POLICE CRACK DOWN ON JUVENILE DRUG USE

WAILUKU - Police say that they will continue to investigate illegal
drug use by juveniles after arresting nine minors and one adult last
month during a special operation targeting drug activity near Maui
high schools.

The weeklong enforcement was done Oct. 20 to 24 by plainclothes
officers using rental cars, said Sgt. David Silva of the police
Juvenile Section.

Several of the youths were arrested when they were found smoking
marijuana, police said.

Five boys, ages 15 and 16, were arrested Oct. 24 when they were
spotted smoking what appeared to be cigarettes at 2:20 p.m. near the
rifle court behind Maui High School. After taking a closer look,
officers determined the boys were smoking marijuana, Silva said.

Earlier in the day, at 7:08 a.m., officers arrested 20-year-old Daniel
Puaa Jr. after finding the Kahului resident smoking marijuana in his
vehicle that was across Kula Highway near King Kekaulike High School,
Silva said. Puaa was released on his own recognizance after being
charged on two counts of third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug,
police records show.

Another arrest occurred Oct. 23 when officers saw a 16-year-old boy
smoking marijuana at 7:23 a.m. at the Little League baseball field
near the War Memorial complex next to Baldwin High School. At 1:45
p.m. that day, officers prevented a fight in the same area where
youths had gathered, Silva said. He said a 15-year-old boy was
arrested for disorderly conduct.

Two 17-year-old girls were arrested for behavior injurious to the
welfare of a minor at 7:45 a.m. Oct. 22 when they were seen smoking
cigarettes across from King Kekaulike High School.

The juveniles were arrested and later released to parents.

Juvenile investigator Mary-Lee Sagawinit planned the special
operation, which was carried out by juvenile investigators, Silva said.

"They did an excellent job," he said. "We might be doing this
again."

He said people who have concerns about drug activity involving
juveniles can call the police Juvenile Section at 244-6480.