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U.S. Department of Justice <br /> .w , . United States Attorney <br /> ,1 ~ ~ District of <br /> Hawaii <br /> PlKKPdod B„Od(ng fe981susew <br /> ~ ~ 300 d(a M9m,a OHd., FOCe, 6•!00 Fnx(Ba91 su•z93d <br /> . ~ a : ti 1 ~ I ~ H9nolulK Hmvai(96850 <br /> May 29, 2007 <br /> Chief Lawrence Mahuna <br /> Hawaii County Police Department <br /> 349 Kapiolani Street <br /> Hilo, HI 96720 <br /> RE: xra~'a,; County Council Bill 60 <br /> Dear Chief Mahuna: <br /> I deeply regret hearing of your difficulties in <br /> obtaining acceptance of federal anti-drug/marijuana eradication <br /> monies through your County Council. <br /> Please rest assured that every effort will be made to <br /> <br /> •enaure that federal drug laws are enforced on the Big Island. We <br /> prefer to work hand in hand with local communities in our anti- <br /> drug efforts to enaure that all concerns and interests are met. <br /> However, we are not precluded from pursuing our drug strategies <br /> independently. <br /> Of course, if we pursue an independent course, any <br /> previous self-imposed county restrictions would no longer be <br /> necessary for us to abide by. Specifically, periodic reports to <br /> the County Council would no longer be provided, and our fly zone <br /> would be significantly lower than the height presently employed. <br /> A declination of this federal funds would also be <br /> harmful to your agency since the money is also for your <br /> Department's training, overtime, per diem, and equipment. I <br /> presently have no funding vehicle through which I could assist <br /> you in these areas, and therefore, the county would have to <br /> provide you with those future funds for your anti-drug efforts. <br /> What I am most concerned about is that if the Council <br /> does not support the anti-drug/marijuana eradication program <br /> through the acceptance of federal funds, their action may send a <br /> very damaging pro-drug message that could potentially effect <br /> future funding for the Big island in other much needed areas, <br /> which would be out of my control. My office has worked very <br /> hard, along with the County of Hawaii and the Pahoa community, to <br /> bring the Weed and Seed program to the Big Island. A rejection <br /> con,,,,, Nq I ~19•'1'~;? <br /> Ref. To: <br /> Ref. Date, 1 ~?189 <br /> <br />