HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0749.041 1998-2000
~OESE Cyq y
~P
o HAWAII
ISLAND
PORTUGUESE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Paz oeo I 0qj
July 17, 2000
Mr. James Arakaki, Chairman
Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki,
The Board of Directors and members of the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of
Commerce wish to express our support of Council acceptance of the Federal Grant of
approximately $265,000 for the purpose of eradication and control of illegally grown
marijuana.
It is quite clear that Hawaii County has been targeted in a concerted effort by proponents
of legalized marijuana and their indiscriminate accomplices on the Council. They have
marked Hawaii County, an agricultural community with a very susceptible political
environment, to push for the legalization of marijuana, much as has been done throughout
the US in similar communities. Their cleverly orchestrated endeavor to castigate those
who uphold the law and promote their selfish agenda has been unrelenting. Continuous
misinterpretations and misrepresentations of the intent of the law, from Charter review to
impeachment, is only an example of the extent they wish to pursue believing that we lack
the resolve to hold to higher standards. Those of us who live, work and raise families in
this community realize the devastation drugs and a "drug culture" has on family, friends,
students, young athletes and even some adults. There is nothing beneficial in legalizing
marijuana and the eradication of illegally grown marijuana is not only a moral obligation, it
is your sworn responsibility.
Information received from the Hawaii Island Police Department at a recent Board
meeting confirm that there has been a reduction of marijuana plants harvested over the
years - contrary to statements by marijuana advocates that eradication money spent is
wasted and has produced no results in the reduction of marijuana cultivation - and that the
marijuana is being exchanged for more profitable "hard" drugs which are sold to our
community. It was also confirmed that the primary interest of the marijuana eradication
effort is in commercially grown quantities and sellers and dealers of marijuana. The fact
that we are the only County in the State to be besieged and harassed by those seeking to
profit by the relaxing of marijuana laws is in itself testimony of their resolve to impose on
our generous and easygoing lifestyle. While we strongly uphold the sanctity of the home
Comm. No. 'y9 0Y~
File No. RX=
Ref. To: He~IhGi`7
Ref. DateJUL 1 9 2000
and private property rights, we do not condone illegal activities and promotion of drugs,
anywhere.
We ask that you consider the implications of the upcomming vote on marijuana
eradication on our community Refusal of acceptance of the Federal Grant for marijuana
eradication will send the wrong message to impressionable young minds and further
advance the agenda of those incorrigibles bent on the destruction of the very fabric of our
society - families - and the promotion of their own selfish agenda.
Thank you for your kind considerations.
~Muito Obrigaaddo,
Jr.
- Richard~T~oled
President 2000-2001