Anti-drug group mobilizing

By Will Hoover
Advertiser North Shore Writer

Carol Philips has learned a lot since deciding that she wanted to help in the state's fight against crystal methamphetamine.

In May, Philips established the North Shore No Ice In Paradise Task Force, a fledgling grassroots organization with little more than a Web site and a bold sense of commitment.

The group's goal was bold: to "halt the epidemic."

"What we want to do is to cause a shift in the culture, so that doing ice is just not the trendy thing to do," said Philips, a North Shore surf-meet organizer and political activist whose twin sister, Joan Craft, a critical-care nurse, warned about the dangers of using ice in the recent Edgy Lee documentary, "Ice: Hawai'i's Crystal Meth Epidemic."

Philips' organization is among a number of groups getting involved across O'ahu in recent months as communities search for answers in Hawai'i's war against drugs, particularly ice.

But after two meetings, Philips said she, like others in the Islands, has come to realize that the war against ice involves charting a new course.

For now, the group, which consist of about two dozen organizers, is still in the brainstorming stage. A third meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 in the building behind the Hale'iwa post office.

"At one meeting we came up with this: Instead of treating the addicts we need to treat the families," she said. "Because the family is the support structure."

Philips said she has relied on the experience of others to get started. She sought advice from religious leaders, substance-abuse professionals and residents from surrounding areas already involved with grassroots ice groups.

Michael Magaoay, D-46th (Kahuku, North Shore, Schofield), who organized an ice forum in Hale'iwa in June, said he would be glad to help Philips' group.

"My role is more of a representative of the area and to bring information to the community," said Magaoay, who is also a member of the joint legislative House-Senate Task force on Ice and Drug Abatement.

He said as a conduit he could work with Philips' organization — even though Philips, a Republican, ran against him in the last election and will be doing so again in the next. Both Magaoay and Philips say the issue goes beyond partisan politics.

Greg Tjapkes with Hina Mauka, a substance-abuse treatment facility, suggested that Philips simply give people the opportunity to vent at the first meeting.

"It helps identify the purpose," Tjapkes explained. "And it brings people together and gives others permission to do the same. It's a way of letting people understand that we are all in this together."

Philips said the first meeting had the desired affect. The second meeting dealt with organizational structure.

This month's meeting will address strategies.

There's much to accomplish.

"Everybody's in a learning curve about it right now," Philips said. "People are only beginning to understand ice."

Those interested in learning more about No Ice In Paradise can call 638-1149, or visit www.NoIceInParadise.com.