Marijuana, also known as Maui Wowee, is grown in isolated locations throughout the valleys of the Valley Isle. These drug growers are violent and pose a significant threat to the citizens of the Maui County area. I would also add that "Hemp" stores openly exist in small towns like Paia.
Paia at one time was home to many plantation workers for the Paia sugar mill. The mill closed and many of the families moved out over the past 15 years. Now, when you visit Maui and drive to Hana, you will drive through Paia. The irony is that the grocery store in Paia is now stocked with "organic" and "natural" foods manufactured in Oakland.
I would also point out that the cities of Oakland and San Francisco have legalized distribution of marijuana from taxpayer sponsored "clinics". I don't know a single physician who believes that marijuana has any place in modern medicine. Yet, the Browns apparently feel that they know more about healthcare than physicians recognized by the state of California's Medical Board.
(sigh) I digress.
These "long-haired" hippies have existed on the island since the 1970's. Since there must be cashflow to support the lives of these people (rent, food, etc.); is there any question has to where the cash transaction is occuring?
First Hawaiian Bank and Bank of Hawaii should be able to work with FBI to investigate these funds.
In addition, we note the recent appearance of the SF based Wells Fargo Bank in Kahului, Maui. We hope that Wells Fargo's branches keep a careful eye on financial transactions.
Oddly, car rental contracts become invalid if one enters into the "forbidden" zone as clearly marked by road signs next to which are parked cars occupied by locals with CB radios.
Such turns trips to a few local points of interest into drives that are twice as long as they otherwise would be. What's up with that, anyway? None of the locals would give a straight answer when I was there five years ago.....