DRUG PROBLEM IN MAKAWAO EASY TO SEE MOST ANY DAY

The drug problem in Makawao is alive and thriving contrary to the opinion of
the Makawao resident who stated that speeding is a much bigger issue and
there is nothing for the youth to do in Makawao (Letters, July 29).

I have been a Makawao resident for 10 years. I share an office space in
downtown Makawao with a big-screen view of the daily drug dealing and using.
The buyers range in age from 12 to 35, male and female. They are the sons
and daughters of our rural town.

Makawao provides dozens of places for youth to gather, including an Internet
cafe, public library, yoga and dance studios open seven days per week,
ballparks, tennis and basketball courts, a state-of-the-art Boys Club/Girls
Club and many places to get a cup of coffee for a dollar -- none of which
can compete with chasing that elusive euphoric high our street drugs
provide.

First, Makawao needs a zero-tolerance policy. Second, the evening private
security patrol, discontinued due to landlord cost, provided night safety
and prevented theft and drug activities. Third, and most important, Makawao
no longer has a community police officer. It's time to activate a
community-that-cares approach.

I volunteer to sponsor and provide space for a meeting in downtown Makawao.
You may contact me at my office, 572-1436. For solutions, community
resources and information related to drug prevention, visit the Maui County
Web site www.mauicares.org .

Christina Fisher

Makawao