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Pefet T young 80B-B85-4200 8 885-9463 fA X:808-885-8869 EMOiI: pfyoung~inferpac.nef Post Office box 2655 - i<amuela Haaaii °6?43 (8CB) 385-42CC; FP;C: (908} 885-8869; E-Iv'.a',: ;;tycung~interpac.r.et July 1, 1997 Hawaii County Council 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawali 96720 Re: Resolutions Concerning Marijuana Eradicction Members of the rlawai~ County Council: Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony on behalf of'.he e>:ecutive committee of the ANaimea Community Association in support of the resolutions authorizing the County of Hawaii to contract with the federal government fcr marijuano eradication grants. We believe that this orogram Is an integral par` of "he overall effort to address the serious community concerns of ilfcit drug avai~abilifv, use and abuse. NIe believe that it Is a responsible decision for the County of harvcii to accept these funds and to aclively participate in t'ne marijuana eradicaf~on program. The eradication program should not be looked upon cs an independen` and all- encompassing means to resolving the illicit drug problems on the island. It is, however, a pa.rf, a very important part, of addressing the problem. By identifying and limiting the supply of the drug we deal with an important cornponerr of the issue. Basic economics'eaches us that limiting the availability of the drug has two poslf~ve effects: there is less of li, so it makes it harder fo get and it increases the price. Education and related programs address fne demand side of the equation and are important comp'ementary orograms in addresing the issue. Though Waimea is not known as c primcry marijuana cultivation region, we know that it '~~s grown Here and, more Importantly, we Imow It is available for sale here `o tl~ members cf our comm~nify. The marijuana eradication program affects us and we support it. Simply stated, if by limiting the supply of flee drug we prevent a potential new user from trying if, or we help someone from further wing it, the program is a succor and we are a better community because of it.