Mothers Against Drunk Driving will kick off its annual safety-awareness campaign today with a free event at Tamarind Park in downtown Honolulu from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Representatives from community safety partners will attend, including from the Police Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Hickam Air Force Base, Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, Pearl Harbor Naval Station and U.S. Army Schofield Barracks. Guest speakers include City Managing Director Kirk Caldwell and Rep. Sharon Har. Radio Personality Augie Tulba will emcee and KCCN FM 100 will provide music.

MADD said Tie One On For Safety, originally named the “Red Ribbon Campaign," was created in 1986 to remind people about the dangers of drinking and driving. It was designed to encourage the public to become actively involved in the fight against drunk driving by tying a red ribbon on their vehicle antenna or side mirror. Today, the red ribbon has become a holiday season tradition and a symbol to prevent drunk driving.

People can pick up a free red ribbon at the following locations: 7-Eleven, Caesars Cleaners, Foodland, Longs Drugs, NAPA, Safeway, Tesoro, Times or Zippy’s.

For more information about the Tie One On For Safety campaign and for additional free red ribbons, call 532-6232 or visit www.maddhawaii.com.