KAUA'I'S WAR ON DRUGS GETS SUPPORT FROM GOV. LINGLE

NUKOLI'I - The island's war on drugs gained a powerful ally recently, as
Gov. Linda Lingle told Mayor Bryan Baptiste she is willing to help fund
establishment of a residential drug-treatment facility on the island.

County representatives are in negotiations now with representatives of the
Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, which operates Mahelona Medical Center
Hospital, for space for such a facility along Kawaihau Road in Kapa'a,
Baptiste said.

Dialogue continues with the state attorney general's office, and county
representatives are also inquiring about the availability of federal funds,
after learning the Big Island recently got $5 million to fight its crystal
methamphetamine ("ice") problem, Baptiste said.

While delivering remarks to around 40 members of the Kapa'a Business
Association at the Radisson Kauai Beach Resort here Tuesday night, he turned
his attention to what he and others feel is the island's biggest problem -
drugs.

He called the problem "an onslaught to the essence of our being. This is one
of the biggest disasters that we face," said Baptiste, who is working with
his administration and others to develop a drug-abolition preparedness plan
much like disaster preparedness plans for hurricanes, tsunamis and other
natural and manmade disasters.

The entire island must commit to fighting the "disease that's ravaging our
community." He pointed to a recent survey showing that 40 percent of all
Kaua'i children have tried ice.

"It's just about every place you look. We've got to get these people out of
our town, out of our island," he said.

"We have to put our children first, as they are our most important
resource," said the mayor, reiterating that none of the eradication plans
will be successful without total community support and participation.

"It's going to take a lot of coordination," he said. Toward that end, state
Sen. Gary Hooser (D, Kaua'i, Ni'ihau) has introduced a bill in the state
Legislature to fund a drug-fight coordinator position for Kaua'i, Baptiste
said.

Some private individuals and representatives of corporations have shown a
willingness to donate funds to the cause, he continued.

A new drug court on the island will be authorized to hold those accused of
dealing drugs, "so people don't poison our children time and time again
while they're awaiting trial," Baptiste said.

He talked about the "We Believe" project, where banners and bumper stickers
were printed up in support of Kapa'a High School, proclaiming "We Believe in
Our Warriors." He singled out Bob Kubota of Pono Market for his work on the
project.

The project wasn't about supporting the school's student athletes, or sports
programs, or even the school itself, Baptiste commented.

"It was all about showing the children how valued and important they are,"
and about the importance of having adult role models. "And the
responsibility is a heavy one," Baptiste continued.

He concluded with a challenge in the ongoing war against drugs. "I'm going
to hold you all accountable. This is not just my job. It's your job."