It's a problem that often goes unreported - bullying in our schools.
A new partnership is hoping to use teamwork to get the message out that bullying is not cool.
That's the message some high profile Hawaii athletes are trying to get across.
"You know growing up you know everyone kind of experienced getting picked on by maybe someone older, or a like a cousin, or just people in school and stuff, and it's not a good feeling," says UH football and basketball player Miah Ostrowski.
"Bullying is a concern for all of us whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or a friend," says Kanani Danielson.
UH Wahine volleyball star Kanani Danielson knows about bullying. She has two younger siblings, one in high school, another in grade school.
"I still have family still living that whole experience. They tell me that this so and so gets bullied all the time. And you know what it needs to stop," she says.
The Governor and Department of Education enlisted one of the premiere programs in the state on this project, Searider Productions from Waianae High School. And they understand just how serious this problem can be.
"To some people it could bring a dramatic change in their life where they could think of suicidal thoughts. It could be a dramatic as that," said Daniel Morrison of Searider Productions.
"The message I would like for them to get is bullying isn't cool. And like there is nothing good about bullying," said Sanoe Hamilton of Searider Productions.
And the UH athletes taking part understand what it means to be role models for young people across the state.
"I grew up and I was always taught not to be a bully. My dad always told me to be humble and respectful," says UH football player Richard Torres. "Bullying is not cool. What is cool is to accept people for who they are...Any time your representing the University of Hawaii you always have that image that you have to be a role model to the youth."
The public service announcement will air in the coming months.
