MAYOR TELLS OF COUNTY'S PLANS IN DRUG BATTLE

Mayor Bryan Baptiste outlined several plans the county has going to help in
the battle against drugs.

First, he said, it's important to get support from legislators who represent
Hawai'i and Kaua'i at the local, state and federal levels. He said some
strong support has come from U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye. Also, Baptiste said
that many businesses have called the county asking how to support programs.

Kaua'i needs a drug treatment facility. "We are not looking at Mahelona,"
Baptiste said. Rather, with support and funding from a group of churches and
faith-based groups, county- or state-owned land could be used.

Baptiste said the "Punana" program (the word means "nest" in Hawaiian) could
help recently-released inmates transition back into the community with
transitional living environments, also known as "clean-and-sober houses."
Homes would be constructed and rented to the individuals, who would have to
follow certain rules. The homes would be built on 10 - 15-acre parcels,
Baptiste said. Punana, modeled after the KCCC gardening project, will let
inmates grow and sell produce and learn entrepreneurial skills.

Baptiste said that Kaua'i has been guaranteed the placement of two agents
from the Drug Enforcement Agency.

He's also reviewing a list of proposed legislation from the Law Enforcement
Coalition and is accepting ideas from the public to add to the proposals.

Lastly, Baptiste said the county is very close to getting funding to
purchase a number of 15-passenger vans that can be used to transport kids to
safe, drug-free activities during the evening hours.