Funds the Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit for FY 2006-2007.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit was established in the Attorney General's office pursuant to Act 63, Session Laws of Hawaii 2003 to provide for enforcement and prosecution of nuisance abatement laws as a way of combating the rampant growth of "ice" houses in the communities of the state. The legislature further finds that while the General Appropriations Act of 2005 appropriated $150,000 in general funds to finance the unit for fiscal year 2005-2006, no funding was appropriated for fiscal year 2006-2007.

Part of the General Appropriations Act of 2005 called for a report by the unit outlining priorities and projected expenditures, and unit performance. The report validates the wisdom of the legislature to support this program as a means to combat "ice" houses, but also shows the limitations of the program due to funding constraints. The report cites the need for an additional Investigator VI and one half-time Investigator V to reduce the case backlog. Additionally, the report states that at least thirty percent of an Investigator's time is devoted to clerical duties that could be assigned to a Clerk-Typist position, freeing up the Investigator to conduct investigations. The purpose of this Act is to fund the Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit for fiscal year 2006-2007, and to increase staffing levels for fiscal year 2006-2007 as suggested by the report of the Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $___________, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the operation and staffing of the drug nuisance abatement unit. The staffing shall include the following positions:

One (1) Full-time Deputy Attorney General

One (1) Full-time Investigator VI

One (1) Full-time Investigator V (based on Oahu)

Two (2) Half-time Investigator V (based on Hawaii)

One (1) Full-time Clerk-Typist III

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of the attorney general for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.