Why We Walk

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Hawaii and its partners have reduced drunk driving fatalities on our roads by over 50% since the 1980s. Our core activities — victim support services, working community partnerships, public policy, and educational programs –continue to be central to our work. Because of the violent crime of impaired driving, in the past 7 years, to name just a few, we have lost forever the following mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, coworkers, and friends:

Kelsey Palisbo (38) and Leah Hanakahi (7) sitting in a car in front of their home in Nanakuli on 2/26/22 @ 10:30 pm;
Azalia Park (21) Salt Lake on their way to the Christmas Light Show on 12/18/20 @ 11:50 pm;
Brianne Lee (32) on her way home in Liliha on 2/16/19 @ 1:45 am;
Dr. Travis Lau, (39) Kaka’ako while out for a jog on 1/28/19 @ 6:30 pm;
Dr. Eugene Chin (76) while walking his dog in Mokuleia on 9/13/18 @ 7 am;
Daniel Mole (23) and Jonah Ragsdale (21) while repairing a tire for a friend in Makaha on 2/19/18 @ 7:30 pm; and
Kaulana Werner (19) walking to the park in Nanakuli on 4/24/16 @ 8:30 pm.

Walk Like MADD brings together victims, survivors, volunteers, and community partners to remember those killed, injured, or emotionally devastated by drunk driving; to inspire those who may feel helpless or lost; and to commit to a future of No More Victims.

Joining us at the walk this year is Tess Rowland, MADD’s National President. Tess became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2021 when her life was shattered by the reckless and thoughtless actions of a ‘wrong-way’ drunk driver with drugs in the car. As MADD National President, Tess’s focus is on empowering individuals to make life-saving choices while still enjoying a safe night out. She’s committed to being the voice for the voiceless and an advocate to fight for justice for those who have been lost to this crime. Tess will share her story during the program.