, Amy Lou Smith, a graduate of BIDC, demonstrated the transformative power of the program, having reclaimed her life after overcoming addiction to heroin, meth, and cocaine, and earning the respect of her colleagues at Waiakea Water company.
- The BIDC, part of a nationwide system, seeks to improve the lives of non-violent offenders through judicially supervised treatment and rehabilitation, with recidivism rates significantly lower than those of offenders not participating in such programs, thereby emphasizing the crucial role of health, education, and science in creating a holistic approach to community rehabilitation.
