HIGA TAKES EXCEPTION

I felt that I would wait for your newspaper to print the "correct
facts" regarding the marijuana eradication grant funds. As usual,
your newspaper doesn't accurately report the news.

Your Sunday headline states, "Green Harvest funds cut." WRONG. Fact:
My vote was to remove these funds from the budget process, which we
did. Green Harvest funds for county budget year 2006-07 is still in
the police budget, and they will have enough money to continue their
operation till the grant ends in September or October of this year.
Fact: When the police department applies for next year's grant,
(which should be around September), they will have to appear before
the council and request that we accept or deny these funds by
resolution. Fact: During this resolution process before the council,
marijuana advocates will have the opportunity to present their
testimony again, and so will the police.

During my three years on the council, I have been privileged to hear
the testimony from the pro-marijuana people, but I have not heard the
police side of how they conduct their operations. My vote is for the
"process," and I want the police to explain to the council and the
public all the facts on how the operation is handled. Educating the
public and informing all of us on what is taking place in and around
our neighborhoods are very important.

Fact: Stacy Higa supports continued marijuana eradication! I have
heard some of the horror stories about helicopters hovering
intrusively above homes, and stories of the police supposedly
traumatizing children and family members. These claims have come from
marijuana advocates, but I have never heard the police side of these
allegations. The public needs to hear BOTH sides of what is happening.

To my constituents and supporters who have asked the question, "Why
did Stacy Higa vote against marijuana eradication?" the answer is --
that was never the question. Stacy Higa voted to change the process
of how the county accepts the federal grant money.

I think it is very sad that I have to write a letter to the editor to
correct the misinformation that the newspaper prints in its
headlines. Don't believe everything you read in the headlines or the
newspapers, without verifying the facts.

Councilor Stacy K. Higa

District 4-Hilo