Solutions to Hawaii’s opioid nightmares

Although a lot of attention on the HOPE program is focused on the swift and certain sanctions, Alm stresses that equally important is the relationship between judges and probationers. Kona resident Ann, who has been in recovery for two years, describes what a typical check-in is like. “The judge calls us to the podium one by one. He talks to us about what we’ve been up to lately, building that relationship with us, commending us if we’re doing well, and seeing how they can help if we are struggling. He asks how long we have been clean and sober, and repeats what we say. Then everybody claps, including the probation officers, attorneys and the prosecutor. And it’s really a good feeling to know that you have all those people there supporting you.”