HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0639.018 2008-2010
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Murashige, Laura
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From: Portia Hara [phara@co.hawaii.hLus]
Sent: Thursday, January 21,20103:49 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaiLhLus
Subject: Resolution 281-09
Attachments: Testimony in Opposition to Res. 281-09 Jan 21 2010.pdl
lOOO JAN 22
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II there is any chance 01 accepting this written testimony at this late time, we would really appreciate it.
Hearing is set lor tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. in Kona.
Mahalo.
Portia Hara lor Jay Kimura
ComWL No. ~~1. I g
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Ref. Dota AN 2 2 2010
1/22/2010
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January 21,2010
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COUNTY (IF HAWP,1l
Members of the Hawai'i County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Via emai! tocounciltestimonv@co.hawaii.hi.us
Re: Testimony in Opposition to Resolution No. 281-09
Dear Hawai'i County Council Members:
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for the County of Hawaii is opposed to the passage of
this resolution.
Resolution No. 281-09 would create a policy statement for the County Council that increases the
availability of drugs, specifically marijuana, on the Big Island and creates additional problems
for our communities and law enforcement. These problems would range fi'om more marijuana
being available to our youth to organized crime and other related crimes.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney's Comprehensive Strategy on Juvenile Justice has
identified the availability of drugs as a significant risk factor to our youth. More young people
enter treatment centers with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit
drugs combined according to the Department of Health and Human Services. DHHS Pub. No.
(SMA) 02-3727, 2002. Currently 62 percent of teens in drug treatment are dependent on
manJ uana.
Next to alcohol, marijuana is the most abused dmg among young people. Young people are also
starting to use these drugs at an earlier age and it is showing up more frequently in the schools. 1
received a call from a Department of Education Principal on the Big lsland requesting assistance
with an incident involving the sale of marijuana on campus by 10 year old boys. This is
cspccially disturbing since marijuana use has been shown to be three times more addictive
amoung adolescents than among adults. The decriminalization of marijuana for adults would
lead to a greater prevalence among adolescents. Thus the American Academy of Pediatrics
opposes the legalization of marijuana.
Marijuana is illegal, harmful, addictive, dangerous, and is a destmctive force in our community.
The passage of this resolution would exacerbate the challenges already facing onr community.
There are many exanlples of other communities that are living through the scourge of dmg
"addiction toknbwthisisnbnherighrpathtcyfbllbW: .
Hawai'i County Council
January 21, 2010
Page -2-
Re: Testimony in Opposition to Resolution No. 281-09
1 urge the Council to deny this resolution for the reason that it is the wrong policy for this County
and State.
Sincerely yours,
JA~ M~
Pros uting Attorney