GROUPS PLAN SUMMIT AS PART OF BATTLE AGAINST ICE

Three community organizations are planning a "People's Ice Summit" in the
ongoing battle against the state's ice epidemic.

These groups organized recent town hall meetings to deal with the drug
problem and are hoping to bring together other organizations and individuals
for a solutions-oriented forum, said Andy Anderson, chief executive officer
of Hina Mauka, a drug treatment center.

Also involved in the People's Ice Summit are the Coalition for a Drug Free
Hawai'i, and Community Works in 96744, a coalition of organizations
dedicated to reducing substance abuse among school-age children from
Kane'ohe to Kahalu'u.

Anderson said a goal of the summit is to get input from people who have yet
to take part in town hall meetings or hearings. The summit also is intended
to bring together organizers of different community efforts to fight ice.

"The outcome of this effort will provide grassroots recommendations for
grassroots solutions, as well as governmental solutions," Anderson said.

Summit participants hope to hold a rally at the State Capitol in December or
January.

Anderson said all of the rallies, meetings and last month's Hawai'i Drug
Control Strategy Summit, have produced results.

"I've lived here 43 years and this is the first time that I've seen the
administration and the Legislature really get into looking at some of the
root causes and issues of substance abuse," Anderson said.

Anyone wishing to participate in the People's Ice Summit can call Anderson
at 236-2600, ext. 227, or by e-mail at peoplesICEsummit@hinamauka.org .