April 7, 2006- Alcohol Awareness Month

All of us were saddened by the recent tragic accident that took the lives of two O`ahu women in a fiery head-on crash.  It was even more shocking that the crash was reportedly caused by an intoxicated, pregnant 20-year-old woman driving the wrong way on the freeway.

Senseless tragedies caused by illegal underage drinking can be avoided if we as a community take a more proactive approach.

To curb the tragic consequences of underage drinking, our Administration has introduced Senate Bill 706, known as the “Use & Lose” law.  It would suspend driving privileges of anyone under the age of 21 convicted of illegally purchasing or possessing alcohol. 

This bill is supported by the Legislature and the community, including the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney, the Attorney General, county Police Departments, and MADD-Hawai`i.

As we observe Alcohol Awareness Month in April, let us all work together to end underage drinking in our state. 

Mahalo.  This is Lt. Governor Duke Aiona.