State commits $7.3 million for crystal meth treatment
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
The administration of Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday released $7.3 million for drug control programs to help contain the abuse of crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," which has ravaged neighborhoods statewide.
The money is part of a $14.7 million ice prevention package approved by the state Legislature last session over the administration's objections that it did not go far enough to punish drug offenders. Democrats, and some drug-treatment providers, have faulted the administration for not releasing the money since it became available in July.
Aiona
Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said the administration wanted to review whether the treatment and prevention programs were effective before making spending decisions. Lingle also said she wanted to see the latest projections from the state Council on Revenues, which reported earlier this month that state revenues should grow this fiscal year.
The administration had already released $3.4 million of the drug control money, and yesterday's announcement pushed the total to $10.7 million, or $3.9 million short of what the Legislature had approved.
"It will definitely help the treatment providers here in this community," Aiona said, adding that he could not say whether the rest of the money would be released.
Some of the drug-treatment providers who had been appealing to Lingle to free the money said yesterday they were satisfied the administration was trying to make sure the money would go to good use. Jeffrie Wagner, executive director of the Bobby Benson Center, a Kahuku adolescent treatment facility that will receive some of the money, said ice abuse is a problem that can devastate entire families.
"We've been fighting tooth and nail and doing everything we can," Wagner said of talks with the administration.
Robert Stevens, principal at Radford High School, said a drug counseling program that will benefit from the state money has shown some success since it began last school year. He said about 15 students have volunteered to speak with counselors about substance abuse.
Democrats said yesterday they are pleased the money was released but believe politics is a factor in Lingle withholding it. The money still in limbo would go to adolescent drug treatment programs and grants to counties to fight drug use.
"The community has been crying out for this for months," said state Rep. Blake Oshiro, D-33rd (Halawa, 'Aiea, Pearlridge), vice chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
The money released yesterday includes $3.7 million for adult treatment, such as family counseling aimed at pregnant women, parents with young children and Native Hawaiians; and $2 million for prevention, such as drug education and awareness in schools and youth and community activities. The money also includes $730,000 for the Bobby Benson Center and the Maui Youth & Family Center; $450,000 for counseling at Radford, Hilo, Honoka'a, Kealakehe and Laupa-hoehoe high schools; and $350,000 toward communities in the Weed & Seed program.
Previously, the administration had released $3.1 million to expand drug courts and $219,000 for the Big Island Substance Abuse Center.
Aiona, a year after leading a high-profile drug control summit, said planning groups still are developing ideas that might be presented to the Legislature next session.
Reach Derrick DePledge at 525-8070 or ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.
