GROUND HELICOPTERS

An open letter to Mayor Kenoi: The election of Nov. 4, 2008, which
brought you to office, also recorded 35,000 votes in favor of a new
county law, the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority of Cannabis
Ordinance. As a result of this change in priorities, the Police
Department has been directed to respect the sanctity and privacy of
our homes and gardens and to cease accepting and spending funds that
involve county personnel in marijuana eradication programs.

In spite of the ordinance, helicopters have continued flying most of
this year. The Peaceful Sky Alliance, an organization advocating for
residents under this law, have received numerous complaints from
residents. Based on testimony and documents supplied by police, all
of these missions were supported or coordinated by Hawaii County
police personnel. One comment made by an Ocean View resident that
reflects the feeling of most was, "This is like a war zone."

We are asking you now to do something about it by declaring a
moratorium on all marijuana eradication missions. Further, we would
appreciate a commitment from you that you will not aid or assist our
Police Department to receive funding. We would like you to honor the
voters' wishes and direct our Hawaii County Police Department to obey the law.

As head of the executive branch of county government, it is your
responsibility to ensure that all departments including the Police
Department and prosecuting attorney are briefed as to the changes
required by the ordinance. Please act now as our mayor by declaring a
moratorium on all helicopter missions. Show the voters that you were
listening when they asked for change. Mayor Kenoi, we'd like to wish
you and your closest associates and family a very peaceful and happy
holiday season.

Yvonne Conner

Hilo