Rep. John Mizuno Receives Leadership Award

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org), a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, recognized Representative John M. Mizuno (District 28 - Kalihi Valley, Kamehameha Heights, portion of Lower Kalihi) with its 2015 Leadership Award.

Representative Mizuno sponsored House Bill 398, a companion bill to Senate Bill 982 which was enacted into law and supported by Responsibility.org. HB 398 provides immunity when seeking treatment for an emergency drug or alcohol overdose for oneself or another person. Often people fear the consequences of their own arrest when seeking emergency medical assistance for a friend or family member who may be in danger. When someone in America needs medical assistance, a call for help occurs less than 50% of the time. Fear of police involvement is the most common reason for not calling 911 during a medical emergency.

"Representative Mizuno has been a tireless advocate for the people of the 28th District of Hawaii" said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of Responsibility.org. "We can't thank the Representative enough for his dedication and leadership. We believe Good Samaritan laws have the potential to save young lives when alcohol overconsumption results in a life threatening situation. We look forward to expanding our relationship and continuing to save lives in the future with Representative Mizuno."

The foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit organization that leads the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking. Funded by America's leading distillers (Bacardi U.S.A. Inc.; Beam Suntory; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA), Responsibility.org is dedicated to developing and implementing programs that guide a lifetime of conversations around alcohol responsibility and offering proven strategies to stop impaired driving.