BIG ISLAND HOSTING SECOND ICE SUMMIT

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii (AP) -- Hawaii County is hosting an ice summit today to
address the Big Island's crystal methamphetamine problem.

About 300 invited representatives are expected to attend the second annual
Hawaii Island Meth Summit co-hosted by Sen. Daniel Inouye, Mayor Harry Kim and
Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna.

Crystal methamphetamine, or ice, has become a major problem on the Big Island,
where police and users alike report the drug is widely available and heavily
used.

Kim declared war on the drug shortly after being elected to office in 2000.

Since then, millions of dollars in federal funds have been pledged to the
island to help battle the ice problem.

The police department has established an ice task force, and four additional
drug counselors have been assigned to Big Island schools, said Billy Kenoi,
Kim's executive assistant.

The county has also established an ice hot line and a Web site dedicated to the
war against the drug.

During this year's conference, representatives of various groups -- such as
churches, the business community and law enforcement -- will be asked to come
up with specific steps they can take in the coming year, Kenoi said.