Posted on: Friday, January 21, 2005

EDITORIAL
Aiona drug package is sorely lacking

More than a year after holding his much-heralded drug summit, Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona this week unveiled the Lingle administration's legislative package for drug control.

Unfortunately, it does little to address the need for more drug treatment. Instead, the proposal focuses heavily on punishment and deterrents, such as adding mandatory sentences for repeat drug offenders and removing obstacles to wiretapping.

The package would also repeal the Criminal Offender Treatment Act, which requires the Department of Public Safety to provide substance abuse treatment for addicted inmates. Certainly, the law could use some tweaking, but we should be wary about getting rid of it with nothing to take its place.

So what's new in this proposed legislation?

In addition to current spending, the package proposes a paltry $3.2 million in new spending for prevention, treatment and policing programs combined. Meanwhile, there are more than 200 adolescents in the schools on waiting lists for treatment, according to M.P. "Andy" Anderson, CEO of the Hina Mauka treatment center.

It also would create a rapid-response unit to target drug houses, and would limit the purchase of over-the-counter drugs such as pseudo-ephedrine, which when purchased in large quantities can be used to make ice.

These initiatives are fine, provided they are executed smartly and respect civil liberties.

Still, some are stickier than others, such as repealing a law that permits a drug rehab facility to be placed in a neighborhood without public input or county approval. Few neighborhoods would welcome these treatment centers, and they could likely end up in industrial or isolated areas, which is not an ideal setting for success.

Of course, illegal drug manufacturers and dealers must be put out of business. But to win the fight for a drug-free society, we must also address the underlying causes of addiction and provide much-needed treatment programs.

Punishment and deterrents have not gained us much ground in the war on drugs over the last two decades. It's time for a new and more comprehensive balanced approach.