Pubdate: Wed, 06 Dec 2006 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Copyright: 2006 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Contact: http://www.starbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196 Author: Rosemarie Bernardo Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact identifying information of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) TEACHERS' ARRESTS OUTRAGE PARENTS Many Say the Pair Should Be Fired for Allegedly Smoking Pot Some students and parents at [redacted] were shocked and disappointed after two teachers were arrested for allegedly smoking marijuana before they headed to work. "I think it's absolutely awful," said Stacy Starustka, who waited to pick up her daughter. "I think they should be terminated." Some other parents and students agreed, saying the Department of Education should fire teachers [redacted] for the alleged drug-related offense. About 8:45 a.m. Monday, police said, [redacted] were allegedly smoking marijuana in Ayson's green pickup truck at the [redacted]. The parking lot is a couple of minutes from the school. Police said a parent recognized the teachers and then followed the truck to the school. Police said the parent spoke to Principal [redacted], vice principals and school security about what she had observed earlier. [redacted] declined to comment on [redacted]. School officials investigated. Marijuana and paraphernalia were found in the truck and on [redacted], police said. School officials called police about 11:45 a.m. Police arrested [redacted] on suspicion of third-degree promotion of dangerous drugs, considered a petty misdemeanor. Both were released after they each posted $50 bail. [redacted] are scheduled to appear in [redacted] District Court on Dec. 26. If charged with the offense, both could face up to 30 days in jail. Both [redacted] could not be reached for comment. [redacted] were placed on paid leave while the Department of Education conducts an investigation. [redacted] has been a teacher for 8 1/2 years. He previously taught at [redacted] for two years before he taught at [redacted], according to a spokeswoman. [redacted] has been a teacher for eight years. She previously taught at [redacted] School for about six months before going to Mililani Middle. Students in middle school are at a critical age where they are impressionable, said June Yoshida, whose son, Bradley, is a sixth-grader at the school. They look up to their teachers, she said. Seventh-grader Angella Alania said, "I didn't think our teachers would do that." Some parents and students said mandatory random drug testing should be implemented for teachers, but Roger Takabayashi, president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, said that is not a solution. Drugs are a societal problem, not a teacher problem, Takabayashi said, adding that the teachers' union does not support mandatory random drug testing for teachers. Like some parents, Takabayashi said he was also disappointed upon learning of the teachers' arrests. On Oct. 10, [redacted] was arrested by law enforcement officials of the Hawaii Rapid Reduction Drug Task Force for allegedly dealing crystal methamphetamine or "ice" to an undercover officer. [redacted] was charged and faces a minimum of 10 years to possibly life in prison. He is believed to be the first public school teacher in Hawaii to be charged with dealing ice. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake