RESIDENTS VOICE CONCERN OVER POT INITIATIVE

HILO -- The Hawaii County Police Commission meeting Tuesday in Hilo
was supposed to be about residents commenting on the two candidates
seeking to replace retiring Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna.

Instead, many of the people who commented just wanted the commission
to be sure whoever it chooses as the next chief abides by the
marijuana initiative recently approved by voters.

Deputy Police Chief Harry Kubojiri and retired Police Captain Chadwick
"Chad" Fukui are the two candidates the commission is considering as
replacements for Mahuna.

There were some people who offered favorable comments for either Fukui and
Kubojiri, but many had other issues on their minds.

George "Graywolf" Klare, of Pahoa, told the commission he's an
activist for "peace, justice and cannabis" and that he "has no real
knowledge" of the two men wanting to be the next chief.

"I want to see a different attitude from police," he
said.

"I don't want police to be against me any longer."

Klare and others who testified said they want the Police Department to
adhere to the initiative approved on Nov. 4 that, among other things,
made enforcement of marijuana on the island the lowest police priority
when it involves adult personal use.

Steve Bohlert, a retired United Church of Christ pastor, expressed
disappointment in comments made by Mahuna, who said in recent
interviews the department plans to change nothing in how it handles
marijuana.

"I don't know enough about either candidate for police chief to say
which I prefer," Bohlert said. "Will they be supportive of local
county law rather than adhere to federal law?"

He said he doesn't want to see the Police Department continue
"terroristic war" against residents, "using paramilitary tactics to
control citizens of the community who happen to use or grow an herb."

"Now that people have spoken out, police should listen," Bohlert said,
adding he wants the commission to ask the candidates questions on how
they plan to enforce marijuana laws.

Adam Lehman, director of Project Peaceful Sky, which is the
organization that was behind getting the initiative on the ballot,
said the commission is "obligated by law" to make sure the ordinance
that resulted with the passage of the initiative is followed.

Roger Christie, pastor of the THC Cannabis Ministry in Hilo,
expressed concerns about comments made by Kubojiri recently regarding
the island's crystal methamphetamine problem.

"He (Kubojiri) said he didn't know where the ice epidemic came from,"
Christie said, adding he was "astounded" the next potential police
chief didn't know the epidemic was caused by stricter enforcement of
marijuana laws.

John Rodriguez, a Big Island police officer for 18 years, said he's
worked under Kubojiri for 15 years and is confident his integrity and
professionalism would serve the county well.

"He stands with us, not only over us," Rodriguez said.

About 50 people signed up to testify Tuesday, and a handful who didn't
want to comment in public met with the commission behind closed doors
to say their peice.

The commission is scheduled to hear from the public one more time, 2
p.m. Thursday at the Waimea Center Conference Room, before
interviewing the two candidates for the job. A decision is expected by
the end of December.