Move with MADD 5K Walk in Honolulu honors victims of impaired driving, raises awareness

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaiʻi hosted its annual Move with MADD Hawaiʻi 5K Walk on Saturday at Kakaʻako Waterfront Park.

Read more Crews respond to wastewater spill at Hanapepe Fire Station

Survivors, families, law enforcement and community supporters honored those impacted by impaired driving with a mission to prevent related deaths and injuries.

They also raised funds to support victim services.

The event featured opening remarks by Gov. Josh Green, followed by a closing ceremony with Miss Hawaiʻi Teen USA Olivia Tom and recognition of top fundraisers and volunteers.

“Over time, we get benefits from technology and all those things – we can get to a place where we don’t have to wake up and worry that one of our loved one was hurt – or worse,” said Green at Saturday’s event.

Surrounded by families wearing shirts with faces of lost loved ones, community leader Kenoilani Kolii joined the walk to raise awareness after her nephew and his friend were both killed by a hit-and-run in 2018.

Read more First Alert Forecast: Mostly dry trade winds ahead of Tropical Storm Norbert

23-year old Daniel Mole and 21-year old Jonah Ragsdale were changing a tire along Farrington Highway when a 21 year-old driver under the influence plowed into them.

“I don’t ever want other people to go through this tragedy, so please, be responsible,” Kolii said, holding back tears.

MADD is a national nonprofit dedicated to ending impaired driving through youth prevention, law enforcement collaboration, legislative advocacy and free, 24/7 victim support services.

Read more Cut off by Hurricane Lowell, Kauai man worries about water for 60 cattle