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Big Island vtc graduation celebration

11/10/2021

The 19th Big Island Veterans Treatment Court graduated Ian Paleka (pictured above left) on November 8 at the Keahuolu Courthouse. He thanked everyone, including Judge Wendy DeWeese (right), VTC staff, and the Men of Paa, a cultural recovery program in Hilo, for all their support through his arduous journey. Read full article.

Seven Graduates in 58th Big Island Drug Court Class

10/11/2021

The 58th graduating class of the Big Island Drug Court was honored on October 11 at the Keahuolu Courthouse in Kona. The seven proud graduates were praised by Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert D.S. Kim and Kona Drug Court Judge Wendy DeWeese (pictured above third from right) for their hard-won accomplishments. Read full article.

Big Island Drug Court Holds 57th Graduation Ceremony

8/27/2021

Graduates are congratulated by Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim. (Hawai`i State Judiciary)

The Big Island Drug Court (BIDC) celebrated the achievements of the three members of the 57th graduating class on August 5, at Hale Kaulike Hilo. Each graduate was presented with certificates of commendation and recognition from Governor David Ige, U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, and County Council member Ashley Kierkiewicz. Read full article.

Veterans Treatment Court Grad Ready for New Life

6/29/2021

Keoni Barr said he is ready to be the person he knows he can be after successfully completing the Big Island Veterans Treatment Court program.

He told judges, court staff, family, and friends that he was struggling in life when he began the program, but thanks to their never-ending support, he got the confidence to get himself back on track. Read full article.

8 Recognized for Completion of Big Island Drug Court

5/25/2021

Seven men and one woman were celebrated Monday, May 24, in Kona’s 3rd Circuit Court for their completion of the Big Island Drug Court program.
Read the full article to hear the stories of two of the graduates.

Photo & Story Credit: Tiffany DeMasters, Big Island Now

Drug Court and Veterans Court Benefit from Hawaii Island United Way Generosity

3/21/2021

Hawaii Island United Way recently awarded the Friends of the Big Island Drug Court with a $1,500 grant for food and supplies to support Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court clients during the pandemic.

The donation funded two food distribution events. The first was held at the Old Airport Park in Kona on February 22, the second was at the Hilo Civic Center on March 2. In all, 56 bags of rice, several cases of canned goods, 46 pizzas, sodas, hand sanitizers, and facemasks were provided to more than 75 treatment court participants. Read full article.

Hilo Drug Court Judge Henry Nakamoto (left), Friends of Big Island Drug Court Vice President Michelle Manalo, and Drug Court Probation Officer Dustin Cueva (back)

Holidays Made Merrier for Drug & Veterans Court Clients’ Keiki

12/20/2020

Thanks to a generous donation of presents from the Aloha Meritorious Program, the Friends of the Big Island Drug Court was able to provide holiday gifts to over 100 children of Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court clients. Each child received a large bag of wrapped presents at drive-thru events at the Old Kona Airport Park and the Hilo Civic Center parking lot December 23 and 24, respectively. Read full article.

BIVTC Honors Veterans

11/21/2019

From left, First Circuit Judge Edward H. Kubo, Jr., and Third Circuit Judge Henry T. Nakamoto (fourth from left) were joined by Veterans Treatment Court participants, alumni, probation officers, mentors, attorneys, and Veterans Administration staff at the 2019 Hilo Veterans Day Parade.

November is an important month for the Big Island Veterans Treatment Court (BIVTC). The program was launched in November 2014, and is now celebrating five successful years of operations. BIVTC staff and supporters also commemorate the Veterans Day Holiday, and honor veterans all month long. Read full article.

Chief Judge Greg Nakamura’s Last Drug Court Hearing

11/19/2019

Third Circuit Chief Judge Greg Nakamura (second from left) is pictured at his last Drug Court hearing with (from left) Jessica Mae Caravalho, Drug Court graduate and Friends of the Big Island Drug Court Secretary; Irene Nagao, Friends Board member; and Michelle Manalo, graduate and Friends Treasurer. Read full article.

Big Island Drug Court 48th and 49th Graduation Ceremonies

10/11/2019

The Big Island Drug Court (BIDC) celebrated the achievements of three graduates in Hilo at a special courtroom ceremony on August 29, 2019. Each was presented with certificates of commendation and recognition by representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz, and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. Read full article.

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