HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0193.074 2006-2008 U.S. Department of Justice
.w , . United States Attorney
,1 ~ ~ District of
Hawaii
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May 29, 2007
Chief Lawrence Mahuna
Hawaii County Police Department
349 Kapiolani Street
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: xra~'a,; County Council Bill 60
Dear Chief Mahuna:
I deeply regret hearing of your difficulties in
obtaining acceptance of federal anti-drug/marijuana eradication
monies through your County Council.
Please rest assured that every effort will be made to
•enaure that federal drug laws are enforced on the Big Island. We
prefer to work hand in hand with local communities in our anti-
drug efforts to enaure that all concerns and interests are met.
However, we are not precluded from pursuing our drug strategies
independently.
Of course, if we pursue an independent course, any
previous self-imposed county restrictions would no longer be
necessary for us to abide by. Specifically, periodic reports to
the County Council would no longer be provided, and our fly zone
would be significantly lower than the height presently employed.
A declination of this federal funds would also be
harmful to your agency since the money is also for your
Department's training, overtime, per diem, and equipment. I
presently have no funding vehicle through which I could assist
you in these areas, and therefore, the county would have to
provide you with those future funds for your anti-drug efforts.
What I am most concerned about is that if the Council
does not support the anti-drug/marijuana eradication program
through the acceptance of federal funds, their action may send a
very damaging pro-drug message that could potentially effect
future funding for the Big island in other much needed areas,
which would be out of my control. My office has worked very
hard, along with the County of Hawaii and the Pahoa community, to
bring the Weed and Seed program to the Big Island. A rejection
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Ref. To:
Ref. Date, 1 ~?189
Chief Lawrence Mahuna
May 29, 2007
Page 2
of federal anti-drug funding sends entirely the wrong message to
Washington and our local communities.
You know that I will always support the community and
your Department on the Big Island. I w111 remain partners with
those in the County of Hawaii who are willing to stand shoulder
to shoulder to combat the drug scourge attacking our families and
communities there.
Thank you again for your information. I will inform
Senator Inouye's Office of these developments as well. Despite
these developing concerns, however, I am confident that the
Hawaii County Council will continue to stand with ue in our
endeavor to make our Islands a safer place to live.
With Sinc e A ohs
CEDWARD H. KUBO, JR.
United States Attorney
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