Crime & Drugs

The Issue 30% of Hawaii residents do not feel safe in their homes. The Honolulu Police Department attributes a large percentage of crime to drug addiction, and while most major criminal offenses have declined in Honolulu, drug-related arrests have steadily increased. As the use of crystal methamphetamine (ice), rises in Hawaii, children, families, communities and the environment are put at risk. Why Crime And Drugs? Aloha United Way wants to ensure treatment programs and support services are available to people who are ready to enter recovery.

What we are doing

• Aloha United Way partners with several event organizers for Hawaii’s annual “Recovery Walk” to raise awareness and support for recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
• Aloha United Way is dedicated to helping neighborhoods implement proven strategies to fight crime and drugs and to build closer relationships with the police force.
• Aloha United Way is an active partner and community representative to the Project Safe Neighborhood coalition headed by the United States Attorney General, a group focused on removing guns and dangerous felons from our communities.
• As the Weed & Seed program transitions from federal funding to community-based support, Aloha United Way acts as liaison between communities and the Honolulu Police Department, helping residents take control of their neighborhoods through community policing and community watch programs.

Last year your donation helped:

• provide treatment to 2,223 individuals addicted to drugs.

Jessica in Makiki Jessica hit “rock bottom” when she lost her home, car, family support and parental rights five years ago. It was a painful experience, but offered a crossroads to start making the right choices. After successfully completing a treatment program at an AUW partner agency, she is now pursuing a career as a social worker, works at a nonprofit human services organization and is the proud mother of a healthy little girl. “Treatment is the first step,” Jessica explains, “if you give people a chance, and they want it badly enough, they’ll be successful.” AUW is committed to reducing the incidence of crime and drug use in our community.