MMA CAN PUT A CHOKEHOLD ON THE SPREAD OF ILLICIT DRUGS

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By Keith Kaneshiro
Candidate for Prosecuting Attorney

For athletes to reach their full potential, it’s necessary to avoid illegal drugs at all costs. People who fall prey to the allure of illicit drugs often find themselves unable to cope with the demands of day-to-day living.

Worst yet, they may never achieve their lifelong goals.

That’s why I believe that the biggest public safety issue facing our city is drug abuse. Whenever people become addicted to crystal meth or other illegal drugs, they find themselves unable to function in life. They’re unable to hold down a job, take care of their families or compete in the ring. Illegal drugs not only destroy a person physically, but also make them commit unwise choices to support their habit.

During my 8 years as the Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, I worked to ensure that people who had a drug habit got the help they needed. I was a strong supporter of treatment programs that helped people “get straight” and stop using illicit drugs.

By assisting users in recovery, the law enforcement community can make strides in the fight against the spread of drugs by reducing the number of customers that island drug dealers feed upon.

As Prosecutor, I also targeted drug traffickers at their source. I established relationships with international law enforcement agencies and worked in tandem with them to stop the trafficking of drugs into our community. By working closely with Asian police and prosecutors, we were able to make the largest ice bust in the history of Hawaii. It’s necessary to stop drugs at their source before they poison our community.

I believe that it’s necessary to employ that type of strategy again. Instead of just prosecuting cases, we need a comprehensive approach to rid our community of illegal drugs. This includes enforcement, prevention, education and treatment.

Elite MMA fighters combine stand-up fighting skills AND a ground game to succeed in the ring. The Prosecuting Attorney needs to employ a two-pronged attack as well: Punish criminals and work to prevent people from breaking drug laws in the first place.

That’s why I’m an enthusiastic supporter of athletic programs for two
common- sense, back-to-basic reasons.

One, people of any age who are involved in competitive sports are more likely to keep themselves busy and not participate in illegal behavior.
Because they focus on their sport, athletes choose to stay away from gang activities and other illegal, violent behavior.

Two, athletes understand the need to keep their bodies in top condition.
They watch what they eat, train hard and avoid using illegal drugs. MMA fighters understand that you can¹t compete effectively in the sport if they¹re addicted to crystal meth. That’s why I support community-base training centers, gyms and programs where people can learn how to improve their bodies, their minds and their spirits.

Mixed Martial Arts participants can serve as role models for the youth of Hawaii. By training hard, playing fair and keeping their bodies free from illegal drugs, MMA fighters can help our community address our problem with drug abuse.

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