HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 127 10/04/2011 2010-2012REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
DATE: October 4, 2011
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 1:37 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 378/Res. No. 162 -11
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 162 -11, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 162 -11, transmitted jointly with Bill No. 108 by Finance Director Nancy
Crawford via Communication No. 378, dated September 22, 2011, authorizes the Mayor to enter
into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
to support and participate in the Hawaii Airport Task Force Effort.
The U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is providing Federal
funds of $17,202.25 for the purpose of supporting the Prosecuting Attorney's office's
participation in the Hawaii Airport Task Force program. The goal of this program is to disrupt
narcotics and dangerous drug trafficking in Hawaii.
Pursuant to Section 46 -7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, County Departments must obtain the consent
of the Council to enter into agreements with the federal or state governments respecting action to
be taken pursuant to any of the powers granted by law to furnish, expend and receive any funds
or other assistance in connection with projects being or to be undertaken pursuant to those
powers.
Acting Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Y. Iboshi appeared before Your Committee. Ms. Iboshi
commented that the resolution allows them to enter an agreement with the DEA to investigate
and disrupt pharmaceutical drug trafficking. There is an increasing problem on the Island of
Hawaii and nationwide in pharmaceutical drug trafficking. The Office of the Prosecuting
Attorney has an experienced investigator who worked at the State level on pharmaceutical
investigations. These funds will be available to pay for overtime for investigations needing his
expertise.
This funding also addresses overdoses and impaired driving caused by pharmaceutical drugs
whether the drugs are obtained using the patient's own or someone else's prescription. The
increasing problems of pharmaceutical drug overdoses and impaired driving accidents were
brought to the attention of the Prosecutor's office by the doctors of local hospitals.
This funding will also assist with better investigation and prosecution by their office to address
home burglaries that specifically target pharmaceuticals which are then sold illegally.
FC Rept. No. 127
FC -127
Page 2 October 4, 2011
Another problem that has been identified is "doctor shopping" to obtain multiple prescriptions
from multiple doctors and illegally sell the excess drugs.
This is a combined effort by the Police Department and other enforcement agencies working
with the DEA. Ms. Iboshi also clarified that these pharmaceuticals are entering the State and
County legally and for the right purposes, but may be diverted for illegal purposes. Ms. Iboshi
asked for the support of Your Committee.
Your Committee thanked Ms. Iboshi and her staff for the great work that they do.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution No. 162 -11,
and recommends its adoption.
dkr
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
BRENDA FORD, CHAIR
FC REPORT NO. 127
ADOPTED: OCT 19 2011
AYES
NOES
A &E
EX
BLAS
X
FORD
X
HOFFMANN
X
IKEDA
X
ONISHI
X
PILAGO
X
SMART
X
YAGONG
X
YOSHIMOTO
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
BRENDA FORD, CHAIR
FC REPORT NO. 127
ADOPTED: OCT 19 2011