(L to R) Marty Amaro, Life Choices Kaua'i (LCK) SPF-SIG program manager, Kourtney Bunao, Jackie Kanna, Kyara Bunao, LCK SPF-SIG project specialist,Hailey Kawakami, LCK Coordinator Theresa Koki, and State Rep. Derek Kawakami pose for a picture following a store makeover of Menehune Food Mart
By Staff Reports
(Kapahi)– The Menehune Food Mart in Kapahi underwent a transformation.
Students from Kapa‘a Middle School and Kapa‘a High School under the guidance of Life’s Choices Kaua’i collaborated on a makeover of the food mart and created a bright, family-friendly environment.
The students spent the day replacing alcohol-related ads with photographs and artwork that they created themselves. Parents, teachers, the Menehune Food Mart staff and community members also pitched in with the makeover.
“Many of our youth face the daily temptations of drugs and alcohol. This makeover serves to decrease these temptations and create more awareness about the growing problem of underage drinking,” said Life’s Choices Kaua’i Coordinator Theresa Koki.
State Rep. Derek Kawakami, who is involved in the store’s operations, also expressed his enthusiasm about the makeover project.
State Sen. Ronald Kouchi, County Council Chair Jay Furfaro and County Councilman Mel Rapozo (standing to the right of the store sign) were among the dignitaries that attended the blessing following a store makeover of Menehune Food Mart.
“The Kawakami and Furugen families as well as our entire Menehune Food Mart ‘ohana are very pleased to have participated in a project that increases the awareness of the importance of underage drinking prevention for our community, our employees, and our customers,” said Kawakami. “It is paramount that we take care of our No. 1 resource – our keiki.”
The Menehune Food Mart is the second Kaua’i establishment to undergo this type of makeover. Last June, a student-led team of volunteers in partnership with Life’s Choices Kaua’i converged on Kujo’s Store in Kalâheo and removed all of the alcohol-related ads, replacing them with family photos and cultural-themed artwork.
Environmental strategies such as store makeovers that aim to reduce underage drinking through changes in community policies and practices is the primary focus of Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol, a prevention program that was initiated last year by Life’s Choices Kaua’i.
A group of Kapa‘a High School students took park in a store makeover of Menehune Food Mart that included both interior and exterior work.
Funding for the store makeovers is provided by: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; state Department of Health – Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, Strategic Prevention Framework – State Incentive Grant; Hawai’i Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking; and Life’s Choices Kaua’i.
The mission of Life’s Choices Kaua’i is: to prevent drug and alcohol abuse and addiction; support the enforcement of local, state and federal laws dealing with drug and alcohol abuse; provide drug and alcohol treatment and resources for those in need; and help rehabilitated residents rejoin the community as successful citizens.
For more information about Life’s Choices Kaua’i, please go to www.kauai.gov/lifeschoieskauai.
A large group of Kapa‘a Middle School and Kapa‘a High School students participated in a store makeover of Menehune Food Mart.
State Rep. Derek Kawakami pauses for a picture while painting a mural as part of a store makeover of Menehune Food Mart.