HONOLULU — The First Circuit Drug Court recognized 14 graduates at its 86th Commencement Ceremony on March 8 in the Supreme Court courtroom in Aliʻiōlani Hale for successfully fulfilling the program requirements. Family, friends, dignitaries and special guests attended the ceremony to recognize the graduating class’ achievements. 

The Honorable Clarissa Malinao presided over the graduation ceremony. She, along with Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, presented certificates of commendation, to each graduate. 

The graduates expressed appreciation for the program. One graduate said, “I was arrested at the age of 19. Devastated, scared, and arrogant, I thought that I could do it all on my own. My mother made the most difficult decision of her life – turn me in and save me or let me be a victim of the streets.” She thanked family, friends, and Drug Court staff for their support. She said, “Finding myself on Drug Court’s footsteps, I get to live the life that I have today.” She is now working full-time and has plans to go to school in hopes of becoming a substance abuse counselor.

Drug Court is an intensive 18-month program that provides alternatives to incarceration and assists individuals to break free from addiction and acquire new skills to become contributing members to society.

For more information about the program, contact the First Circuit Court Adult Client Services Branch at 808-539-4500.