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Seized pakalolo
for medical use?

Big Island Council makes
eradication funds contingent on
medical use of seized marijuana

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By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

HILO -- Marijuana seized by Big Island police would be made available to legitimate medical marijuana users under a provision adopted by the Hawaii County Council.

Supplying marijuana was one of several conditions imposed by the Council yesterday in its 6-2 vote to accept a $120,250 federal grant for marijuana eradication.

The provision was proposed by Councilman Gary Safarik, a former police officer who represents the lower Puna area, where marijuana cultivation is common.

Police would not have to give marijuana to medical patients directly, Safarik said. Instead, they would have to work out a supply mechanism.

Some members of the public had opposed accepting the federal money, accusing the police of using helicopters to violate their peace and privacy.

Other conditions include:

No flights under 1,000 feet, unless police see probable cause for action such as spotting growing plants

No rappelling down ropes from a helicopter within 500 feet of a home

No helicopter spraying of herbicides, which police do not do anyway, although state enforcement officers use that technique

Providing the Council with a written report within 30 days after each eradication mission, which police don't currently do.