Anti-drug message to air
featuring Bethany Hamilton

Public service announcements featuring Kauai teenager Bethany Hamilton will begin airing on local radio and television stations next week as part of the state's anti-drug campaign.

"I'm against drugs. I think that's the main problem in Hawaii, that a lot of people get caught into drugs," Hamilton said.

Hamilton spoke to the press yesterday at the state Capitol, where she presented Gov. Linda Lingle with a copy of her book, "Soul Surfer," which is No. 12 on the Los Angeles Times nonfiction list.

The state is hoping to capitalize on Hamilton's fame to reach other teenagers.

Hamilton, 14, lost her left arm in a shark attack while surfing off Kauai's North Shore on Oct. 31, 2003.

The calm she displayed during her ordeal and quick return to competitive surfing won her worldwide acclaim, including being named 2004 ESPY Comeback Athlete of the Year and winner of the Teen Choice Award for Courage.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Surfer Bethany Hamilton presented Gov. Linda Lingle with a copy of her new book, "Soul Surfer," yesterday. Hamilton's account of her encounter last year with a shark that bit off her left arm has reached No. 12 on the Los Angeles Times nonfiction list.