DRUG TREATMENT WORKS WELL IN CALIFORNIA

Bravo to Hawaii lawmakers and Gov. Cayetano for the passage of the
drug-diversion measure ("Drug offender bill ready to sign," Star-Bulletin,
June 8).

Here in California, a similar law, Proposition 36, was passed two years ago.
Since then, the state has saved nearly $2 billion in incarceration costs and
rehabilitated thousands of drug offenders.

Placing nonviolent drug users -- most of whom are arrested for smoking
marijuana -- in jail alongside hard criminals makes no sense. Hawaii no
doubt will enjoy the same benefits from this bill in the years to come.

Adam Wiggins

Pasadena, Calif.