Mexican cartels have been flooding Hawaii with meth, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, despite its remote location, targeting the state due to less competition and higher prices. While drug shipments first arrive in Honolulu, they are trafficked to all corners of the island, impacting even the most famous tourist areas. The DEA and local law enforcement are working to combat the crisis, but synthetic drugs like fentanyl and meth continue to be a major issue in the state.
On Oahu’s west side, a large Native Hawaiian population is particularly affected by the drug crisis, with growing concerns about the impact on the youth. Treatment programs like Ho’omau Ke Ola focus on culture and spirituality to guide participants through addiction recovery, offering residential treatment and outpatient services. Participants engage in traditional chants and rituals, as well as outdoor activities like ocean cleansing, to promote healing and brotherhood.
While some individuals have found success in these programs, there remain systemic issues in accessing mental health and drug addiction treatments for Native Hawaiian-Pacific Islander communities. The state of Hawaii has developed a five-year plan to provide culturally appropriate and comprehensive services, including equine therapy, group nature hikes, and yoga. However, the battle against drug addiction in Hawaii continues, with the hope that initiatives like these will help address the root causes of substance abuse in the state.
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