DRUG ISSUES DOMINATE LINGLE MEETING

>From the Waimanalo man whose neighbor got arrested only hours earlier to a
Kailua man trying to get drug paraphernalia out of Windward stores, Gov.
Linda Lingle got an earful about drug woes last night in the first of her
community "talk story" sessions.

Sessions held by Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, such as one in Hilo last
night, are supposed to give people the chance to talk about the crystal
methamphetamine epidemic and other drug problems. Lingle's meetings are
aimed at more general topics. But it was clear that the problem of drugs was
the main issue for at least half of the more than 250 people gathered at a
humid Kailua High School cafeteria last night.

Waimanalo Neighborhood Board member Andy Jamile said his community is torn
by the ice epidemic. "Neighbors gotta turn in neighbors, family members
gotta turn in family members," Jamile said.

Lingle then explained her position that treatment isn't the only answer to
the state's drug problem. "We think the major focus has to be on the
prevention side," the governor said. "That's why we're supporting voluntary
drug testing in the schools so that we can help these young people before
they get so far down the road that there's no hope."

Kailua resident Doug Stancil said he and others in Windward O'ahu have been
scouring the region, urging store owners to stop selling drug paraphernalia.
He asked what the state could do.

Lingle said that while getting rid of drug paraphernalia might entail more
than passing a ban on the sale of such items, she would explore the idea
further.

One woman questioned what the state was doing to help the spouses and
children of those who are in prison for drug and other criminal offenses.
Lingle said she would look into the issue.

The governor also promised the crowd that her administration and those on
the county and federal levels will be open to all suggestions when Aiona
holds his drug summit next month.

Drug issues dominated discussion, but a variety of other topics also were
raised. They ranged from housing for the poor to a second access road into
Kailua High School and a sewage treatment plant in Waimanalo.

Lingle told reporters afterward that the purpose of the sessions is not just
to listen to suggestions about what the state can do on such problems, but
about her telling the public that it also shares in the responsibility of
improving Hawai'i.

Lingle's next talk-story session will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at
Farrington High School.