HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0749.047 1998-2000
Testimony for Hawaii County Council Finance
Committee
By: Sam Burris Wednesday July 25, 2000
Subject: Federal Money for Marijuana Eradication
I am strongly opposed to Hawaii County accepting federal funds for
marijuana eradication.
I am not a user of either marijuana or nicotine. I feel this issue has gone
beyond just "monies for marijuana eradication". Why are our tax monies
spent on eradicating this crop while a "proven killer" (nicotine) is "legal"
and the growers of tobacco called "farmers"?
The facts do not support the use of our tax monies in such a way. Below
are quotes from Dr. C. Everett Koop, M.D., former United States Surgeon
General:
Cannabis is "Not physically addictive, but may cause psychological
dependence and damage to lungs from smoking". #1
"Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in
the United States. It kills more Americans every year than do alcohol,
cocaine, heroin, homicides, airplane and automobile accidents, and AIDS
combined - 120,000 a year from lung cancer and about 180,000 from
heart disease". "Secondhand smoke may kill as many as 50,000
Americans a year". #2
1 recently read a letter from an acquaintance of my friend who is serving 3
years in the Oregon Penitentiary because he was convicted of growing
marijuana in Puna. He has committed no violent crime. A pedaephile in
Honokaa was recently sentences to far less for molesting his two step
daughters and up to 16 other young girls. Is this justice?
Please stand up for what is right... deny monies for marijuana eradication.
#1 Dr. Kooo's Self-Care Advisor, Pg. 209.
#2. Dr. Kooo's Self-Care Advisor, Pg. 210. Comm. No.-Z. 4Z/7
File No. _
Ref. To: COUIx
Ref, Date`' 2 6 2000