Pubdate: Sat, 10 Mar 2001
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Copyright: 2001 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Contact:  P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802
Fax: (808) 523-8509
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Author: Rod Thompson

SEIZED PAKALOLO FOR MEDICAL USE?

Big Island Council Makes Eradication Funds Contingent On Medical Use
Of Seized Marijuana

HILO -- Marijuana seized by Big Island police would be made available
to legitimate medical marijuana users under a provision adopted by the
Hawaii County Council.

Supplying marijuana was one of several conditions imposed by the
Council yesterday in its 6-2 vote to accept a $120,250 federal grant
for marijuana eradication.

The provision was proposed by Councilman Gary Safarik, a former police
officer who represents the lower Puna area, where marijuana
cultivation is common.

Police would not have to give marijuana to medical patients directly,
Safarik said. Instead, they would have to work out a supply mechanism.

Some members of the public had opposed accepting the federal money,
accusing the police of using helicopters to violate their peace and
privacy.

Other conditions include: No flights under 1,000 feet, unless police
see probable cause for action such as spotting growing plants

No rappelling down ropes from a helicopter within 500 feet of a
home

No helicopter spraying of herbicides, which police do not do anyway,
although state enforcement officers use that technique

Providing the Council with a written report within 30 days after each
eradication mission, which police don't currently do.
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