HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0953.004 1996-1998
Testimony to the Finance Committee
of the Hawaii County Council
Subject: Hcceptance of Federal Funds
for Drug Law Enforcement
(To include Funds for Rerial Marijuana Suppression)
September 1, 1998
f _ By--•
From: William 0. Wenner, M.D. R resident of Uolcano
County Coundl
Finance Committee Members:
This is my third annual presentation to this committee on this subject.
For the past two years the Council has by Resolution called for the
progam review called for by local ordinance. Last year it was my
impression that this operation would not be voted on again until such
a program review was forthcoming. R few weeks ago 1 wrote
Cuncilman Santangelo, with copies to all members of the Council, my
personal observations of the plants being harvested in my area. There
was not a single cultivated marijuana plant in the truck load I
observed. These were all wild weeds, regrowth of old patches of
negligible THC content. It had taken that crew several hours to
accumulate 160 plants. The nest day it was reported that over 5880
plants had been obtained, over 608 plants an hour- 10 plants /minute
in an 8 hour working day. I don't believe anyone believes these
figures. 1 suggested that the Council appoint an independent observer
to view the number and character of plants obtained. So far I have
received no reply to my letter.
It appears to me and to many that Operation Green Harvest is an
expensive ritual that provides Income and adventure to the police
officers and helicopter pilots involved and no significant effect on the
availability of marijuana with, perhaps, a significant improvement in
profitability to those who sell the drug.
I call on the Council to follow their own rules and delay action on this
measure until a proper Program Review has been carried out.
William 8. Wenner, M. D. Comm N0. 53. O~
1% No. U$&
Mc. za Preswied PC
W. 998