State gets federal boost to battle ice

Hawaii’s fight against the crystal methamphetamine — or ice — epidemic will get a shot in the arm this week, with the presentation of $3.6 million in federal funds on the Big Island. Gov. Linda Lingle, in Kona today for one of her statewide Town Hall meetings, will meet with Charles Curie, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). On Thursday, Curie will present Hawaii County mayor Harry Kim with a $900,000 grant, which will go toward creating residential substance abuse treatment programs for local youth addicted to methamphetamine over the next three years.

The grant presentations are taking place during the same week Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona is leading a statewide summit on drug control in Waikiki.

According to SAMHSA and other national studies, Hawaii the highest ice addiction rates in the country.