DOGS SEARCHING FOR CONTRABAND AT LAHAINALUNA

The Random "Sniffs" Occur Only In Public Areas Of The Campus

Because of the growing drug problem among Hawaii teens, Lahainaluna
High School is using drug-sniffing dogs in an attempt to reduce the
use of contraband on the school campus. Four Hawaii public schools
have chosen to use the program; private schools such as Saint Louis
School and the Academy of the Pacific also use drug-sniffing dogs.
Alaska is now the only state that does not incorporate some kind of
drug-detection program in its public schools.

Maui Complex Area Superintendent Ron Okamura introduced the program,
and state Attorney General Mark Bennett gave his approval. Along with
Bennett's response, the schools got the blessing of state schools
Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto.

Schools were worried about the legal issues regarding student privacy
because the random "sniffs" sometimes occur during school hours.
However, the dog, a golden retriever named Custer, is not allowed to
"sniff" students or their personal belongings.

Sophomore Kira Carlton felt backpacks and lockers should also be the
subject of sniffs.

"Special measures should be taken if the school is serious about
stopping drug use," Carlton said.

Dogs are trained to find illicit and prescription drugs, alcohol and
gunpowder. All contraband items found during a sniff will be turned
over to the police. If more than a pound of marijuana or another drug
is found, a police investigation will commence.

Lahainaluna had a demonstration on Feb. 21 and has already
participated in two sniffs; the first one turned up a number of items,
and the second came up clean.

Guidance teacher and alumnus Nathan Ugale stated that he has not
actually witnessed a search of the entire campus. Though he believes
the program is a good idea, he also believes that "they need to find a
way to be more effective."

Carlton agreed: "No matter what, kids will find a way to beat the
system."

Drugs and alcohol can affect a student in many ways, including the
ability to function satisfactorily in class. "It seems like everyone
does them (drugs), and it is widely accepted as well," said Carlton.
Renee Gilsdorf, a Lahaina complex substitute, stated that students who
are high during class have a hard time becoming focused or even
showing up for class. Gilsdorf thinks that if there were more staff
watching the campus, drug use would be reduced.

Vice Principal Joanne Dennis acknowledges that the school has looked
into the possibility of increased staff vigilance. The school already
has two security guards; each school is allotted one security guard to
every 500 kids. The real trouble is not necessarily the use of drugs,
but drug dealing.

With the drug dog, the schools hope it will be harder for students to
obtain these contraband items.

"We want the campus to be a safe place for staff and students by
keeping dangerous substances off campus," added Dennis.