BIG ISLAND DRUG RAIDS

The issue: A federal undercover operation on the Big Island has
resulted in 32 arrests and the seizure of $71,000 worth of illegal
drugs.

Our view: The results show that illegal drug use is extensive in East
Hawaii and it isn't confined to marijuana.

WHILE the Legislature last week was approving medical use of
marijuana, agents of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration were
winding up a two-month-long undercover operation on the Big Island.

Thirty-two arrests were made, including a Hawaii County firefighter
and a man described as a drug boss. Nine of those arrested face
federal drug charges. The others face state charges.

More than $71,000 worth of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, crystal
methamphetamine and marijuana, was seized, along with jewelry,
vehicles and weapons in what was described as one of the biggest
operations on the Big Island since the 1980s.

The DEA official directing the operation said he was surprised by the
amount of crystal methamphetamine available in Hilo. Police Lt. Henry
Tavares said the undercover operations "exposed the severity of the
drug problem in East Hawaii." Different drug dealers were being
identified on a daily basis, Tavares said.

At legislative hearings, police officers argued against legalization
of marijuana for medical use because of the difficulty of restricting
use to medical purposes. Obviously there is a danger of abuse under
the pretext of medical needs.

The Hawaii Medical Association also opposed state legalization because
it would conflict with federal law and because medical marijuana use
has not been approved by the federal Food and Drug
Administration.

The effects of marijuana use are still a matter of dispute. Harmful
effects were described in an April 21 article on the opposite page by
Dr. Kenneth M. Sunamoto, a Hawaii family physician with a special
interest in addiction treatment.

A rebuttal by Donald Topping, president of the Drug Policy Forum of
Hawaii, appeared in last Saturday's Insight section.

The Legislature's decision was based on compassion for people
suffering extreme pain. It is understandable but questionable
nonetheless.

Meanwhile the undercover drug operation on the Big Island indicates
that the menace of drug abuse -- including marijuana but so-called
hard drugs as well -- continues to be a major problem in that area and
probably throughout the state.