HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0314.049 1996-1998 ,Tune 16. 1997
'97 JUiJ 16 Ai'~ 8 GO
To: Hawai i Couni< Council, Finance Committee:
S ecial Meeting. CG'~!" .
p a COUNT/ ur H,~VV~II
From: Ed Johnston
P.O. Boy 636
Pepe'ekeo, 96783
Regarding: Comm. 311 (Res. 9~1) Marijuana Eradication Grant
As 2nd Vice President ofthe Rural South Hilo Cotnmunit` Association
I ioined that group's Agricultural Committee; to assist and promote agriculture
on former sugar lands. A unanimous concem among these tanners is when
thz~ discover patches of marijuana being grown on these fee-simple and/or
leased lands. Along the Hamakua Coast this often happens in gulches near
legal crops. It is a conflict. and potential liabilit<_ when you have fanners
tr` ing to make a living growing taro, ginger; or papa}'a and they have to woir~
about an illegal patch of marijuana which someone has planted on propem
near or within their o«n. When these illegal patches are reported and the
helicopters come in to destroy the plants. that is a relief. The fanners I know;
who share a common concem to eliminate- these illegal patches; share another
concem-- we don't want to track do~~n and confront whoever plants a patch of
marijuana. There is a great fear of retaliation. The job of eliminating the
illegal patches is best left to the Police, DLNR, and National Guard. To do
this job, the} need your support to provide funding to eradicate.
The issue of whether marijuana should be legalized is not the issue here.
The facts are that it is classified as illegal and if patches are not destm~ ed,
thzrz i11 be more of them.
Please continue to support the Eradication Grant.
xw_ 3 i~ ~9
ate no. v£~
gd, Presented Fc
e.r. >~r.__ I~IN 161997