HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0099.027 2020-2022 i
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From: Greg Nakamura
Sent: Sunday, May 02, 2021 10:36 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: County of Hawaii Non Profit Application Program
I am writing in support of the grant request made by the Friends of Drug Court (the
"Friends")
The Friends provides assistance to participants in the Drug Court and Veterans Court
programs in the County of Hawaii. These programs have proven successful in helping
substance involved individuals turn their lives around. Graduates from these programs have
become employed and responsible members of the community. They have also rebuilt their
families. In many instances, Drug Court or Veterans Court was the only real alternative to
prison.
Often, Drug Court and Veterans Court participants have needs which can only be met by
assistance provided by the Friends. In some instances, when people enter the programs, all
they have are the clothes they wear. The Friends has provided clothing and toiletry kits for
them. The Friends has also provided loans or grants for educational purposes, loans for
housing, taxi coupons and other assistance to help participants live normal, ordinary and
responsible lives.
Also, a tenet of these courts is that the participants be given incentives for doing well in
the program. It is believed that participants are motivated more by rewards rather the
punishment. The Friends provides funds for these incentives. The incentives are often gift
cards for food or clothing. c
Thank you for considering this request.
Respectfully submitted,
,o
/s/ Greg K. Nakamura
Comm. No.
Ref. To:
1 Ref. Date MAY Q.. 4 2 1