Newsmaker
Monday, December 22, 1997
Name: Theresa Paulette
Age: 49
Position: President, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Education: University of Hawaii-Manoa
Pastimes: Walking on the beach
Many will never have the chance to save the life of another human. Driving for safer roads
But Theresa Paulette's goal is to save 6,000.
Paulette, the president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Hawaii, wants to reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths nationally from 17,000 to 11,000 by 2005.
And the Honolulu Police Department believes in her and supports her all the way.
"You have to set a goal," said Capt. Michael Hama of the Traffic Division. "Not only do you have to try your best, you have to practice and live it."
Paulette got involved with MADD in 1992 when an uninsured, unlicensed drunken driver totaled her car in Waikiki.
Eight months after her accident, her 15-year-old son Brian, who was driving a moped near their Kaneohe home, was killed by a twice-convicted drunken driver.
The driver who hit her son was never tested for alcohol.
"It's devastating," she said. "Our lives were shattered. It's a mother's worst nightmare. You worry about their safety as soon they are brought into the world."
She said working with MADD and with the state Legislature to strengthen drunken driving laws helped in the healing process.
And she thinks of her son daily.
"I miss absolutely everything about him," she said.
Paulette, who has been MADD's president for the past two years, wants to build community awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.
"We're not against drinking," she said. "We're only against drinking and driving."
Paulette added that MADD isn't just for mothers. It's for the entire family.
One of the most popular and easiest ways to get involved with MADD is to "Tie One On For Safety."
People can pick up a free red ribbon at 7-Eleven, Gas Express or Bank of Hawaii outlets and tie it on their vehicle. The ribbon is a promise that the driver of the vehicle will be sober this holiday season and throughout the year.
Others who want to go a step further can volunteer, or make a donation, by calling 532-6232.
Hama said Paulette and all the volunteers should be commended for their hard work.
"They believe in what they're doing," he said. "They just don't talk the talk. They walk the talk."
According to MADD, alcohol-related fatalities have declined 40 percent since 1980.
"It's incredible progress, but we're not close to being there," Paulette said. "Not with 17,000 deaths."
By Jaymes Song, Star-Bulletin
