AIONA: COUNTY ICE FUNDS SAFE FROM STATE COFFERS

The lieutenant governor said the Republican administration is not seeking a
chunk of federal funds being earmarked for Hawaii County to address the crystal
methamphetamine problem on the Big Island.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said Tuesday night during a "Talk Story" session in
Kona that funding needed for the administration's "Hawaii Drug Control
Strategy" will have to come from the state Legislature, federal government and
private sources.

"Some have raised concerns that my purpose is to take away the $10 million
(from the county)," said Aiona. "If there is one thing that I've learned, it's
that rumors start."

Aiona, who called the rumor a "non - fact," said the money promised to the
county - actually $4 million - is from a federal source, which means there is
no way the administration has any say in where it is spent. "I'm glad this
island is getting the funding," he said.

He told more than 100 people attending Tuesday's meeting at Kealakehe High
School that their comments would be considered during Gov. Linda Lingle's
summit, planned Sept. 15 - 17 in Honolulu.

Aiona said the purpose of the administration's meth summit is to design a
framework to implement the strategy of prevention, treatment and interdiction.

While also stressing a need to avoid duplication, Aiona made no mention of the
second "Hawaii Island Meth Summit" held the day before on the Big Island.
Hundreds attended the one - day event, with ranking U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye,
a Democrat, as the featured speaker.

Andy Levin, executive assistant for Mayor Harry Kim, said Tuesday night the
state administration did not send a formal representative to the county's
summit. However, Levin stressed the goal is to work together.

"Certainly the mayor's desire is to get everyone on the same page," said Levin,
"so that the community is working together to solve this problem."

Aiona said after Tuesday's meeting the county has been formally invited to
participate in the administration's summit, but he added the county should do
what it feels is proper with the federal funds.

"They know what they want to do with their money," Aiona said. "We've exchanged
ideas with them, and we hope they'll do the same."

Kahiolani Papalimu said she is concerned the governor's office could choose to
overlook the Big Island because of the Inouye funds. Aiona said there would be
no geographical discrimination when the administration implements its plan, but
added there were other communities in Hawaii not fortunate enough to be
recipients of federal money.

During Tuesday night's meeting, a number of community members revealed heart -
breaking stories of lives and families destroyed by ice. Jeff Citron, who said
his daughter is an ice addict, asked Aiona to recommend mandatory terms for
dealers and for the state to offer bounties for their capture.

"Ice is as easy to get as milk at a grocery store," he said.

Papalimu added it was the community's duty to get involved. "The biggest and
best thing you can do is squeal," Papalimu said. "You have to do it to save the
person you love."