Resolution to support LEAP, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, fails to pass committee

Video by David Corrigan

The Hawaii County Council Committee on Public Safety and Parks and Recreation spent a chunk of Tuesday’s meeting discussing America’s “War on Drugs”

North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell, who in the past has expressed his view that the illegality of drugs has inflated their market value and created revenue for the criminal element, submitted a controversial resolution asking the council to support the organization called “LEAP” – Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

The resolution describes LEAP as former members of the law enforcement and criminal justice communities that have joined together to end the War on Drugs. LEAP does not promote the use of drugs, but it does advocate for the “elimination of the policy of drug prohibition and the inauguration of a replacement policy of drug control and regulation.”

With an audience full of hopeful marijuana advocates, the councilmembers – many of whom also have felt the devastating effects of hard drug abuse on a personal level – discuss the measure in an emotional round of debate, before giving it a negative recommendation with a 7-2 vote.