NOW, LET'S LEGALIZE POT

A big mahalo to the County Council for removing "Green Harvest" from
the proposed operating budget on the first reading (Tribune-Herald,
May 17) and special kudos to Councilman Bob Jacobson for taking the
initiative. Much appreciation to Councilman Dominic Yagong for
supporting a "moratorium" from the intrusive helicopters. Council
members Naeole, Higa and Ford are to be commended for their votes, as
well.

Loving thanks and much gratitude goes to the 50 brave heroes and
heroines who passionately testified and took the day to be vigilant
and present. They won the respect and attention of the council.

Margaret Meade said: "A small group of thoughtful people could change
the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." On the Big
Island, the change has been a shift from a failed policy that has
labored on for more than 20 years. We all must return June 1 for the
ordinance's second reading. Residents should be encouraged to write or
phone their council member to follow through on the second reading.

Island residents are fed up with the helicopters that not only have
invaded our privacy, trampled on our civil rights and religious
freedoms, but have imprisoned thousands of nonviolent citizens, wasted
millions of taxpayers' dollars and destroyed the aina.

And what has been accomplished? Nearly 600 people were arrested on the
Big Island last year. Lives have been destroyed and families have been
torn apart, all to eradicate a useful plant.

Although the demise of "Green Harvest" is a significant moment, I
believe that we ultimately need to eliminate the penalties for
marijuana possession and cultivation, and bring the war against our
own people to an end. The next logical step would be to make marijuana
the lowest law enforcement priority, as many cities on the mainland
have already done. This would be accomplished in the form of a
resolution passed by County Council.

The police will have more time and resources to fight the serious rise
of crime, and cannabis consumers will at last be safe in the privacy
of their homes. Making marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority
will be a win-win solution that our County Council should consider.

ANDREA TISCHLER

Hilo