Groups plan summit as part of battle against ice

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Three community organizations are planning a "People's Ice Summit" in the ongoing battle against the state's ice epidemic.

These groups organized recent town hall meetings to deal with the drug problem and are hoping to bring together other organizations and individuals for a solutions-oriented forum, said Andy Anderson, chief executive officer of Hina Mauka, a drug treatment center.

Also involved in the People's Ice Summit are the Coalition for a Drug Free Hawai'i, and Community Works in 96744, a coalition of organizations dedicated to reducing substance abuse among school-age children from Kane'ohe to Kahalu'u.

Anderson said a goal of the summit is to get input from people who have yet to take part in town hall meetings or hearings. The summit also is intended to bring together organizers of different community efforts to fight ice.

"The outcome of this effort will provide grassroots recommendations for grassroots solutions, as well as governmental solutions," Anderson said.

Summit participants hope to hold a rally at the State Capitol in December or January.

Anderson said all of the rallies, meetings and last month's Hawai'i Drug Control Strategy Summit, have produced results.

"I've lived here 43 years and this is the first time that I've seen the administration and the Legislature really get into looking at some of the root causes and issues of substance abuse," Anderson said.

Anyone wishing to participate in the People's Ice Summit can call Anderson at 236-2600, ext. 227, or by e-mail at peoplesICEsummit@hinamauka.org.

Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com