'Violent reality' of ice outlined in Waipahu
| • | Expanded treatment urged at drug summit |
| • | Kaimuki board to discuss ice |
| • | Special report: Children of Ice |
By Will Hoover
Advertiser Leeward O'ahu Writer
More than 150 people attended a community meeting at the Filipino Community Center in Waipahu last night and watched what was at times a disturbing presentation titled "Ice — The Violent Reality."
Presentation speaker and drug educator Gary Shimabukuro, president of Laulima Hawai'i, offered little that hasn't been highlighted during the debate on Hawai'i's crystal methamphetamine crisis. But he pointed out in stark detail many of the most horrifying aspects of the epidemic.
"This is an in-your-face reality check on what ice is doing in your community," said Shimabukuro, who told the audience that the ice age actually began in Hawai'i well over a decade ago and has gotten progressively worse.
"My job is to wake up the community."
Shimabukuro's show, a sort of tough love ice primer peppered with humor to keep it from becoming too grim to take, touched on aspects sometimes overlooked by others who talk about the subject. Spectators saw what ice looks like, how it's made, and how it's sold and in what form. They learned how much it costs, how it's smoked, what crack pipes look like and how they can be easily concealed.
Most startling were his clips and photos of the devastation ice exacts on society in the form of domestic violence, shattered families and ruined lives.
The purpose was to acquaint residents with the problems and assist them in charting a course of action.
"We're really at a stage where we need to develop a plan," said Geynell Lawrence, who is with the Waipahu Community Association, which sponsored the event. Lawrence said the idea was a way for residents to begin a community partnership.
"This is part of the start," added Sen. Willie Espero, D-20th ('Ewa Beach, Waipahu).
"The community has to buy into the fact that we've got a problem, and that we're ready to meet it face to face."
Many who attended said the presentation was troubling but necessary because the ice scourge is itself such a disturbing topic.
"I hope this will be the start of finding a solution here," said Mokihana Watson. "The drug problem is there, but it's hidden. And it's hard to get ahold of something you can't see."
Tim DeFreitas found the meeting informative, but wished he had seen more younger parents and children in the audience.
"Ice has really hit Waipahu hard," he said after the meeting. "But you've got to reach the young ones."
DeFreitas said it's also important to let people know there is hope.
"I say that because I'm a recovering drug addict myself. So, something can be done," he said.
Reach Will Hoover at 525-8038 or at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.
