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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Testimony to the Finance Committee <br /> <br /> of the Hawaii County Council <br /> <br /> Subject: Hcceptance of Federal Funds <br /> <br /> for Drug Law Enforcement <br /> (To include Funds for Rerial Marijuana Suppression) <br /> <br /> September 1, 1998 <br /> f _ By--• <br /> From: William 0. Wenner, M.D. R resident of Uolcano <br /> County Coundl <br /> Finance Committee Members: <br /> <br /> <br /> This is my third annual presentation to this committee on this subject. <br /> For the past two years the Council has by Resolution called for the <br /> progam review called for by local ordinance. Last year it was my <br /> impression that this operation would not be voted on again until such <br /> a program review was forthcoming. R few weeks ago 1 wrote <br /> Cuncilman Santangelo, with copies to all members of the Council, my <br /> <br /> personal observations of the plants being harvested in my area. There <br /> was not a single cultivated marijuana plant in the truck load I <br /> observed. These were all wild weeds, regrowth of old patches of <br /> negligible THC content. It had taken that crew several hours to <br /> accumulate 160 plants. The nest day it was reported that over 5880 <br /> plants had been obtained, over 608 plants an hour- 10 plants /minute <br /> in an 8 hour working day. I don't believe anyone believes these <br /> figures. 1 suggested that the Council appoint an independent observer <br /> <br /> to view the number and character of plants obtained. So far I have <br /> received no reply to my letter. <br /> <br /> It appears to me and to many that Operation Green Harvest is an <br /> expensive ritual that provides Income and adventure to the police <br /> officers and helicopter pilots involved and no significant effect on the <br /> availability of marijuana with, perhaps, a significant improvement in <br /> profitability to those who sell the drug. <br /> <br /> <br /> I call on the Council to follow their own rules and delay action on this <br /> measure until a proper Program Review has been carried out. <br /> William 8. Wenner, M. D. Comm N0. 53. O~ <br /> <br /> 1% No. U$& <br /> Mc. za Preswied PC <br /> W. 998 <br />