ISLE MUST SUPPORT ANTI-DRUG PROGRAMS

I am writing in response to your article concerning Kauai's "War" on drugs.

I am a former resident of Kauai, as well as a former Kauai Police Officer. I
am dismayed at some of the statements County counsel member Mel Rapozo made
in the article concerning KPD's response to the island's drug problem.

First of all, this "problem" isn't anything new to the island. It has been
ongoing for years. When I was fortunate enough to be hired on with the Kauai
Police Department in 1991, till I left in 1997, the drug problem was there,
reaching epidemic proportions in 1997, with the "Ice" problem.

Second, in Mr. Rapozo's remarks, he stated that that if KPD officers checked
boats, flights, and freight companies, "we would be surprised at what we
find." Being a former KPD officer, Mr. Rapozo knows that drug interdiction
at the Lihue Airport is already in place, with drug sniffing dogs, as well
as the freight companies at the airport.

But his remarks concerning the harbors as well as boats is unfortunately
erroneous. The entities that have jurisdiction in the harbors, as well as
boarding a boat at sea, are the Marine Patrol (a state agency) and Coast
Guard (a federal agency). KPD has no jurisdiction in these matters. It is a
great thing that Mayor Baptiste is finally bringing to light, a problem that
has been hidden, and hushed in political circles for years. I just hope that
the island's people embrace the programs brought forth, and helps Kaua'i's
children to refrain from drug use.

Aloha to all my friends and family.

Robert Ford, Saint Louis, Mo