Campaign targets isle underage drinking
The surgeon general launches a nationwide effort in Honolulu
By Mark Niesse
Associated Press
By uniting families, communities and schools, underage alcohol abuse can be fought on a societal level to help save lives, acting U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu said during a Hawaii visit yesterday.
Moritsugu, in Honolulu to launch the first of state-by-state efforts against underage drinking, is spreading his message about the heavy toll taken by drunken driving, addiction and associated mental development problems.
"The societal sense that it's OK sends a mixed message to our kids," Moritsugu said in an interview in Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona's office. "On one hand, you shouldn't drink, it's unsafe, it's unhealthy and illegal. On the other hand, people say, 'Oh, it's OK.' "
Moritsugu will meet with more than 100 teachers, church leaders, doctors and community members today at the governor's mansion at Washington Place to help organize a broad partnership to take on teen drinking.
"Underage drinking is everybody's problem, and reducing and preventing underage drinking is everybody's responsibility," said Moritsugu, who was born and raised in Honolulu.
He chose to start his nationwide campaign in Hawaii because he was invited by Aiona, and because the state already has aggressively tried to combat drugs and alcohol in recent years, he said. Moritsugu announced his national "call to action" against underage drinking in March.
About 5,000 youths die in alcohol-related accidents nationwide every year, which is like losing the entire population of a small college or university, he said.
Hawaii appears to have slightly less of a teen drinking problem than the national average, he said.
There are 11 million underage drinkers in the United States, about 23 percent of the under-21 population, according to the 2005 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. By comparison, roughly 20 percent of Hawaii's underage population drinks.
"We know that alcohol can damage the brain. If we know that, why do we want to take the chance?" he asked. "If there is a risk involved, then why do it?"
Moritsugu will bring together concerned citizens and provide them with information about the drinking problem, but it will be up to the community to tailor anti-alcohol programs that fit Hawaii, he said.