MAKAWAO DRUG PROBLEM NEEDS POLICE ON THEIR FEET

Here's a plan of action for the Maui Police Department to stop the drug
dealing that is once again ruining Makawao.

Have officers get out of their patrol cars, singly or in pairs, and walk
around. Say hello or simply smile or nod to people on the sidewalks, in the
parking lots, outside the shops, behind the shops, and just hanging out.
Engage people in conversations. Check out everybody and everything. Ask
questions; answer questions. In the business world, this is called
"management by walking around," and it's very successful.

The job of police, in effect, is to manage our communities and
neighborhoods, and that job is not being done in Makawao. The whole town
could be covered in less than 20 minutes. The effort doesn't need a name
like Crime Reduction Foot Patrol Officers or an act of Congress -- just get
officers out where everyone can see them.

Good citizens trying to be the eyes and ears for police regarding drug
dealing are being told by police "there's not much we can do about it."
These kinds of answers are unacceptable. As concerned citizens, we've done
our part. Now it is time for the police to become their own eyes and ears,
be good managers of our community and enforce the law. What else are the
police doing that is more important?

Jerome Kellner

Makawao