HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0749.073 1998-2000
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Wayne G. Carvalho
Stephen K Yamashiro Police Chief
Mayor : • ~j James S. Correa
+°i•`` Deputy Police Chief
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POLICE DEPARTMENT
349 Kapiolani Street • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-3998
(808)9353311 • Fax(808)961-2702
September 20, 2000
The Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman, and Members,
Hawaii County Council
County Building
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members:
RE: USE OF CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE, OR "ICE," ON THE BIG ISLAND
I am writing to inform you on the results of our search to find the basis for statements
that the use of crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," on the Big Island is the highest in
the state. We started the search in response to a remark made by County Council
Member Nancy Pisicchio at a meeting held on July 27, 2000, that Hawaii County ranked
No. 1 per capita in the State in the use of crystal methamphetamine.
After weeks of trying to track a source of statistics to support such a statement, we
were unable to find any reference specifically referring to the use of ice on the Big
Island in comparison with the other counties.
No one we contacted could recall the source of statistics specifically on the use of ice.
However, one source said she believed the statistics were included in a report entitled
"Survey of Social Indicators," issued by the Mental Health Association in Hawaii County.
We obtained a copy of the Association's report, but found that it contains no statistics
on the use of crystal methamphetamine. The report does state, however, that "21% of
students grades 6-12 in Hawaii County have substance abuse treatment needs, the
highest in the state. By grade 12, the figure rises to 37%, also the highest."
Comm. No. 71/ 9 D 73
Mle No.
Ref. Tot
Ref. Date CM 2 5 20M
The Honorable James Arakaki
September 20, 2000
Page 2
The report does not break out the percentage of students who need treatment for the
abuse of crystal methamphetamine. Instead, it refers only to substance abuse in
general. "Substance abuse" includes abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs and illegal
drugs, including marijuana, which acts frequently as a "gateway drug" to harder drugs.
In summary, we have been unable to find any comparative statistics on the use of
crystal methamphetamine on the Big Island. The closest statistical research we were
able to find reported on the percentage of students with "substance abuse treatment
needs."
Sincerely,
.IUM74o
!VE CARVALHO
POLICE CHIEF