GOVERNOR SUPPORTS HEMP USE

Candidates asked to state their positions in upcoming election
guide.

Gov. Ben Cayetano says he supports the legalization of industrial hemp
and believes the non-narcotic variety of the marijuana plant will
someday be grown in Hawaii.

That's one of the governor's positions on a number of issues reported
in the coming Sunday Tribune-Herald "Campaign '98" election guide.

The election guide featuring Cayetano's positions and those of more
than 75 other candidates will be offered in Sunday's edition at no
extra charge to Tribune-Herald readers.

Noting he wants to keep an open mind on the issue, Cayetano elaborated
his position Thursday, saying he accepted an aloha shirt made of hemp
fibers from state Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R-Kaneohe, who is an outspoken
hemp advocate.

"I wear occasionally a product made of hemp," Cayetano said of the
shirt, adding it has shown him the benefits of industrial hemp.

Hemp seeds differ genetically from those used to grow marijuana, which
has been cultivated to achieve greater concentrations of THC.

Hemp, which reportedly has only 2 to 3 percent THC content, can be
used to make food, fuel and fiber like that used in Cayetano's shirt.

"I recognize the concerns that people may have about its illegal use,"
Cayetano said. The governor said his stand supporting legalization of
industrial hemp is based on the condition that concerns regarding
smokable marijuana are first addressed.

He said legalization of hemp could help Hawaii's agricultural
industry.

Cayetano said the hemp movement needs to improve its image by using
more respected spokeswomen like Thielen.

The 28-page supplement features stories on voting changes in this
year's elections along with proposals to amend both state and county
laws regarding such issues as same-sex marriages and an irradiation
ban.

Also included is career information provided by the candidates who
responded to the political survey along with their answers to an essay
question asking the most important issue of their respective campaigns.

The candidates also provide yes/no answers to a number of questions on
current issues ranging from legalization of hemp and construction of a
Big Island prison to building a food irradiator and use of the
county's Hamakua lands.

The guide may be used as a reference to help voters make informed
decisions at the polls.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry