Three graduates complete Kauai Drug and Veterans courts in Lihue
Three Kauai residents finished treatment courts in Līhue, a milestone that can clear charges, end probation supervision and keep people out of jail.
Three Kauai residents left Courtroom 4 in the Judiciary Building with more than lei and applause: completion of specialty courts that can end probation supervision and, in some cases, reduce or dismiss pending charges. Travis Iwata and Larrisa Sekimoto completed the 47th Kauai Drug Court, while Rawlin “Kamaka” Fernandez became the sole graduate of the 7th Kauai Veterans Court.
The graduation put a human face on a public-safety strategy built around treatment, accountability and close court oversight rather than a steady return to arrest and incarceration. Kauai Drug Court was established in 2003 under now-retired Judge Clifford Nakea as an alternative to jail for people with substance abuse issues. The program is an 18-month outpatient track that includes mental health and medical follow-up, frequent testing, home visits, curfew monitoring and review hearings.
For taxpayers, that matters because the Judiciary has long described drug court as a way to provide alternatives to incarceration and ease probation caseloads. For families, it matters because the program is designed to interrupt the cycle that can keep a household moving between court dates, jail stays and relapse.
The veterans track follows a similar model, but with a different starting point. The Kauai Veterans Court launched on Nov. 15, 2017, with a U.S. Air Force veteran as its first participant. The Judiciary says the court is meant to help veterans build constructive lives while holding them accountable, especially when PTSD and substance abuse are part of the picture. It can connect participants with mental health and substance abuse evaluation and treatment, housing help, job training, volunteer veteran mentors and regular court supervision.
The Kauai programs have grown steadily over time. By June 4, 2018, drug court had held its 31st graduation ceremony and helped 212 people graduate. By Dec. 16, 2020, that number had climbed to 245, while veterans court had two graduates. By May 23, 2022, veterans court had six graduates. As of June 6, 2023, the Judiciary reported 277 adult drug court graduates and seven veterans court graduates.
Monday’s ceremony drew support from Kauai Drug Court Administrator Ikaika Macabeo, Friends of Kauai Drug Court president Mel Rapozo, Council Chair and Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like, and Judge Michael K. Soong. Their presence reflected a countywide system, from judges and prosecutors to advocates and service providers, trying to replace repeat arrests with stability, treatment and a path back to work and community life.
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