WE MUST BE STRICTER WITH 'ICE' DEALERS

Living for longer than a decade in a community that has already been avalanched
by this 'ice storm' (Star-Bulletin series, Sept. 7-14), I would first have to
agree that truth in sentencing is a major part of the problem. The system we
have now allows for crystal-meth dealers to be handled with mittens. They just
don't feel the chilling effects of their actions on their bare hands long
enough before they are let out of prison to continue where they left off.

As for the addicts, even if they are not selling the drug, their actions are
selling the lifestyle to our keiki. If we are to be a caring community, we need
to address the criminal aspects of this activity with truth in sentencing. I
also have to agree with city prosecutor Peter Carlisle when he recommends
treatment within the prison system as a first wake-up call. A lot of these
addicts likely will be our next dealers at some point, especially when they
cannot envision the overall damage their behavior has on the community as a
whole.

Jail time as a corrective step toward treatment would be a giant step toward
stopping the snowball effect ice has taken in our state.

Sophie Mataafa

Lahaina, Maui