HAWAII EYES NEW ROUTE FOR HITTING DRUG CRIME

Juvenile Justice Digest, Feb 14, 2005

Hawaii is looking for new ways to combat drug trafficking and consumption without having to increase funding for law enforcement.

Gov. Linda Lingle in outlining a new drug enforcement strategy said deterrence and stiffer penalties would be more effective than another increase in funding for law enforcement and drug treatment.

The governor asked the legislature to support a state policy for 2005 that would feature:

* Greater use of electronic surveillance.

* Rapid-response units to target drug houses.

* Expanded court power to issue temporary restraining orders against suspected drug dealers and ban them from entering the premises of a suspected drug house. The measure would also protect the identity of neighborhood tipsters.

* Restrictions on the sale of medications with pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.

* Mandatory sentences for repeat violent offenders of 30 years to life.

* Mandatory sentences for adults who buy alcohol for minors.

Hawaii would freeze spending in the next biennium budget at $44 million to sustain anti-drug efforts. But there would be $2 million in new money for treatment and $250,000 in new funds for the rapid-response unit.

Seventy-three percent of the total proposed $46.3 million budget is earmarked for treatment including $3 million for prevention and adolescent residential treatment.

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.

"The measures and funding levels we are proposing are designed to provide treatment services to those who need them, prevent illicit drug use before it starts, and give law enforcement officials the tools needed to stop the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs," said Tamah-Lani Noh, the state drug control liaison.