KUBO: NOW IS 'OUR MOMENT' TO FIGHT CRYSTAL METH

KAHULUI - Hawaii U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo said now is "our moment" to combat
crystal methamphetamine, or ice, in Hawaii's communities.

"If we lose the momentum now, we will lose the momentum for the future," Kubo
said Monday. He addressed about 70 people at a Rotary Club of Kahului luncheon
meeting at the Dunes at Maui Lani Golf Course.

Kubo touched on last month's drug summit led by Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and
urged the community to collaborate against the state's ice crisis.

Kubo said Hawaii's wiretapping laws should be amended to be consistent with
federal laws.

And he said Hawaii's privacy laws can frustrate law-enforcement efforts.

As an example, he cited drug problems on school campuses.

Kubo said school counselors often know about a student's drug problems but can
neither let law enforcement help nor let parents know about the child's
problems because of privacy laws. As a result, children might not be able to
get help, he said.

He said if people feel community safety supersedes personal privacy issues in
this case, "then the pendulum must swing."

"Then we must make exceptions to the privacy rules," he said.

Kubo said he leaves the privacy-versus-community-health issue for people to
debate.

After the luncheon meeting, criminal defense attorney David Cain said: "We
(defense attorneys) are very concerned about personal liberties and personal
freedoms. However, we have to acknowledge there is a big problem in Hawaii. I
see it every day."

Cain, a Rotarian, said about 80 percent of his criminal clients have a drug
problem. "It's scary," he said.

Kubo urged people to make sure that drug treatment, law enforcement, and
prevention and education groups all work together.

He encouraged community members to voice their concerns and make lawmakers
aware of their views if they want to see new, tougher laws.

"Be the squeaky wheel," Kubo said. "I'm sure (state lawmakers) are listening
now."

Rotarian Gladys Baisa said she thinks "our community still has a bit of denial"
when it comes to the crystal methamphetamine problem on Maui.

Baisa, who is executive director of Maui Economic Opportunity Inc., said the
drug problem affects everyone in the community and it's time for people to
become informed and to act. "Enough talk," she said.