The report stated that higher rates of Maui 6th-graders were using the substances than the statewide average. It also found that the need for substance abuse treatment among children was higher on Maui than the state average in all age groups. But a critical group of young people was not considered in the study, according to Gail Gnazzo, head of Maui Youth and Family Services, which provides counseling and treatment to youth. In addition to providing statistics on substance use, the report evaluated different factors that would protect children or increase their risk of using alcohol or drugs.
Availability is one cause for concern.
There are 326 places to buy alcohol for every 100,000 people in Maui County, compared to the statewide average of 194 sales outlets for the same number of people, the study said. A high degree of community stability, with students staying at the same school for the entire academic year, contributes to the factors protecting Maui's kids, according to the report. The Maui Community Profile on substance abuse in children was a breakdown of statewide statistics released earlier in June. A strategic plan for fighting youth substance abuse across the state is also being prepared and should be released later this month. While the report doesn't contain any surprising information for Christina Fisher, Maui County substance abuse coordinator, it does deliver a strong overall message.