Eleven graduates were recognized at the 84th Maui Drug Court graduation on November 16, for their success in fulfilling the program requirements. The Honorable Kelsey T. Kawano presided over their final court hearing and graduation ceremony. Linda Puppolo, executive director of the Maui AIDS Foundation, spoke to the graduates and shared her experience as the parent of an addict.

Linda described the path that led her daughter into a methamphetamine use disorder, criminal behaviors, and the guardianship responsibilities she took on while her daughter was enrolled in Drug Court. She strongly cautioned the graduates about challenges that lie ahead, and offered encouragement, saying, “Remember what you learned. What stuck to you. Surround yourself with only loving and supportive people. Take pride in your actions. Don’t forget — ask for help when you feel lost.” After 12 years of sobriety Linda’s daughter is working, has a home, is involved with her children, living a great life.

Using the proven combination of intensive community supervision and intensive substance use treatment, Maui Drug Court has 728 graduates and Moloka’i Drug Court has 40 graduates.