Forum to discuss
civil libertiesThe Patriot Act and school drug
testing will be on the agenda
HILO >> The jailing of juveniles, attempts to implement drug testing in public schools, and implications of the federal Patriot Act will be discussed in a public forum 3 to 6 p.m. tomorrow at the Hotel Honokaa Club in Honokaa on the Big Island, the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii announced.
Big Island residents are invited to discuss any other civil liberties issues of concern, said ACLU Hawaii Executive Director Vanessa Chong. Honokaa was chosen as an intermediate point for Hilo and Kona residents, she said.
The ACLU has initiated a Hawaii Juvenile Justice Project, which seeks ways to keep young offenders out of jail, Chong said. The organization has also criticized drug testing of youths.
The organization said the Patriot Act is the source of "threats to fundamental rights."
Community feedback will assist with possible lawsuits, proposed legislation and public education, Chong said. For more information, see www.acluhawaii.org.
