Last September, Hawai‘i-based filmmaker Edgy Lee’s documentary, “Ice: Hawai‘i’s Crystal Meth Epidemic,” opened Hawai‘i’s eyes to the severity of the ice (crystal methamphetamine) problem here. Tonight, she’ll do it again. “Ice II: Life or Meth,” airs simultaneously – and commercial
Last September, Hawai‘i-based filmmaker Edgy Lee’s documentary, “Ice: Hawai‘i’s Crystal Meth Epidemic,” opened Hawai‘i’s eyes to the severity of the ice (crystal methamphetamine) problem here.
Tonight, she’ll do it again.
“Ice II: Life or Meth,” airs simultaneously – and commercial free — from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on all Honolulu television stations, including KBFD, KFVE, KGMB, KHNL, KHON and KITV.
The simultaneous airing, which comes on the same day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1942, will be the second time the state has employed a “media saturation” strategy to capture Hawai‘i’s attention.
Tonight’s feature is sure to have thousands captivated, just as the first saturation airing did a year ago.
“We heard from so many who are affected, not only in Hawai‘i but on Native American reservations in the Mainland U.S. and elsewhere,” Lee recalled.
The latest film builds on the themes explored in the first, only this one explores how the ice epidemic affects entire industries, such as the maritime industry.
Last week, the Pacific Business News prominently featured the impact ice addiction has on the men and women who work Honolulu’s docks.
But the new film has young people in mind, too. That’s because the officials with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration reported that Hawai‘i has the highest per-capita number of 12th graders who are using or have used ice, according to one DEA agent.
Hundreds of students were expected to attend last night’s preview at Ward Theater in Honolulu.
“We know that peers have tremendous influence,” said the DEA agent. “Hawai‘i’s youth must be a part of the special preview event. It was made for them.”
The films have been funded through corporate, community and individual sponsorships. Lee and the DEA agent believe that education about the drug through these simulcasts is a critical first step, but only the start of a long road ahead in eradicating crystal meth in Hawai‘i.
Phil Hayworth, business editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:phayworth@pulitzer.net.
