Kapolei forum voices ice concerns

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Central O'ahu Writer

More than 100 Kapolei residents turned out for an anti-drug meeting last night at Kapolei Middle School to offer suggestions on fighting Hawai'i's growing drug problem.

Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona presented key points of the Hawai'i Drug Control Strategy, which outlines the state's problems with drugs along with its goals and its strategies for prevention, treatment and law enforcement.

The "talk story" forum in Kapolei was the first of 27 community meetings that Aiona has organized throughout the state.

"This is a community effort," Aiona said. "It's going to take all of us to solve the problem."

Officials said crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, is the most significant drug threat in Hawai'i, followed by marijuana and cocaine.

Highlights of the plan:

• Reduce the use of illegal drugs by 10 percent over the next three years.
• Develop and begin an anti-drug media campaign.
• Distribute prevention materials such as brochures and videos to targeted schools in "high risk" neighborhoods.
• Support the development of a charter school designed especially for at-risk youth.
• Enhance treatment options for youth, adults and addicted felons.

"I don't know how (Kapolei) compares to other neighborhoods, but as far as I'm concerned, it's serious wherever it occurs, and it occurs here," said state Rep. Mark Moses, R-40th (Makakilo, Kapolei, Royal Kunia).

Residents voiced their concern about drugs in their neighborhood, saying they are afraid to speak out against users because of possible retaliation.

"It's just a horrible thing," said Brent Buckley, 47, a member of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board. "It's a dead-end situation. Drugs destroy people mentally and physically. Then subsequent property crime to feed the habit follows and it's a downward spiral from there."

Kapolei resident Geoffrey Reyes fought his ice addiction on his own. He came to the meeting because he wanted to see what the state was going to do about a drug that left him broke and on the streets.

"Rehabs and programs are good, but (increasing law enforcement) is the only way," said Reyes, 33. "But only the individual can kick the habit."

Aiona is planning a drug-control strategy summit Sept. 15 to 17 at the Sheraton Waikiki where he hopes the plan will be fine-tuned into its final form.