KAILUA-KONA — Suicide is a problem that isn’t slowing down in Hawaii County.
“It’s right now, and has been for quite awhile, the No. 1 cause of injury deaths on Hawaii Island,” said Nancy Sallee, a therapist at Orchid Isle Psychotherapy in Kealakekua. “And we unfortunately happen to have the distinction on our island of having the highest suicide rate per capita in the state.”
It was actually 2014 when suicide became the leading cause of injury deaths in Hawaii County, and Sallee said the reasons someone chooses to take his or her own life are as varied as the people suicide impacts. Depression, the loss of a relationship or loved one, the loss of a job — the triggers can be anywhere.
And so Sunday, Sallee, who is serving as emcee and benefit chair, and hundreds of others will participate in the 2nd Annual Prevent Suicide Hawaii Benefit.
The benefit will be held at the pavilion at Old Airport Park from 1-6 p.m. Doors will open at noon. The cost is $20 per adult, $5 per child and children under the age of 3 will be admitted free of charge.
The event is sponsored by the Hawaii Department of Health Injury Prevention Division, which sponsors suicide prevention task forces on every island, including two in Hawaii County.
Survivors, loved ones of those who have attempted or have committed suicide, educators, mental health providers and several other members of the community will be on hand to provide resources and enjoy a day meant to juxtapose festivities that celebrate life with somber remembrances of those who no longer have the opportunity.
Last year at the inaugural benefit, more than 700 people showed up, Sallee said.
“It’s a very emotional event,” she continued. “Last year, it was pretty heavy, pretty intense. I could feel it the whole time with people’s grief and loss. But I (also felt) their happiness to be there, happiness to be able to have somebody talk about it and give them hope.”
The event will feature a memorial table for pictures of those lost to suicide and a quilt incorporating photos of victims from all islands will also be on display. There will be a silent auction with more than 140 prizes including a kayak, computers and various gift certificates, among others.
The benefit will also provide attendees with an array of entertainment, including a performance by Kona Dance and Performing Arts and musical acts by the band KEAIWA and the singer Pau’ole.
Dinner will be catered by Lava Bowl Hawaiian Cuisine and guest speakers will include Mayor Harry Kim, as well as representatives of the Kona Vet Center and the Hawaii Island Suicide Prevention Task Force.
The idea, Sallee said, is to encourage people talk about their problems and share their grief, and in that way help them to remain healthy and alive.
“People are very modest when it comes to suicide,” she said. “For many people, it’s a shame and blame topic — where you have shame in your family if someone kills themselves or blaming somebody for doing it. That’s why we’re having the benefit. We want to dispel the stigma of shame and blame on suicide. We want people to talk about it so that we keep everybody safe and nobody else decides to make that choice.”
Hawaii Suicide Prevention resources can be accessed at preventsuicidekona.com and HISPF.com.
Access lines are 1-800-735-6879 and 808-832-3100.
The Neighborhood Place of Kona can be reached at 808-331-8777. Domestic Violence Crisis Lines are 808-322-7233 in West Hawaii and 808-959-8864 in East Hawaii.
Adult Protective Services can be reached at 808-327-6280, while Bridge House, Inc. may be contacted by calling 808-322-3305.