HAWAII GETS $2.6 MILLION FOR DRUG PROGRAMS

Congress has approved $2.67 million for anti-drug and customs programs in
Hawaii, U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye announced.

The initiatives are in the Fiscal Year 2001 Treasury and General Government
Appropriations measure, which was part of the final budget deal negotiated
between the congressional leadership and the White House.

Congress passed the measure earlier this month.

The committee approved the Hawaii High Intensity Drug Trafficking Program
for $1.92 million. The funds will be used to gather, analyze and disseminate
drug trafficking and money laundering intelligence for use by Hawaii's law
enforcement agencies.

Hawaii was identified as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area in June
1999.

The Hawaii HIDTA Executive Committee was formed to coordinate the
counterdrug efforts of 16 government agencies.

"Due to Hawaii's unique island configuration, the drug flow into and through
Hawaii can be significantly disrupted by focusing drug intelligence,
interdiction and enforcement resources," Inouye said.

"This funding will support these efforts, as well as other Hawaii HIDTA
initiatives, such as education and drug prevention programs," he said.

A $750,000 measure is also being made for part-time and temporary customs
inspectors at the Honolulu International Airport to help with the large
number of passengers who arrive at the airport in the early mornings and
late evenings.

The initiative also includes a provision that continues to require the
federal government to fully staff TaxPayer Advocate offices in Hawaii and
Alaska. The offices were set up in these states to eliminate the problems
that arise when Alaska and Hawaii taxpayers seek assistance from the federal
government's mainland-based toll-free lines and service centers.