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Hawaiʻi FASD Action Group Hosts Events During Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month
September is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure. To raise awareness for the condition, the Hawaiʻi FASD Action Group will host FASD Awareness Day at the State Capitol on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, starting with a community sign-waving along South Beretania Street from about 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a program in the Capitol Rotunda at 10:00 a.m. featuring government and non-government advocates, and voices from the community. To learn more, or to sign up for this event visit www.fasdhawaii.org or follow www.instagram.com/hifasdag.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are a spectrum of diagnosable conditions, ranging from the most serious Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to the often hidden lifelong neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Symptoms may include memory challenges, sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties, and struggles with daily living. While some effects are visible, many are not, making FASD one of the most underrecognized conditions in keiki and adults. National research shows that as many as 1 in 20 school-aged children may be living with an FASD. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, underscoring the importance of awareness, prevention, and support.
“Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are often invisible, but their impacts are lifelong. We don’t currently have a lot of screening and diagnostic capacity in the state, so we’re inviting the community to stand with us at the Capitol to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure individuals and families across Hawaiʻi get the understanding and support they deserve,” said Amanda Luning, Executive Director, Hawaiʻi FASD Action Group.
Founded in 2016 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2020, the Hawaiʻi FASD Action Group works across Hawaiʻi to raise awareness, expand understanding, and strengthen responses to FASD. The group collaborates with partners in government, healthcare, schools, and communities to increase prevention, promote early screening and identification, and build capacity for support across the lifespan. Its efforts include statewide awareness campaigns, community engagement, and partnerships that address stigma and encourage FASD-informed practices. Guided by its slogan, “it’s a kākou thing,” the Hawaiʻi FASD Action Group emphasizes that FASD is not just an individual or family issue, but a community-wide challenge that calls for compassion and collective action.
The organization acknowledges the support of its partners, whose commitment helps advance awareness, education, and care across Hawaiʻi. A special mahalo goes to Representative Terez Amato, sponsor of the FASD Awareness Month in Hawaiʻi Bill (Act 12), and Senator Joy San Buenaventura, co-sponsor of the Co-Managed System of Care Bill (Act 192). Partners include the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Harvard University, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, Hawaiʻi Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking, Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute, Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, Mālama O Na Keiki, Maui Behavioral Health Resources, Hawaiʻi Disability Rights Center, Child & Family Services, Papa Ola Lōkahi, Maui United Way-Sentry Mālama Nā Keiki, State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health and its Maternal and Child Health Branch, Office of Planning, Policy and Program Development, Med-QUEST Division, and The Salvation Army.
Families, providers and community members are encouraged to attend the Capitol gathering on Tuesday, September 9 and be part of making FASD invisible no more. For more information, visit www.fasdhawaii.org or follow Hawaiʻi FASD Action Group on Instagram at www.instagram.com/hifasdag.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3256450-0
