THE BIGGER PROBLEM

The Big Island has earned top honors, it leads the state in unemployment.
But that is far from the worst problem we face.

Unemployment here rose almost a full percentage point in March, reversing a
10-month downward trend by jumping from 4.2 to 5.1 percent of the workforce
unemployed.

Yet this dubious accolade is no where nearly as disturbing as the remarks
made by an employment specialist asked to comment.

Oddly, the state indicates in West Hawaii alone there are 192 job openings
listed and islandwide, the number increases to more than 350.

Lori Sasaki, Kona manager of the state's Workforce Development Division,
said there has been a decrease in job offerings from employers, but more
telling might be the chronic situation facing the visitor and service
industries: "Employers are still having a difficult time getting good
workers."

A Kona branch manager for Honolulu-based employment agency Altres Staffing,
however, hit home with the darkest statistic in the employment equation.

Failure to pass the drug test now required by every major West Hawaii
employer "is a huge problem in Kona," said Altres Kona Manager Michelle
Conrey.

Nobody has pretended drug use and abuse are not a major problem in our
society. But the situation has become untenable.

In the past month, there have been two murders. Court testimony indicated
drugs were a factor in the murder of Michael Rhett Hackmeyer, 39, near
Makalawena in early April, for which Casey Eason, 28, will stand trial Sept.
23. And sadly, the shooting death of 8-year-old Kelsie Fathke, whose life
police allege was taken by her own father, was connected to drug use. The
mayor of this island said crystal methamphetamine was a factor in this most
horrifying loss.

Without considering overdose, death occurring under the influence and
"accidentally" while drugs are involved, the toll is too great already.

Drug use is killing people, destroying families and even unsettling our
economy.

Worse yet, it is being tolerated, even in our schools. A high school student
quoted in a page 1 story Wednesday said, "There are open drug deals all the
time," referring to activities on the school campus.

How can teens be expected not to use drugs, even at school, if there is open
drug use at home?

Yes, police enforcement is appropriate and required. But it is insufficient
to address the problem.

The worst aspect of this grim reality of drug abuse on the Big Island is
that it is being tolerated.

There can be no tolerance.

As individuals, each of us should act to curb drug abuse, letting those who
use drugs know it is not okay, that people suffer, very often the people
closest to the drug user.

We cannot accept or tolerate behavior that ruins families, friendships, jobs
and lives. Say something. Do something. It is not someone else's problem any
longer. It is our problem and our time to act.