THE DRUG WAR

Federal funding to help Kaua'i officials wage their war on the abuse and sale
of "ice" is getting a needed boost in Washington from Sen. Daniel Inouye and
Rep. Ed Case.

One source of funding would give Kaua'i a program similar to the successful
Hawai'i County Comprehensive Methamphetamine Response program. Another bill
would provide funds for rehabilitation for young drug users.

Back on Kaua'i, a sign-holding campaign is set for later this month, to
highlight the community's backing of the war on "ice." Such events have become
popular in communities on other islands.

These events need to lead to a pinpointing of where drugs are dealt, how "ice"
comes into Kaua'i and how to stop the shipments, and the creation of on-island
drug rehabilitation facilities.

If arrested users are convicted and sentenced to drug treatment follow-up needs
to be done to make sure the treatment has worked, and that the users are
serious about turning away from drugs. Those that don't follow through on
court-ordered treatment need to suffer the consequences of their actions and
should face serious jail time.