Rich Figel's Aug. 5 "Addicted to Life" column was right on target. Attempts to limit the supply of illegal drugs while demand remains constant only increase the profitability of drug trafficking. For addictive drugs like heroin, a spike in street prices leads desperate addicts to increase criminal activity to feed their habits. The drug war doesn't fight crime, it fuels crime. With alcohol prohibition repealed, liquor bootleggers no longer gun each other down in drive-by shootings, nor do consumers go blind drinking unregulated bathtub gin. While U.S. politicians ignore the drug war's historical precedent, European countries are embracing harm reduction, a public health alternative based on the principle that both drug abuse and prohibition have the potential to cause harm. [continues 72 words]
I'm writing about Rich Figel's outstanding column "The verdict is in: Drug policy needs overhaul" ("Addicted to Life," Star-Bulletin, Aug. 5). If we re-legalized all our illegal drugs so that they could be sold by licensed and regulated businesses for pennies per dose, would this eliminate our drug problems? No. However, doing so would substantially reduce the crime rate and dramatically increase public safety. Will we ever be able to eliminate our drug problems? No. However, we can substantially reduce the harm caused by our illegal drugs. [continues 116 words]
NORMALLY, I don't do stats. Numbers can be manipulated to say whatever you want them to say. But these facts speak for themselves: At the end of 1980, Hawaii had 926 incarcerated people. By the end of 2006, there were 6,251 in prison. Of those, two-thirds were between the ages of 25 and 44, according to the Public Safety Department 2006 Annual Report. Twelve percent were under the age of 25. It gets sadder. The Native Hawaiian Databook says 37 percent of the men and 44 percent of the women serving time in 2005 were identified as Hawaiians. [continues 786 words]
It Says a Push to Allow Principals Access With No Cause Is Worrisome The American Civil Liberties Union is protesting a state push to allow drug-sniffing dogs in public schools and let officials open students' lockers without establishing reasonable suspicion. The state Department of Education argues that changes to the student discipline code known as Chapter 19 are needed to make campuses safer. The revisions come as education officials are considering expanding a pilot program through which a drug-sniffing dog found marijuana and several liquor bottles at all three Maui public schools it visited this spring. [continues 361 words]
The Issue A bill that would have given added protection to patients treated by medical marijuana died in the House in this year's session. STATE laws allowing medical use of marijuana have been on the books for nearly a decade but have been hampered by federal attempts to undermine them. The number of patients has dwindled as they have become subject to arrest and physicians have grown reluctant to prescribe pot. Legislation that should have been enacted this year is needed to protect patients using marijuana and physicians prescribing it. [continues 363 words]
ABOUT the only thing amusing in the "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" case is imagining that the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court may have had to utter the phrase repeatedly before issuing the 5-4 ruling that squeezed off another breath of free speech. Oh, to be a fly on the wall as Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito rolled up their sleeves to bat around the definition of "bong" first as a noun, then as a modifier of "hits" and conclude that their attachment to "4" and "Jesus" constituted an undermining of school officials' efforts to educate students about illegal drugs. [continues 494 words]
Although the use of drug-sniffing dogs at two Maui schools has led to the recent discovery of drugs and alcohol (Star-Bulletin, June 10), expanding this program would not be as beneficial for students as administrators expect. More searches would not only be incredibly expensive, they would also further alienate students who really need help. Karen Knudsen, chairwoman of the school board, believes that since student safety takes priority over funding, implementing this procedure is well worth the expense. But do drug-sniffing dogs really make students safer? Those who enforce this policy are simply labeling all students as potential "drug users" or "drug dealers," erecting a barrier of mistrust between teens and teachers. Instead, the administrators should direct funding to more worthwhile programs like drug counseling and addiction treatment for those in need. Rachel M. Awkward Intern, Students for Sensible Drug Policy Washington, D.C. [end]
THE ISSUE A Kailua public school teacher faces a prison term for her activities dealing in cocaine and Ecstasy. THE tragic downfall of a bright and talented Kailua school teacher caught up in the sordid world of illegal drugs confirms the wisdom of random drug testing of public school teachers. Testing authority was enacted by this year's Legislature, following recent arrests of Bronwyn Marie Kugle and three other teachers on drug charges. Kugle, 38, resigned from her job as resource teacher at Kaelepulu Elementary School days after her arrest in February on drug charges. She was accused of paying more than $40,000 to buy two pounds of cocaine and nearly 1,000 Ecstasy tablets by mail from the mainland for local sales, having refinanced her Kailua home to pay for the purchase. [continues 160 words]
The Success of the Pilot Program Has Education Officials Urging Its Expansion Custer, a 6-year-old golden retriever, has been successfully sniffing out drugs and alcohol at two Maui schools since February and proponents say the pilot search program should be expanded to schools statewide. State education officials plan to take up the issue by the end of the month. An expansion of the plan could also include allowing the dogs to search lockers, backpacks, purses and vehicles on campus. [continues 693 words]
Mahalo for Rich Figel's "Addicted to Life" column May 27 on successful Dutch drug policies that work. My wife and I have seen firsthand the social benefits that Dutch cannabis policy imparts on their society, and believe we should emulate that approach here. During our visit to Holland, we heard that there are large numbers of calls to police due to problems in the alcohol bars -- but they receive few, if any, calls from the cannabis coffee shops. For decades, I've read with dismay about the horrible consequences of the so-called "War on Drugs" in our local newspapers. I've often wondered if people here would ever be introduced to the world beyond the "red, white and blue curtain," with regard to a more pragmatic approach to the drug problem. [continues 61 words]
Thank you to the Star-Bulletin for urging U.S. officials to abide by a recent federal court ruling calling for the private production of cannabis for FDA-approved research ("Our Opinion," May 22). Drug Enforcement Administration law judge Mary Ellen Bittner determined that the private manufacturing of cannabis is "in the public interest" because there is "currently an inadequate supply of marijuana available for research purposes." How ironic. While pot is only a phone call away for America's teenagers, it remains out of reach for those qualified researchers who wish to study its therapeutic utility in clinical trials. [continues 95 words]
The Star-Bulletin's May 22 editorial, "Medical marijuana research should not be hampered," admirably argues against "absurd" federal policies discouraging science. Unfortunately, equally difficult state policies hamper Hawaii's seven-year-old medical marijuana law, and unduly interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. For instance, medical marijuana clearly is a health issue and should fall under the Department of Health, not law enforcement. Bureaucratic roadblocks faced by physicians and their patients can be eliminated. And instead of forcing sick patients to shady dealings in the black market, there must be a safe, legal source for the medical marijuana their doctors recommend for their serious illnesses. [continues 66 words]
Unlike Ours, Their Approach to Drugs Actually Works THE WAR ON DRUGS is a disaster. Just read the daily headlines: arrests and record drug seizures every week; worldwide violence related to drug cartels and gangs; new (and deadlier) drugs targeted to kids. The very fact that our government believes we need drug testing in schools is a tacit admission that the current strategy isn't working. So what do we do about it? The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem. That's something Great Britain recently did. Two months ago, the United Kingdom Drugs Policy Commission issued a brutally honest report that concluded Britain's own War on Drugs was "a total failure." The panel included a diverse group of experts, ranging from health professionals to law enforcement officials. [continues 796 words]
Last summer my family and I visited Hawaii and since then I have read the Star-Bulletin on the Web. It is very interesting to compare your articles with what happens here in Sweden and Europe. Robert Sharpe wrote a letter, "Criminalizing drugs is the wrong approach" (Star-Bulletin, May 21), and I have a comment because we talk about the same here in Sweden. In Sweden, the use of marijuana and other drugs is criminalized and the use of it is lower than in most other European Union countries. But we are talking about decriminalizing it, mostly because it will be easier to help the people who use drugs if they do not risk prison. But selling drugs will still be forbidden. Krister Svensson Hawaii visitor Vasteras, Sweden [end]
THE ISSUE A federal administrative judge has recommended that a researcher be allowed to grow marijuana used in his research. FEDERAL agencies that oppose the medical use of marijuana are in a position to hamper scientific studies by controlling the supply of marijuana to scientists, but an administrative judge had recommended that it allow a Massachusetts researcher to grow his own. The Drug Enforcement Administration should heed the advice. Hawaii is among 11 states that have legalized the therapeutic use of cannabis by patients upon the advice of their doctors. However, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that the federal government can prosecute anyone using marijuana for medical purposes. More than 1,000 Hawaii residents are registered by the state to grow and use the plant. [continues 354 words]
First we read about drug tests for teachers, now we hear that drug-sniffing dogs will patrol Lahainaluna High School. The "police state" approach to public health problems like substance abuse will certainly make for an interesting class discussion when the Bill of Rights is covered. But will it affect rates of use? Based on findings that criminal records are inappropriate as health interventions, a majority of European Union countries have decriminalized marijuana. Despite marijuana prohibition and perhaps because of forbidden fruit appeal, lifetime use of marijuana is higher in the United States than any European country. [continues 67 words]
I USED to be Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde when I drank. Polite, well behaved at first. A few drinks later, I could become nasty or turn violent. In a way, I think that duality sums up the American experience with drugs. It's always been a love/hate relationship, clouded with contradictory feelings about morality and free will. Since ancient times, alcohol and other natural highs have been used for medicinal purposes, religious ceremonies, and yes, sheer enjoyment. But detrimental effects were usually blamed on the the Devil, or the drug itself as being the cause of "evil" desires. [continues 2096 words]
I am deeply impressed by Rich Figel's "Addicted to Life" column last Sunday ("History lesson: Prohibition didn't work then, and its killing us now"). His common-sense view of drug use is a refreshing break from the distorted perspectives that we often get from the media, our politicians and some in law enforcement who built their careers by persecuting the war on drugs. Figel disarmingly presents uncomfortable truths such as 1. prohibition doesn't work, 2. most people can drink or take drugs without becoming addicted, and 3. some veteran police offices quietly acknowledge that legalizing and regulating drugs would reduce violent crime and save tax dollars. I applaud Figel's call for an islandwide discussion about how to realistically deal with our drug problem and look forward to his future articles. Consulting psychologist Executive Assessment & Development Honolulu [end]
The Green Harvest 'No' Vote By The Hawaii County Council Is Not Final HILO " With Hawaii County Councilman Bob Jacobson calling for an end to the "marijuana war," the Council rejected three federal grants totaling $582,000 for marijuana eradication. That could mark the end of 30 years of "Green Harvest" eradication efforts by Hawaii County police. But there was no certainty. A second vote must be taken before the money can be removed from the county's 2007-2008 budget. [continues 560 words]
I don't see the reason for all the fuss about drug tests for teachers. Many educational departments across the country require this as a term of employment. If you got nothing to hide, then what's the big deal? Personally, I think all state employees should have to go through random drug tests as it makes the workplace safer. If I had kids in the Hawaii school system I'd be clamoring for this kind of action. I was rather surprised to find that teachers weren't required to do this. From what I've seen of the lackadaisical school system here maybe this is just what is needed. Imagine how much more students could accomplish if their teachers weren't more stoned than the students. James McWilliams Waikele [end]
Well, Rich Figel ("Addicted to Life," May 13) has some common sense, doesn't he? Many people and organizations have been saying the same thing about the drug war for quite some time now, and we continue to lock up our citizens at a rate of about 600,000 to 700,000 a year for pot. No, not all go to jail, but it's rotten thing to go through when we all know that pot is less harmful than Tylenol. [continues 127 words]
The Random "Sniffs" Occur Only In Public Areas Of The Campus Because of the growing drug problem among Hawaii teens, Lahainaluna High School is using drug-sniffing dogs in an attempt to reduce the use of contraband on the school campus. Four Hawaii public schools have chosen to use the program; private schools such as Saint Louis School and the Academy of the Pacific also use drug-sniffing dogs. Alaska is now the only state that does not incorporate some kind of drug-detection program in its public schools. [continues 395 words]
SO IT BEGINS. Drug and alcohol testing for teachers. Next in line, students. Then all government workers, and employees of any company that does business with the city or state. Individuals will be forced to disclose their medical and psychiatric care histories, since prescription drugs can trigger false positives. But don't worry, our leaders say we can trust Big Brother and testing labs to keep sensitive personal information confidential. Welcome to the totalitarian world of "1984." In the debate about drug testing, basic questions are being overlooked: Why should we sacrifice personal freedom just to nail a very small percentage of people who might (or might not) have a drug problem? How is it that the arrests of four teachers -- "several," according to TV news reporters -- indicates our schools need to implement Orwellian measures to protect children, when the real dangers of drug abuse are more likely to be found in their parents' homes? [continues 572 words]
Colored Meth Called "Strawberry Quick" Is Gaining Popularity Mainland drug dealers are targeting new and younger users by disguising dangerous drugs with cute and innocent names like "Strawberry Quick" and "Cheese" that have local officials worried that they could one day reach the islands. "Strawberry Quick" resembles Pop Rocks, a popular candy among children. It is pink, smells like strawberry and tastes like it. But it is actually crystal methamphetamine -- only easier to ingest and just as deadly -- and has been popping up all over the country, including California and Nevada, in recent months. [continues 658 words]
Test the teachers for dope. And make sure they are tested for the two most harmful dope problems in our country that kill hundreds of thousands every year: nicotine and alcohol. Oh, and soft drink consumption, which contributes to diabetes. How many are killed by pakalolo? Ah, for a more perfect world! Jim Curtice Kailua [end]
Drug dependency and addiction traps its users in a vicious cycle that destroys families and ruins lives. Teachers who use illegal drugs and abuse alcohol not only interfere with the student's ability to learn, but also jeopardize the orderly environment necessary for all students to succeed. Just as parents and students can expect schools to offer protection from violence, racism and other forms of abuse, they also have the right to expect a learning environment free from the influence of teachers who might be using or selling drugs. So, if randomly drug testing Hawaii public school teachers can deter drug use or encourage individuals to seek rehabilitation services, then everyone benefits -- students, schools, communities and especially the teachers themselves. Donna Fuller Honolulu [end]
James Madison spoke these words to the Virginia Convention on June 16, 1788, during another ratification process. They're as relevant today as they were back then: "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by the gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." Well, with the ratification of this new contract, teachers have aided and abetted these "gradual and silent encroachments by those in power" and acquiesced in the circumscription of our own freedom. We can blame our pusillanimous and feckless leadership for not nipping this proposal in the bud during negotiations, but in the end it came down to us, and a majority of us sold our souls for a few pieces of silver. They chose short-term financial gain over our more fundamental rights as teachers and citizens. Believe me, this is just the beginning of the rights we'll be asked to concede in the future. Michael D. Clark Honolulu [end]
I applaud those teachers who yesterday voted against the contract offered by the state that tied a random drug-testing policy to pay-raises. Those teachers with the fortitude to not compromise their dignity and rights with their no-vote to this un-American policy have demonstrated that we are the "home of the brave." It appears the rest have forgotten that America is the "land of the free." Law enforcement and other authorities are not allowed to randomly search your pockets, your car or your home for anything. Probable cause is required and, in most cases, approval from a judge in the form of a search warrant. It's in the Bill of Rights (the Fourth Amendment); its purpose, of course, is to protect Americans from unfounded and unwarranted searches brought on by corrupt officials. [continues 65 words]
Some of the phrases in Bill Martin's April 29 letter jumped out at me. Random drug testing is "only the tip of the iceberg" and "is a long-overdue requirement"? Scary thought. I've heard it said that the internment of the Japanese was a "minor inconvenience," to ensure "peace of mind" for the rest of the nation that there were no enemy spies around them. While the scope is different and times have changed, it's still about preserving our basic rights. I don't want to live in the world that Martin envisions. I pray my kids don't have to. Realistic? Probably not. Idealistic? Always. Honolulu [end]
THE ISSUE: Public school teachers have ratified a contract that requires random drug tests. THOUGH a drug-testing provision drew objections, Hawaii's public school teachers ratified a new contract largely because it contains fair wage increases and other financial benefits. One of them, an annual $3,000 differential, could attract licensed teachers to rural schools often short of experienced educators. Another, a 25 percent pay supplement, would properly reward teachers who guide students in out-of-classroom activities that broaden exposure to the arts, which have been de-emphasized due to No Child Left Behind demands. [continues 201 words]
Concerns over mandatory drug testing did not prevent teachers from approving a new contract yesterday that gives them 4 percent raises in each of the next two school years. The Hawaii State Teachers Association said 5,176 teachers (61.3 percent) voted for the contract, compared with 3,228 (38.2 percent) who opposed it. Ballots for 45 teachers, or 0.5 percent, were voided. Most of 13,404 eligible teachers cast their ballots at polls last week. But the results were too close to call, and the union had to tally 1,200 absentee ballots yesterday. [continues 86 words]
The Clause In The New Teachers' Contract Could Affect Hiring, HSTA's Director Says A top union official is worried that Hawaii could have trouble hiring teachers under a new contract mandating random and reasonable-suspicion drug testing. "I think you are going to have a lot of very angry teachers," Joan Husted, executive director of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, said yesterday. "We believe it will have a chilling effect on recruiting." Island teachers will face drug testing starting in the 2008-09 school year under a new contract that gives them 4 percent raises in each of the next two school years. [continues 583 words]
Any drug testing in the Department of Education needs to begin with the top administrative levels, not the teachers' level. Hawaii's educational system is dysfunctional and broken -- "broken" being the very word used by State Superintendent Pat Hamamoto in 2005. The DOE under her supervision is being managed very much like Enron. Our Department of Ed-ron is incapable of delivering a product, education, that taxpayers are investing in. Our Department of Ed-ron's extortionate managerial policies and practices include withholding state legislated wages from a regularly abused segment of the educational system, substitute teachers. Even after a Hawaii court ruled in favor of substitute teachers' class-action lawsuit awarding them $15 million, the state avoids paying by appealing the judgment. With a $700 million tax surplus, our elected and appointed officials can't find $15 million to pay subs' back pay? This is leadership? Perhaps we should revert back to a monarchy. John Hoff Another substitute teacher leaving the profession Koloa, Kauai [end]
The Focus Will Be on Rehabilitation Under the Easily Approved Two-Year Union Pact The union that represents blue-collar state and county workers overwhelmingly approved a two-year contract that includes random and reasonable suspicion drug testing for all 12,000 United Public Workers members. About 95 percent of the members voted in favor of the contract, which gives them a 10.3 percent raise over two years. The UPW contract ratification announcement came two days after a Hawaii State Teachers Association vote on a contract for public school teachers that includes setting up random drug tests. [continues 356 words]
I don't know why teachers think they should be exempted from drug testing. If they worked on the mainland, whether as teachers or in some other capacity for a corporation, drug testing would be a prerequisite of being hired. The mainland corporation I worked for not only required a drug test for hiring, it required one if you were injured or had an accident on the property or in connection with the job. Frankly, I'd rather put up with that minor inconvenience and have the peace of mind that I was working in a drug-free environment. [continues 111 words]
The graph accompanying yesterday's story on workplace drug testing erroneously states, "The use of marijuana in the workplace increased in the first quarter." In fact, the testing reported in the article demonstrates no such thing. Standard urine screening detects minute, nonpsychoactive traces of THC or its chemical byproducts for days and sometimes weeks after any effects have worn off. This effect is unique to marijuana because of the fat-soluble nature of THC. So these tests are almost certainly not detecting use in the workplace, but rather what employees do in their off hours. [continues 80 words]
Instructors are OK with pay raises but not with pop quizzes for substance abuse Hawaii's public school teachers will know on Wednesday whether a majority has approved a contract that includes random drug testing. About 60 percent of the 13,000 employees in the Hawaii State Teachers Association voted yesterday afternoon in various polling places, said Executive Director Joan Husted, but those results were "inconclusive." HSTA had planned to announce the results last night; however, they are waiting for about 1,900 absentee votes that could determine whether the contract is ratified. [continues 657 words]
Joe Passantino left his job at a Las Vegas school last year for the promise of better pay working as a teacher in Hawaii. But since arriving in the islands, the 26-year-old special-education teacher at Kalakaua Middle School in Kalihi has been struggling from paycheck to paycheck while sharing a home with his girlfriend's family. "Because of the cost of living and the taxes, we actually take home less," said Passantino, whose girlfriend teaches at Niu Valley Middle School. "It's lucky that we have two incomes, but if I was on my own, I couldn't do it." [continues 596 words]
THE ISSUE Public school teachers will vote tomorrow on a contract that requires random drug testing. RESPONDING to a flurry of arrests of teachers and custodians accused of illegal drug activity, the Hawaii State Teachers Association leadership has acted responsibly, although reluctantly, in accepting drug tests as part of its tentative labor contract with the state. The proposal appears to be based on programs operated in other states. The Legislature is considering a bill that essentially would direct the Department of Education to set up a program for testing all of its employees. Achieving such a program by collective bargaining instead of by statute is preferable, insulating the policy from potential court challenges. [continues 351 words]
Entry-Level Instructors Would Earn $43,000 Under the Contract Up for a Vote Thursday Public school teachers questioning why drug testing was included in their new contract are being told the state made the item a "non-negotiable demand." A video posted on the Hawaii State Teachers Association's Web site says the state made drug testing a prerequisite to settle a contract giving about 13,000 teachers 4 percent raises in each of the next two years. On Wednesday, HSTA President Roger Takabayashi was the only member of the union's board of directors to vote against sending the contract for ratification. Twenty-six members backed the contract and one abstained. [continues 489 words]
Kula Schools' Vice Principal and a Science Teacher Face Marijuana Charges MOLOAA, Kauai ; A science teacher and the athletic director of an expensive private North Shore school were arrested last week for allegedly growing marijuana at their home. Alan Bertolino, 43, the science teacher at Kula Intermediate and High School, was charged with second-degree commercial production of marijuana, among other charges. He worked at the school for about two months. Bertolino, who is being held in lieu of bail, was fired Monday, Kula High Principal David Mireles said. [continues 258 words]
Recently, government officials have been contemplating whether students who attend public schools should be randomly drug-tested. I am shocked that this approach to a perceived problem would be utilized. This clearly violates the Bill of Rights, and I am saddened that a government agency would be the instrument for this intrusion. I believe the venerable lieutenant governor is misguided in his pursuit. If a student used drugs on his own time and off campus, would this merit an investigation and perhaps a blemish on the student's academic record? The job of the school administration is to provide an environment that is conducive to learning. The school administrators' main concerns should be violence on campus, the quality of the teachers and teaching students to be critical thinkers. How to deal with drug use is a quagmire that has plagued man for a millennium. The supposition that random drug-testing of students will deter drug use is uncertain, and, more importantly, is unconstitutional. Mark A. Guerin Honolulu [end]
The proposal to randomly drug test public school students is asinine and dangerous. Fueled mostly by the media and under the guise of student and public safety, a paranoia and hysteria has been created. We are about to enter George Orwell's "1984" society, in which government has been allowed to intrude in all aspects of our personal lives. Why should we stop at drug testing students? Why not test those applying for driver's licenses, going to the doctor, shopping at the local supermarket? The public is in all these places, too. What? The safety of our licensing administrators, doctors and cashiers isn't as important as our students? [continues 127 words]
School Drug Testing Hysteria, Mistrust, Ruined Lives ... Yes, It's A Witch Hunt SALEM - Following an outbreak of strange behavior among young girls, authorities have called for random "witch-testing" of other children and adults the girls were in contact with. The test involves a special cake made with rye meal and the afflicted girls' urine, which is fed to a dog. According to the test administrator, this "counter-magic" will reveal the identity of the witches, since dogs are known to be their helpers. Concerns about the test's accuracy prompted one villager to respond: "Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from testing. Unless, of course, you are a witch." [continues 861 words]
I am a patient with a medical marijuana permit in three states and Canada. I was a schoolteacher, a case manager and for the past 14 years I have been a disability advocate here in Hawaii. This is a call to all Hawaii residents to say "no" to federal money for Green Harvest. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Green Harvest is a program whereby Hawaii receives federal money to arrest growers of marijuana. Most people don't realize that our state allows patients to grow their marijuana or have a caregiver grow it, but we cannot buy it. We cannot buy the seeds, nor can we buy certain growing equipment without being prosecuted. Meanwhile, patients who can tolerate pharmaceutical pain medications are not required to "grow" their own anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers or muscle relaxants. [continues 376 words]
A Carpenters Union Spokesman Likes The Idea For On-Site Safety Saliva could replace urine as a means of testing for drugs in the construction industry if a measure moving through the Legislature is approved. Building and union representatives at a Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee hearing yesterday strongly supported the Senate Bill 1636 SD1 "to ensure workplace safety." State Health Department, Diagnostic Laboratory Services and Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii representatives cited many concerns about saliva drug testing. Judiciary and Labor Chairman Clayton Hee, (D, Kahuku-Laie-Kaaawa-Kaneohe), said he expects to advance the measure with some amendments suggested by the Health Department. [continues 410 words]
The Study Of Patients At Queen's Confirms What Doctors Knew Of The Dangers Of "Ice" A study of 221 patients at the Queen's Medical Center confirmed what doctors here have long known: Methamphetamine use causes heart trouble. The risk of cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, was nearly four times higher in methamphetamine, or "ice," users than in nonusers, researchers reported in this month's American Journal of Medicine. "The problem was, for 10 to 15 years everybody knew methamphetamine caused heart failure," said Dr. Irwin Schatz, professor of medicine and cardiologist in the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. [continues 557 words]
Many Say the Pair Should Be Fired for Allegedly Smoking Pot Some students and parents at [redacted] were shocked and disappointed after two teachers were arrested for allegedly smoking marijuana before they headed to work. "I think it's absolutely awful," said Stacy Starustka, who waited to pick up her daughter. "I think they should be terminated." Some other parents and students agreed, saying the Department of Education should fire teachers [redacted] for the alleged drug-related offense. About 8:45 a.m. Monday, police said, [redacted] were allegedly smoking marijuana in Ayson's green pickup truck at the [redacted]. [continues 383 words]
Marijuana Advocate Known for Legalization Antics Big Island resident Jonathan Howard Adler, a colorful proponent of marijuana, died at the Hilo Medical Center from a heart attack Monday at age 54. The California-born Adler lived in Mountain View and devoted his life to legalizing marijuana. He ran for governor four years ago and was convicted that same year for commercial promotion of marijuana. He formed the East Hawaii Branch of the Religion of Jesus Church and founded the Hawaii Institute of Medical Marijuana. [continues 400 words]
The Issue A Leilehua High School teacher has been charged with distributing crystal meth. LAW enforcement agencies are pointing to the arrest of a Leilehua High School teacher as a sign of the effectiveness of a new anti-drug task force. The arrest is an indication that residents are reporting such activities to authorities, and the government is right in encouraging such calls. The Hawaii Rapid Reduction Drug Task Force obviously used the arrest of special education teacher Lee Anzai to bring public attention to the cooperative effort. The idea of a teacher being accused of selling crystal methamphetamine is alarming, even though he is not accused of selling it on campus or to students or other faculty. [continues 339 words]
