Drug treatment funds are a starting point

Public figures in the form of Gary Modaferri, Milton Holt and Mackey Feary 
have finally made a difference, if not within the parameters of the law, at 
least within the conscience of the legislators.

It took the tragedies of these individuals to jolt our legislators into 
understanding that more and larger prisons are not the answer to lowering the 
crime rate in our communities, nor to lessen the crimes against oneself. The 
Senate Ways and Means Committee is wise to look at $7 million as a starting 
point for drug treatment programs. The initial efforts are still remedial 
rather than preventive, but it’s a start.

Modaferri, Holt and Feary, at given periods in each of their lives, gave much 
to our community in their respective arenas. They were contributors to our 
well-being. For whatever reasons, they became takers and breakers of our 
community’s sanctuary; they created disorder, discontent and disillusionment 
for others and, more painfully, for themselves. Some people may be saying 
that’s “bachi” for the kind of lives they led. How does that attitude solve 
the existing problem?

The legislators’ shift in their perception of crime prevention is rightfully 
thoughtful. Make it count, folks, ’cuz there are guys out there who are 
probably on the edge of becoming Modaferris, Holts and Fearys.

Eileen Y. Ono
Aiea