Posted on: Tuesday, June 3, 2003

Joint panel on 'ice' to be formed

Associated Press

State House and Senate leaders yesterday agreed to form a joint committee to address the use of "ice," or crystal methamphetamine, an epidemic of addiction that is destroying lives, tearing apart families and playing a role in many assaults and property crimes.

"Ice use is a crisis in this state, and we believe that we need to do whatever it takes to combat this crisis," said House Majority Leader Scott Saiki, D-22nd (McCully, Pawa'a).

Senate President Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa), said besides looking at tougher law enforcement and better treatment programs, he wants the panel to consider mandatory drug testing in the public schools, something this year's Legislature rejected.

Bunda said Senate members of the joint committee "want to talk about everything. We want to talk about what it is we're lacking in terms of enforcement. Are we really going after the crooks, or are we just identifying those who are abusing drugs and then getting them into treatment? We need to have a balance between enforcement and treatment."

Bunda and Saiki said the composition of the joint committee is pending, although plans call for six Democrats and two Republicans from each house.

Saiki said the committee will examine the adequacy of civil and criminal laws relating to illegal drugs as well as the adequacy of treatment programs. It also will look into possible federal financing with help from Hawai'i's congressional delegation.

House and Senate leaders also agreed yesterday to form a working group to draft campaign finance reform for consideration next year, Saiki said.