EARLINE N. YOKOI APPOINTED AS STATE DRUG CONTROL LIAISON
For Immediate Release: January 14, 2004
HONOLULU – As an integral part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing efforts to fight illicit drug abuse and underage drinking, Earline N. Yokoi has been appointed as the state’s first drug control liaison. Yokoi is currently a criminal justice planning specialist with the state Department of the Attorney General. The new position takes effect on January 21st
Yokoi will work directly with Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona Jr. to manage and support functions for the Administration’s Hawai`i Drug Control Strategy. She will collaborate and coordinate private and public partnerships that will develop and implement programs to improve and integrate drug prevention and treatment services. The new position was formed in response to a recommendation from the Lt. Governor’s Hawai`i Drug Control Strategy Summit in September 2003, to designate one person to oversee the state’s control efforts.
“Earline’s diverse and keen understanding in this field will greatly enhance our Administration’s efforts to prevent illicit drug use and underage drinking, provide effective treatment, and stop the distribution of illegal drugs in our state,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “In particular, Earline’s knowledge of the criminal justice system, as well as her work in human services and assisting troubled youths, will be instrumental in implementing the Hawai`i Drug Control Strategy.”
“I’m honored to be entrusted with this critical position,” said Yokoi. “There’s much work ahead to solve the drug problem, but we are fortunate the state now has a solid foundation and plan that was established over the past year culminating with the Hawai`i Drug Control Strategy. I look forward to working with the administration as well as the other stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse.”
Yokoi has more than 25 years of experience in human services and criminal justice fields. She joined the Attorney General’s office in 1987, where her responsibilities included applying for and managing federal and state grants relating to criminal and juvenile justice. She was involved in obtaining the initial planning grant for Hawai`i’s first drug court. Yokoi has also managed federal grant funds to support projects relating to narcotics task forces, clandestine drug laboratories, as well as drug testing and treatment for juvenile and adult probationers, inmates and parolees.
Yokoi earned her masters and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Hawai`i, and she is a graduate of Hilo High School.
For more information, visit the Hawai`i Drug Control Strategy Web site at: http://www.hawaii.gov/hawaiidrugcontrolstrategy
For more information, contact:
Celyn Chong Kee
Public Liaison
Office of the Lt. Governor
Phone: 586-0255
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Office of the Governor
Phone: 586-7705
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Office of the Governor
Phone: 586-0043
