Kaua'i anti-drug efforts get $1.47 million boost

By Frank Oliveri
Advertiser Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department yesterday approved $1.47 million to support anti-drug efforts on the island of Kaua'i.

The money will be used to support local law enforcement, hire an additional prosecuting attorney and broaden the anti-drug prevention efforts across the island, said Sen. Dan Inouye, D-Hawai'i.

"These funds represent a part of my response to the community's good work in pulling all of the sectors together to fight crystal meth in a unified and comprehensive manner," he said.

The money includes:

• $275,000 to the Kaua'i Police Department and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

• $241,000 for various agencies, including the Offices of Community Assistance, the mayor's office and Sassy magazine, for both prevention and community integration activities.

• $400,000 for referral services and payment assistance for off-island residential drug treatment for both youths and adults.

• $400,000 for grants for drug-prevention programs, with a maximum grant to community groups of $20,000.

• $115,000 for coordination and training.

• $39,000 for treatment referral services.

Inouye emphasized the importance of providing "wholesome" options to young people to fill their time.

"We must provide hope, together with positive reinforcements, to keep them away from drugs," he said.

Inouye and Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste began discussing the island's challenges in April 2003, and a Community Drug Response Plan was completed in April 2004. A drug summit will be held annually to discuss progress and update the response plan, said Cyndi Ozaki, Kaua'i spokeswoman. The money will be administered through the Hawai'i Community Foundation.