POLICE, PROSECUTORS ALSO FRUSTRATED IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS

I feel Jerome Kellner's frustration (Letters, Sept. 30). When it comes to
putting away the bad guys who deal in drugs in our neighborhoods, Lanai is no
different.

Blaming the police for inaction is not exactly where the blame should be
placed. After sitting with police officers and prosecuting attorneys for three
days at the lieutenant governor's Drug Summit, I know they are more frustrated
than we are. On Lanai, it is not uncommon for a drug dealer to be arrested,
shipped off to Maui for processing and be back on Lanai while the officer is
still on Maui filling out paperwork.

There is hope. One of the recommendations from the Drug Summit is to refine
laws pertaining to search and seizure and wiretaps. Along with other changes to
the laws, those officers at the Drug Summit said this would greatly improve
apprehension and retention of our drug dealers and users and keeping them out
of our neighborhoods.

What can we do now, you might ask. Get involved in your community NOW! Don't
let drugs infiltrate your neighborhood. Continue reporting these activities to
the police.

The Drug Summit recommendations will be published in the very near future. Call
your elected officials and demand action and to support the changes. Do not
give up or we will lose the battle.

John Ornellas

Lanai City