ICE ACTION

The legislative informational meeting held Monday night in the Council Chambers
drew out many interesting statistics about Kaua'i's ice problem and the
negative effect it is having on our society.

Many speakers asked for a build up in treatment programs, and the creation of
drug treatment houses for both youth and adult drug abusers.

Perhaps the most eye-opening comments came from Kaua'i Prosecutor Mike Soong,
who told the legislators of bills they passed that are hamstringing law
enforcement officials in Hawai'i.

Soong said the low end of the drug crime spectrum was being attacked by county
police departments in Hawai'i, while the high end was being fought by federal
officials. He said due to limits on wire taps - with Hawai'i one of only two
states with such laws - and other law enforcement tools, the main drug dealers
on Kaua'i are getting away with moving drugs in the island.

A legislator commented that they had heard similar testimony from a Honolulu
City & County Prosecutor.

The county police forces of Hawai'i need to be unshackled by the legislator.
Along with drug treatment, law enforcement needs to be beefed up.