LEGISLATIVE ICE TASK FORCE TO MEET TODAY

HONOLULU -- The Joint House-Senate Task Force on Ice and Drug Abatement will
meet today at the state Capitol on programs for children and teenagers who are
involved with abuse of drugs or who are in families where illegal drugs are
used.

Two hearings have been scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for
presentations from professionals involved in dealing with juveniles and
programs for students.

According to an announcement form the task force, the members will look at the
issues raised by a increasing number of children in homes where parents are
abusing ice, or crystal methamphetamine.

Presentations are scheduled by Darlene Hein of Harm Reduction Hawaii, Kat Brady
of the Community Alliance on Prison, Dr. Sylvia Yuen with the University of
Hawaii Center on the Family, Juvenile Drug Court Judge R. Mark Browning, Family
Drug Court Judge Bode Uale, Alan Shinn of Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii and
specialists from three Oahu community agencies that deal with drug users.

Lawmakers also plan to speak to legal professionals about constitutional issues
related to Hawaii's search and seizure laws.

Maui Sen. Shan Tsutsui, D-4th District (Wailuku-Kahului), is a member of the
task force.

On the Net: Hawaii State Legislature: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov