Don’t build another prison, treat addiction

For many years now I have been fully convinced that those with drug addiction 
should be provided comprehensive treatment rather than incarceration. 
Therefore, it has been with a heavy heart that I read article after article 
on the issue of building a new prison.

This illness is fully treatable, and with 85 percent of the prison population 
having some form of addiction, it would be such a waste of taxpayer money and 
human life to proceed in this manner.

We have, in our great state, the No. 1 substance-abuse treatment facility in 
the country: Habilitat. For almost 30 years, thousands who had suffered with 
addiction now lead happy, productive lives. Long-term, comprehensive 
facilities like this are what will make the difference, not more prison beds.

May God bless the late Vinny Marino, wife Vickie and the Habilitat family for 
their endless, untiring efforts to guide those who had lost hope through the 
journey of recovery. Your victories are ours as well. My most agonizing 
regret is that Mackey Feary is not here to benefit from our enlightenment.

Sandy Kohn
Kapolei