Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jun 2002
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Contact:  2002 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196
Author: Adam Wiggins
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1058/a08.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm 
(Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act)

DRUG TREATMENT WORKS WELL IN CALIFORNIA

Bravo to Hawaii lawmakers and Gov. Cayetano for the passage of the
drug-diversion measure ("Drug offender bill ready to sign," Star-Bulletin,
June 8). 

Here in California, a similar law, Proposition 36, was passed two years ago.
Since then, the state has saved nearly $2 billion in incarceration costs and
rehabilitated thousands of drug offenders. 

Placing nonviolent drug users -- most of whom are arrested for smoking
marijuana -- in jail alongside hard criminals makes no sense. Hawaii no
doubt will enjoy the same benefits from this bill in the years to come.

Adam Wiggins

Pasadena, Calif.
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