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~ <br /> WAIMEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION <br /> Post Office Box 2665 - Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 <br /> (808) 885-4200; FAX: (808) 885-8869; E-Mail: ptyoung(al3interpac.net <br /> July 1, 1997 <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> 25 Aupuni Street <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> Re: Resolutions Concerning Marijuana Eradication <br /> Members of the Hawaii County Council: <br /> Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony on behalf of the executive <br /> committee of the Waimea Community Association in support of the resolutions <br /> authormng the County of Hawaii to contract with the federal government for marijuana <br /> eradication grants. <br /> We believe that this program is an integral part of the overall effort to address the <br /> serious community concerns of illicit drug availability, use and abuse. We believe that <br /> it is a responsible decision for the County of Hawaii to accept these funds and to <br /> actively participate in the marijuana eradication program. <br /> The eradication program should not be looked upon as an independent and all- <br /> encompassing means to resolving the illicit drug problems on the island. It is, however, <br /> a part, a very important part, of addressing the problem. <br /> By identifying and limiting the supply of the drug, we deal with an important component <br /> of the issue. Basic economics tec,ches us that limiting the availability of the drug has two <br /> positive effects: there is less of it, so it makes it harder to get and it increases the price. <br /> Education and related N•cy~~;~.s address the demand side of the equat~~~ ~ ::~.d are <br /> important complementary programs in addressing the issue. <br /> Though Waimea is not known as a primary marijuana cultivation region, we know that <br /> it is grown here and, more importantly, we know it is available for sale here to the <br /> members of our community. The marijuana eradication program affects us and we <br /> support it. <br /> <br /> Simply stated, if by limiting the supply of the drug we prevent a potential new user from <br /> trying it, or we help someone from further using it, the program is a success and we are <br /> a better community because of it. <br /> F51e xe.11SG1 <br /> Iie~ Vresenfedl~ll~NA' <br /> fit, Date ~UL o 2 1997 <br /> <br />