MADD Hawaii - Mothers Against Drunk Driving

MADD’s mission is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.

MADD Hawaii currently has an office in downtown Honolulu in the Topa Tower. The office is staffed by Makena Young, Program Manager, Alexis Brown, Program Speicalist-Underage Drinking Program, Theresa Paulette, Victim Services Specialist and Kim Isaak, Program Specialist. Our advisory board of 18 individuals is dedicated to the mission of MADD.

2025 Board of Advisors

Karlotta Carvalho
Brittany Cass
Cathy Lee Chong
Sara Dudgeon
Mary Garcia
Donna Gutierrez
Stacey Katakura, Treasurer
Marilyn Katzman
Arkie Koehl
Ashlee Matsumoto
Carol McNamee
Linda Jameson Myers
Wanya Ogata, Chair
Theresa Paulette, Secratary
Ron Shimabuku
Kathryn Weldon
Antonio Williams
Caroline Witherspoon

Directors Emeritus 

Cedric Choi
Anita DiMauro
Molly Strode
David Taylor

Sadly, a life-changing crash could happen to you or someone you love.

 Here are the facts:

• On average, 2 in 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.
• Every 45 minutes someone is killed in a drunk driving crash.
• An average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before first arrest.

In 2020, drunk driving deaths represented 30% of all traffic fatalities

How does MADD help?

1. Through its national Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving which calls for:
   1. Supporting law enforcement’s efforts to apprehend impaired drivers and to deter others from driving while impaired
   2. Working for effective ignition interlock (in-car breathalyzer) laws in states to keep known risky drivers off our roads
   3. Working with a national team toward technology on all new cars to prevent drivers with illegal blood alcohol from operating the vehicle
2. By educating teens and parents about alcohol and the problems associated with underage drinking
3. By conducting public awareness programs like Tie One On for Safety which asks drivers to tie a MADD red ribbon onto their vehicles to pledge to be a safe and non-drinking driver over the holidays
4. By supporting the victims of impaired driving crashes

MADD Hawaii is here for those who want help…

Victim support has always been a core focus of the MADD organization. Today, we’re one of the nation’s largest victim service organizations. MADD realizes the depth of loss when a loved one has been killed or injured. We understand the holes in the hearts of thousands of people in our country and our state.

MADD Hawaii provides:

• free and confidential support services to injured victims and to families and close friends of those who have been killed
• a range of free brochures, books on grief, and other literature
• court accompaniment and criminal justice system navigation
• an annual candlelight vigil of hope and remembrance held during the holiday season
• the possibility of serving on a “Victim Impact Panel” where victims share their stories with people who have been arrested for DUI

If you need help or just desire to talk, call our Hawaii Victim Phone Line: 808-532-6233 National 24 helpline: 1-877-MADD-HELP

Since our founding in 1984 progress is being made:

• Alcohol-related deaths have declined by over 50% in Hawaii
• MADD Hawaii has served hundreds of victims
• “Designated Driver” is a term that almost everyone understands – and many practice

How You Can Help...

1. PARTICIPATING in our annual Walk Like MADD
2. TALKING to your legislator about improving highway safety
3. VOLUNTEERING your time – just call or email the MADD Hawaii office
4. DONATING to keep MADD working toward a safer Hawaii

 Finally, set an example yourself by always having a designated driver when you are attending an activity that includes alcohol.