LIHU‘E — Judge Michael Soong on Tuesday dismissed probation charges against Charlene Akau, Tiana Aguiar and Brennan Kanahele-Castillo at the state courthouse.
“You are no longer under the supervision of the Judiciary,” Soong said following the Kaua‘i Drug Court’s 40th graduation ceremony hosted for the three graduates, their families and representatives of the Drug Court supporting agencies, including the Office of the Mayor.
Under terms of the Kaua‘i Drug Court, a graduate, depending on the level of entry into the program, has their initial drug, or drug-related charges, or probation dismissed following successful completion of the Kaua‘i Drug Court program that averages about two years.
“You three did very well,” Soong said. “You’ve met the challenges, and succeeded. Be proud.”
Soong also encouraged the graduates to come back and support those who are “fighting the battle of their lives,” a phrase used by keynote speaker Makani Tabura of the Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center.
Tabura, a cultural practitioner and leader of several rehabilitation programs, likened the three graduates to warriors in a fight against superhuman aliens in the battle of their lives. He encouraged the graduates to stay on the path of the warrior.
Akau, boasting 238 “clean and sober days,” said her career with the Kaua‘i Drug Court made her realize that her days of using drugs was not a stumbling block, but a stepping stone to a better life.
“Sometimes, you need to lose everything to find good,” she said, pledging to “live positively, be humble, and have a good heart.”
Aguiar, boasting 610 clean and sober days, is a
volunteer with the Ho‘omana Thrift Store, where she learned to “pay attention to feelings and thoughts.”
Her biggest test, she said: “My dad passed away, and I didn’t use.”
Kanahele-Castillo, boasting 726 clean and sober days, said he was grateful for the second chance at life, reuniting with his son, and learning through the Kaua‘i Drug Court.
“They showed me where I want to be,” the driver with The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center said. “I’m humbled to discover where I want to be, and will continue to learn. We do recover!”
Mel Rapozo, president of Friends of the Kaua‘i Drug Court and newly elected Kaua‘i County Council member, said the Kaua‘i Drug Court does not receive any funding from the government despite the program being a successful part of the state Judiciary.
“This is not the easy way out,” Rapozo said. “It’s not easy, but always have someone — like Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami said to have an exit plan. And now that you found people who are here to help you, don’t waste your experience; go save others.”
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
