LARGEST-EVER CLASS FINISHES MAUI DRUG COURT

28 graduate from program that offers alternative to prison

WAILUKU -- The Maui Drug Court graduated its largest class ever last week,
with 28 people completing the program that offers drug treatment as an
alternative to incarceration.

"This group seemed to have a real bond," said David Ramage, director of
IMPACT-Maui, which runs the treatment program for the Drug Court. "They
thanked their peers for the support."

The graduates, who have participated in at least 12 months of testing and
counseling, included seven men who started their drug treatment in jail,
Ramage said.

Since last September, a dormitory at the Maui Community Correctional Center
has been designated only for parole violators participating in the Drug
Court. Those who succeed during a 90-day daily treatment regimen are then
released to continue in the regular Drug Court program of treatment and
testing.

Defendants charged with nonviolent drug-related crimes can apply to
participate in Drug Court instead of facing incarceration.

Had they not enrolled in the Drug Court, the parolees faced returning to
prison.

Ramage said the participation of the parolees was the reason there were so
many graduates at last Thursday's session in the courtroom of 2nd Circuit
Chief Judge Shackley Raffetto. He serves as the Drug Court judge along with
Judge Joseph Cardoza.

"That's seven people that we normally wouldn't have had," Ramage said.
"That's how well that's worked."

After completing 12 months of regular drug testing, counseling and court
hearings, the latest graduates will now spend 90 days in a less intensive
phase of the program. At the end of the period, they will be subject to a
hair test to detect any drug use before their criminal charges are dismissed
or probationary terms ended.

Of 58 earlier Drug Court graduates, two relapsed and had the 90-day period
extended, Ramage said.

"Relapse is part of the recovery process, as much as we hate to have it
happen," he said.

He said graduates are encouraged to participate in an alumni group that
meets regularly.

Since the Maui Drug Court started nearly three years ago, 86 people have
graduated from the program, with most staying out of trouble with the law,
Ramage said. He said four graduates, or about 5 percent, have been
rearrested for new crimes.

Ninety-five people remain enrolled in the Drug Court program.