Posted on: Thursday, May 29, 2003

Mililani lines up against drug use

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

MILILANI — An enthusiastic crowd of about 50 teenagers and adults turned out yesterday afternoon to let people know they will not tolerate illegal drugs in their community.

The event was a warmup to a community forum set for 7 tonight at Mililani High School to discuss ways of attacking the problem of drugs, particularly "ice."

The forum and yesterday's sign-waving rally fronting the high school were sponsored by City Council members Nestor Garcia and Donovan Dela Cruz, with the support of many community organizations and leaders, police and drug treatment counselors.

The rally followed a successful sign-waving effort in Kahalu'u that drew nearly 700 participants earlier this month.

Leilehua High School sophomore Andrea Evans encouraged families to communicate to work out problems.

"I would say try to talk with your parents as much as possible, because if you don't talk to them, how would they really understand what you're going through. Don't ignore the problem because it's not going to help. It's still going to be there," Evans said.

Garcia said he hopes the momentum and energy from the rally will continue at tonight's town meeting as well as other community meetings. The councilman said he eventually wants the community to take over the fight against drugs.

"I want it from the ground up, where people tell us not just what is happening, but also what they think might be the solution. It's a listening tour for me," Garcia said. "There's going to be a second meeting, and I would like to see young adults run that meeting. I would like to see young adults tell us grownups what they would like to see happen."

Mililani Mauka resident David Vargas said he came out to support the effort because he wants to be sure that his children, ages 8 and 5, will grow up in a drug-free environment. Vargas grew up in Latin America, where he said drugs were a way of life.

Vargas said he managed to escape the drug world because of his upbringing. He said he believes that the strong showing yesterday will send a message to drug users and dealers in his community.

"People who are involved in drugs, I'm hoping and praying that this will make them nervous and flush them out," Vargas said. "We should take a stand for what's right, and sometimes you have to stick your neck out to express what your convictions are."

Mililani High Principal Robert Ginlack said he doesn't believe drugs are prevalent on his campus, but he was glad to see the community begin to address the issue.

"I think it really brings it to the public's attention," Ginlack said. "My only worry is will there be some kind of ongoing, sustained, active involvement in the community, not a one-time thing."