Drug Control Efforts Credited for Drop in Crime
A decline in the crime rate on Maui and O`ahu prompted Lt. Governor Aiona to suggest to police commissioners in Hawai`i that the state's battle against illegal drugs such as crystal methamphetamine is working.
The Lt. Governor is joined by Maui Police Chief Tom Phillips at the State of Hawai`i Police Commissioners Conference.
Speaking at the State of Hawai`i Police Commissioners Conference on Maui last week, the Lt. Governor cited statistics from the Honolulu Police Department that showed a decrease in major property crimes on O`ahu.
He said major property crimes of burglary, larceny, car theft and arson fell to 37,197 in 2007, from 38,310 a year earlier, reflecting a 3.9 percent decline.
These major property crimes were also down on Maui, falling to 6,698 in 2007, from 7,635 the year before, representing a 12 percent decrease.
“These statistics represent strong evidence for supporting our Administration’s efforts to protect residents, employers and neighborhoods from the harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.
He also told the group that their collective efforts have already led to a decrease in clandestine “ice” labs in the state, from a high of 17 in 2005 to only 2 last year.
“Let there be no doubt about it, protecting Hawai`i’s citizens is among the highest priorities for our Administration,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. "And together, our efforts are paying off."
