KAILUA-KONA — Suicide is a dark topic many shy away from discussing.
KAILUA-KONA — Suicide is a dark topic many shy away from discussing.
Though a matter surrounded by pain, guilt, blame and sometimes shame, suicide has to be discussed to prevent more lives from being lost, says Nancy Sallee, a therapist with Orchid Isle Psychotherapy in Kealakekua and member of the Prevent Suicide West Hawaii Task Force.
“Suicide is a problem for all of us,” she said.
Suicide was the single leading cause of fatal injuries in Hawaii, and the 10th leading cause of death among Hawaii residents between 2010-14, according to data provided by Nancy Deeley, state Department of Health suicide prevention coordinator. During the five years between 2010 and 2014, Hawaii Island recorded 180 suicides; Oahu 541; Maui 133; and Kauai 54. Statewide, that adds up to 908 lives lost.
“There is a suicide in the state every other day or every day — it’s that frequent,” Sallee said. “It’s so tragic that so many of our kamaaina and even visitors are at a point of hopelessness where they just feel there is no recourse but to give up.”
In an effort to help people understand how significant a problem suicide is in communities across Hawaii, the task force, one of two in Hawaii County affiliated with the statewide Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force, will hold its inaugural Prevent Suicide Hawaii Benefit this weekend at Makaeo Event Pavilion in Kailua-Kona.
“There’s two reasons why we are having this benefit,” said Sallee. One is to “help people understand how significant the problem of suicide is on our state and on our island.”
And the other, she added, is to raise funds to cover the cost of half-day and two-day suicide training for anyone in the community age 15 and up, as well as assisting monetarily families who have been impacted by suicide.
The benefit is also the first of its kind on the Big Island and in the state.
“No one has ever tried this,” Sallee said. “We are kind of establishing a precedent that other islands may decide to do the same and raise money not just for the trainings but to help families who are impacted.”
And there have been many who have been impacted.
Between 2009-13, Hawaii Island led the state in suicides per capita with 19 confirmed suicide deaths per 100,000 residents, ahead of Maui with 16 per 100,000 residents, Kauai with 13 per 100,000 and Honolulu with 10 per 100,000.
Statewide, there were 12 suicides per 100,000, according to data provided by Deeley.
The five-hour event kicks off at 2 p.m. with a pule and introduction about the event followed by prize giveaways, live entertainment, music, dancing, information booths, Hawaiian-style dinner, and other activities. There will also be a keiki corner featuring face painting, a balloon man, popcorn, candy and more. DJ for the day is Ka’u Productions. On the entertainment bill is PonchoMan, Maka, Kevin Haleamau (during dinner at 4 p.m.), and Tahitian dancing by Te Ea O Te Turama.
Also in attendance and speaking, in addition to Sallee, will be Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth, Hawaii County councilwomen Karen Eoff (North Kona) and Margaret Wille (North and South Kohala), House reps. Cindy Evans (North Kona and South Kohala) and Nicole Lowen (Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa and Honokohau), and Wayne Hankammer, U.S. Army Suicide Prevention Program Manager based at Fort Shafter on Oahu.
Tickets are $13 for adults; $3 for children ages 5 to 17; free for keiki younger than age 5. Entry at the door is with cash only.
At the event, attendees can help raise funds by purchasing $1 and $20 tickets that give the holder the chance to win numerous prizes.
Amid the fun event to raise awareness of suicide, there will also be opportunities to remember and honor people who’ve taken their own lives. In addition to a moment of silence, there will be a table where people can place pictures and mementos of victims and time for those who have lost a loved one to suicide to share their story with the group.
A special quilt featuring nine suicide victims with connection to Hawaii will also be unveiled at the event. Created by Betty Burlile, a task force board member, the quilt will eventually be hung at the West Hawaii Civic Center to increase suicide awareness, said Sallee.
“We have to keep reminding people that there are loved ones dying and we just can’t let it happen anymore,” she said.
The West Hawaii task force meets the first Wednesday of the month from 2-4 p.m. at West Hawaii Community Health Center on Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona. Call Sallee at 333-8988 for information.
Info: www.preventsuicidekona.com or preventsuicidekona@gmail.com. ■