HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0749.033 1998-2000
Gerald DeMello
381 Haili Street
Hilo, HI 96720
July 24, 2000
Chairman James Arakaki
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: County of Hawaii Resolution Number 246-00
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Dear Chair n Arakaki:
I am writing to urge you and your colleagues to support the continued acceptance of
funding from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for marijuana eradication
efforts. These Federal monies play an important role in defraying the costs of the
operations, which might have to be scaled back if the County were forced to assume a
larger financial obligation.
While I understand the concerns some have raised about he operations, I believe
rejecting these funds would be a mistake. The implied message would be that Hawaii
County is wavering in its resolve to discourage the cultivation and trafficking of
marijuana, a known gateway drug that often leads its users to more serious drugs.
Former U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburg once stated that the war on drugs would
be decided on the "battlefield of values," and in my view, the issue before you boils
down to a value judgment.
Please vote to continue accepting these Federal funds so that our local law enforcement
officials can continue to combat this illegal activity.
Sincerely,
4411-1
Gerald DeMello
Comm. No. ~ Lq -
File No. ok
Ref. To: `1C ~h
Ref. Date 'JUL 2 6 ?0on