HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0314.042 1996-1998 ~
WAIMEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Post Office Box 2665 - Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
(808) 885-4200; FAX: (808) 885-8869; E-Mail: ptyoung(al3interpac.net
July 1, 1997
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Resolutions Concerning Marijuana Eradication
Members of the Hawaii County Council:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this testimony on behalf of the executive
committee of the Waimea Community Association in support of the resolutions
authormng the County of Hawaii to contract with the federal government for marijuana
eradication grants.
We believe that this program is an integral part of the overall effort to address the
serious community concerns of illicit drug availability, use and abuse. We believe that
it is a responsible decision for the County of Hawaii to accept these funds and to
actively participate in the marijuana eradication program.
The eradication program should not be looked upon as an independent and all-
encompassing means to resolving the illicit drug problems on the island. It is, however,
a part, a very important part, of addressing the problem.
By identifying and limiting the supply of the drug, we deal with an important component
of the issue. Basic economics tec,ches us that limiting the availability of the drug has two
positive effects: there is less of it, so it makes it harder to get and it increases the price.
Education and related N•cy~~;~.s address the demand side of the equat~~~ ~ ::~.d are
important complementary programs in addressing the issue.
Though Waimea is not known as a primary marijuana cultivation region, we know that
it is grown here and, more importantly, we know it is available for sale here to the
members of our community. The marijuana eradication program affects us and we
support it.
Simply stated, if by limiting the supply of the drug we prevent a potential new user from
trying it, or we help someone from further using it, the program is a success and we are
a better community because of it.
F51e xe.11SG1
Iie~ Vresenfedl~ll~NA'
fit, Date ~UL o 2 1997