HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0749.039 1998-2000
Richard Toledo, Jr.
65 Makani Circle
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
July 12, 2000 r
Mr. James Arakaki, Chairman
Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Jimm:
The full Council will soon act on whether or not to accept the Federal Grant for the eradication of illegally
grown marijuana. Recently, the State Legislature approved the medical use of Marijuana with provisos.
I believe the citizens of Hawaii genuinely feel that if marijuana does in fact relieve pain and suffering for
some people, that it should be made available to them for that purpose, regulated as other prescription
drugs are dispensed.
However, it is my understanding that the marijuana eradication program currently funded by Federal and
State funds are principally for the eradication and control of marijuana cultivated and intended to be sold
on a commercial basis. It has been np experience and observation that the consumption of marijuana by
impressionable young people in our conununity is detrimental to the health and welfare of our communip.
I have seen numerous youngsters and families adversely affected b7 the effects of marijuana consumption.
There is absolutely no beneficial or redeeming value of marijuana for this community. Nothing.
absolutely nothing. is improved. made safer, made cleaner. made smarter or healthier through the use of
marijuana except for the instances where pain and suffering may be relieved.
Each year this County seems to go through a process of reevaluation in accepting Federal funds which
seems to stem the illegal use of marijuana by formerly harvesting over 700.000 plants to the
approximately 200,000 currently harvested. Industries have arisen and thrived in this attack against our
marijuana laws. Mam of my friends say. - if they want to smoke at home. why not let them". I have no
quarrel with that argument and it's obvtons (laws if it applies to adults only. However, it is the premature
and detrimental use of marijuana by young. unsuspecting, uninformed and impressionable minds that
concern me. If drug abuse is an illness. marijuana consumption is the vector - like the rat is for the Black
Plague - for our societies' plague of drug abuse. If we assume that the cost for drug treatment for drug
abusers is society's responsibility- why do we further burden the law abiding, tax paying citizens by not
stemming this plague at its' source, at the entry drug stage.
1 realize the personal risk - which I hope will be addressed by the Sate Legislature - of impeachment and
financial liability by standing up to the proponents of legalizing marijuana. 1 ask that you look at the
proponents of legalized marijuana and ask Nourself if they represent a cross section of this community.
Are they the examples of the type of citizenn vye strive to attain" Or are they merely self gratifying
unprincipled selfish individuals interested in cashing in on the weak and gullible. striving to attain the
lowest form of existence where thcN are comfortable
Please vote to accept Federal funding for the eradication of marijuana. Send a strong message to those in
our community who seek to weaken our resol%c to rid ourselves of these communal parasites by praying
on the young and uninformed.
I thank you in advance for your consideration.
Mahalo.
Rick Toledo. Jr
Comm. No. 7~7' ~3
File No.
Ref. To:/~'y'~'^ `
Ref. Date l 7 2004