Pubdate: Sun, 23 Jun 2002 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Contact: 2002 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196 Author: Raj Bose MORE JOB TRAINING WOULD LOWER CRIME RATE In the article "Isles top nation for thefts" (Star-Bulletin, June 11), Capt. Carlton Nishimura of the Honolulu Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division said, "Unemployed people who have a drug problem need to substantiate their living through theft" and increasing treatment opportunities for drug offenders is a step in the right direction. This is not a strong enough solution. If there are unemployed people, then there have to be more opportunities for training and employment for Hawaii residents. More vocational colleges should be established where people could be taught skills and earn a living instead of living off welfare, charity or stealing other people's property. Also, instead of just treating drug addicts, the drug trafficking should be nipped in the bud; find the source, plug it and deal out harsh punishments for drug dealing. This surely would result in a much safer and happier Hawaii. Raj Bose - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk