The Big Island Drug Court (BIDC) observed National Drug Court Month 2019 with a graduation ceremony celebrating the success of seven participants who completed the intensive court treatment program.

Kona Drug Court Judge Melvin Fujino presided over the May 13 event. Family, friends, current drug court participants, and retired Third Circuit Chief Judge Ronald Ibarra, who founded the BIDC in 2002, joined the celebration.

The BIDC addresses community problems related to substance abuse to achieve reductions in crime. The Drug Court judge leads the program and works with the prosecutor’s office, public defender’s office, substance abuse and other professional treatment providers, police, and probation officers to provide effective treatment and support to those struggling with addiction.

To date, 293 individuals have completed the BIDC’s Adult Program. Approximately 90 percent have remained free of felony convictions for at least three years after graduation.

For more about the program, contact the Drug Court Probation office in Hilo at (808) 961-7566, or in Kona at (808) 443-2200.