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TESTIMONY OF LT. C. FUKUZ <br /> PAGE 2 <br /> marijuana remains illegal, and we as law enforcement <br /> officers, are sworn to enforce this law. These grants will <br /> assist us in achieving this. <br /> My section handles the districts of Kau, Puna, S. Hilo, <br /> North Hilo and Hamakua. Our operations are usually held <br /> during the months of April through September, this is the <br /> "harvesting" season for most outdoor growing operations. As <br /> in the past, we depend heavily on various grant monies to <br /> address the marijuana problem. We would definitely, not be <br /> able to accomplish curbing and controlling the marijuana <br /> problem if not for the grants. <br /> Before getting any further in my testimony, I would like <br /> to clarify that these grant funds are not used strictly for <br /> eradication missions. These grants are also used to cover <br /> expenses incurred in all other aspects of our enforcement <br /> efforts in addressing the marijuana problem (to include the <br /> increasing problem of indoor growing). This would <br /> embody the purchase of equipment, maintenance of equipment, <br /> traveling and training expenses, payment for overtime, <br /> purchase of evidence (through undercover/informant buys), and <br /> purchase of information. <br /> Grant funds are also utilized for traveling, overtime, and <br /> related expenses (if necessary) for officers involved in <br /> <br /> `awareness programs. Our department realizes the importance <br /> <br />