STATE CUTTING A MAJOR PREVENTION OF DRUG USE

Hawaii has the highest use of crystal methamphetamine per capita in the
nation. Gov. Linda Lingle promised to help deal with our "ice" epidemic by
focusing on the implementation of prevention programs that would impact
Hawaii's youth. Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona has planned a drug summit in September.
The House and Senate have formed a special joint committee to deal with the
states drug problem. Communities have banded together in protest against the
rise of drugs and crime in our neighborhoods.

The Lingle administration has taken a step backwards in our state's war on
drugs by making budget cuts to the Department of Education that will, for
the first time in over 30 years, eliminate many of our high school sports
programs, thus depriving thousands of Hawaii's youth from having
opportunities to continue to participate in organized sports programs within
our public high schools.

Research shows that kids who participate in organized sports are less likely
to participate in recreational drug use that will ultimately lead to
addiction. This is a serious issue that our elected officials need to
reconsider.

We can pay for it now or pay more later.

Tammy Laborte

Lahaina