Sponsored by Honolulu Liquor Commission

Summer has come to an end and school is back in session! The Honolulu Liquor Commission is continuing its “Don’t Drown Your Future” campaign in an effort to prevent underage drinking by partnering with high school athletes and local schools to discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle — one that does not involve alcohol.

Marcus Kimura is the strength and conditioning coach at St. Louis High School. Along with overseeing the health and fitness for many star athletes in the state, he serves as a mentor to teens and encourages them to make healthier life decisions.

“I preach healthy lifestyle choices for all of our kids, and student athletes as well,” Kimura says. “They put in so much work, whether it’s physically or mentally in the classroom.”

Jordan Botelho is a senior at St. Louis High School and an outside linebacker on the school’s varsity football team. He’s ranked as the top overall prospect in Hawaii and has committed to play football for University of Notre Dame.

“I feel that it’s important to raise awareness about underage drinking because it’s one of those things that can affect your life,” Botelho says. “It’s important that you have a group of friends with common goals so that you can push each other and motivate each other to be successful.”

Botelho is focused on his future and hopes to give back to his parents because of all they’ve done for him. He also aims to try his best at everything he does. “If I do that, I know that my parents will be happy,” he says. However, his ultimate goal is to play in the NFL.

For anyone that wants to get involved in the Honolulu Liquor Commission’s “Don’t Drown Your Future” campaign, email liquor@honolulu.gov. The agency is always looking for more people to partner with.

For more information: honolulu.gov/liq.html