KAHALU'U — Law enforcement has reduced the amount of drugs in Kahalu'u over the past 2 1/2 years but more has to be done and people must stay vigilant in their efforts to rid their neighborhoods of ice dealers and users.

That was the message at a follow-up town hall meeting last night at KEY Project, where more than 100 people shared their successes and learned that the problem in Kahalu'u persists.

One example is Okana Road, where in a four-month period this year a man was stabbed to death, police arrested the same people in two different drug raids and children were abused. All the cases were connected to drug abuse, said Kahalu'u resident George Marantz, adding that the man who allegedly confessed to the slaying and the drug dealers are all out on bail.

"Why are they still on the street?" Marantz asked a panel at the meeting. "Why not lock them up where they belong?"

In March 2003 Kahalu'u residents decided they had had enough of drugs and the accompanying criminal activity in their community. They banded together to work with police to confront the problem. They held anti-drug sign-waving campaigns that spread throughout the island and formed citizen patrol groups. They called the police and the federal government.

Government responded with new laws, money and added effort. The Legislature provided funding that allowed about 1,000 additional people to receive drug treatment.

Residents at last night's meeting said that within months of their initial campaign, they saw a difference as dealers disappeared from regular hangouts such as the banyan tree next to Hygienic Store.

But the dealers are coming back, residents said last night.

Carol Philips of Hale'iwa asked that law enforcement take a zero-tolerance stance toward drug use and that the issue not be so politicized.

"I'd like to see more energy put into prevention," Philips said.

Anthony Nicolucci of Ka'a'awa said he's concerned about the "crew of thieves" that hit beaches and parks, stealing cars and from cars.

"We need more police," Nicolucci said.

Police said that although the population of Windward O'ahu has doubled in the past 18 years, the number of beats remains the same. Nevertheless, ice arrests have increased by 10 percent since 2003, police said.

U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said his office and the police have reduced the supply of ice to Kahalu'u through arrests and convictions, including those of a police officer and a firefighter.

"You may not see us in the neighborhood, but through effective law enforcement ... we are affecting the distribution coming into Kahalu'u," Kubo said.

With all of the efforts under way, all agreed that more can be done and people were encouraged to continue working with police and one another to fight the problem.

Art Machado, a Kahalu'u Neighborhood Board member, said people need to start with their families and then become active in the community.

"If you're not involved, you're not helping the cause," Machado said.

The meeting was sponsored by Community Works in 96744, Hina Mauka Recovery Center and Coalition for a Drug Free Hawai'i. Gordon Miyamoto facilitated the gathering.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com.