Anti-drug package met with criticism
By Derrick DePledge
Advertiser Capitol Bureau
Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona released the Lingle administration's long-awaited drug-control package yesterday, calling for stronger deterrence and punishment against substance abuse but little new state spending.
The Lingle administration released its drug-control package yesterday. Here are some of the ideas: • A rapid-response unit to target drug houses. • Limit the sale of over-the-counter drugs that contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, which can be used to make "ice." • Mandatory sentences for repeat violent criminals and felony drug offenders. • Mandatory sentences for adults who buy alcohol for minors. • Greater electronic surveillance of suspects, similar to federal law.
The package would create a rapid-response unit to target drug houses and add mandatory sentences for repeat drug offenders and people who buy alcohol for minors. It also would limit the sale of over-the-counter drugs used to make crystal methamphetamine, or "ice."
DRUG CONTROL
The proposals come 16 months after Aiona led an anti-drug summit and seven months after the administration dismissed a $14.7 million drug-control law approved by Democrats in the state Legislature as a "missed opportunity."
Aiona acknowledged that many of the administration's ideas have been heard and rejected by the Legislature. The focus on deterrence and punishment reflects the administration's belief that more effective drug-control strategies, instead of new spending, will reduce drug abuse over time.
"I'm hoping for a change of attitude downstairs," Aiona said of Democratic leaders.
Key Democrats immediately branded the administration's proposals as weak and disappointing. Several drug-treatment provi-
ders, including some who worked with Aiona's office on the package, were deflated and said that it seemed to lack depth despite months of discussion.
"It's almost much to-do about nothing," said Senate Majority Leader Colleen Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), the chairwoman of the Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. "I don't see anything new in it. It also lacks details that you would expect to have by now."
Substance abuse, especially "ice," has been one of Hawai'i's most difficult problems. Ice abuse has been characterized as an epidemic, but recent developments, such as declines in juvenile crime and drug use, have made policymakers hopeful they are reaching more young people before they become addicted.
Gov. Linda Lingle and Democrats in the Legislature agree that drug control is a priority, but differences over criminal penalties and how much the state should spend on treatment have led to competing approaches.
Drug-treatment providers told lawmakers at an informational briefing yesterday that Lingle's decision to delay the release of the drug-control money approved last session has caused some people to be turned away for treatment.
Alan Johnson, managing director of Hina Mauka, a drug and alcohol treatment program, estimates that 912 adults, teenagers and families are not receiving treatment because of the delays.
Lingle has said that she withheld the money because she was waiting for the state's revenue projections and also wanted to make sure the treatment and prevention programs were effective. The Republican governor has released $14.1 million in installments over the past six months and has indicated that she will withhold the remaining $600,000.
"You're really saying 'no' to people who come to your door asking for help," said Claire Woods, executive director of family treatment services for The Salvation Army and chair of the Hawai'i Substance Abuse Coalition, who advised Aiona's staff on treatment options.
The administration's proposal also includes $3 million for prevention and adolescent residential treatment — money that is part of the existing law but is set to expire at the end of the fiscal year along with the remainder of the $14.7 million. The only other new money Aiona announced yesterday was $250,000 for the rapid-response unit for drug houses.
"We're going backwards," Johnson said.
Tamah-Lani Noh, the state's drug control liaison, said Lingle's proposed budget contains $46.3 million for drug prevention and treatment programs, a fact often lost on the governor's critics who focus only on the new money approved by the Legislature last session.
The administration also is looking at creating treatment programs for school complexes — which include elementary and middle schools that feed into high schools — and vouchers so adults can choose their own treatment instead of being told where to seek help by the state.
Sheree Revilla has struggled with heroin and cocaine in the past and now works with Sisters Offering Support, which helps women in the commercial sex trade. She said the state's drug courts helped her turn her life around, and she appreciates the attention to drug control. She believes vouchers would give people more options beyond the traditional approach to treatment.
"I think it will help women choose which agency they want to go to," Revilla said.
Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.
