HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0314.031 1996-1998
.~UL:-r1'-97 13=12 FROM:KTA ADMIN ID-18089598050 PAGE 1/1
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July 02, 1997
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COUfJI Y v, ~ ;-1,a'J4~All
County Council Members
County of Hawaii
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Council Members,
I am here today representing both the Retail Committee from
the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and the Big Island
Visitor Security Association.
In regards to the issue of marijuana eradication efforts
by the Federal, State and County agencies, we are firmly
in support of their continued operations.
Drug related problems continue to be a source of headache
for private business. Fram a retail perspective it
was estimated that in 1995 shoplifting cost Big Island
businesses $25.0 M, whereas employee theft accounted for
4-5 times this. WitA the younger employees we see alcohol
mixed with illicit drug use, uncovered during internal
investigations.
Due to the high cost of drugs like marijuaaa(1~ = 56-9,000}
one of the means to support such a habit is to steal from
businesses that they work at. As a security spokesman,
when we in the industry, use the word, "Drugs" we also
mean "Theft". Who can really afford it? There are many
stories that you hear about small businesses on the Big
Island closing. One of the factors is internal theft.
In our businesses we are also very concerned about produc-
tivity. If employees have a high level of sick leave,
or report to work late due to a drug problem, this we
cannot tolerate. If an employee`s production is low
or the quality of work bad, we will not tolerate this
as well.
In conclusion, we do not need to have this illness enter
our workplace. It is not a question o` if this monies
should be accepted, it is more a question of how can
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Bet Dste JUL 0 11997
IUL-01-97 09=19 FROM=KTA ADM1N ID-18089598050 PAG F. ?_/2
Page 2
Countp Council Meeting
July 02, 1997
we obtain more money to increase this eradication effort.
I commend the DEA, Palice Department and DLNR for their
dedication and hard work in facing this problem head on.
From both the Hawaii island Chamber of Commerce and
Big island Visitor Security Association, we extend
our appreciation to you.
Sincerely,
w' d
Stafford Oyama
Chairman--Retail Committee
Member--BIVSA