DRUG FORUM SHOULD USE COMMON SENSE

Not even the mighty hand of Sen. Inouye can lead Hawai'i out of its current
problems with crystal methamphetamine as long as DEA Director Asa Hutchinson
continues to support the failed war on drugs.

While I am encouraged that Director Hutchinson chose Hawai'i, where meth
abuse exceeds that of most other communities, for a meth summit, as reported
in the Aug. 25 Advertiser, I am skeptical that anything positive will
result. Mr. Hutchinson has not given any signs that he really wants to
change the status quo.

Hopefully, somebody among the invitation-only guests will insert some ideas
aimed toward reducing the harms that meth is causing among our people.
Hopefully, the summit will adopt a platform based on common sense, science,
public health and a sincere concern for human rights, none of which is
acknowledged in our current drug policies.

Donald M. Topping, President

Drug Policy Forum of Hawai'i