Honolulu, HI: Senate members voted 15 to 9 to defeat legislation, SB 2487, which sought to reduce marijuana possession penalties.
The defeat marked a sudden about-face for Senate lawmakers. In April, Senators voted 24 to 1 in favor of the bill. Last week, they once again expressed support for the measure, agreeing to House-backed changes to the legislation.
State law defines the possession of more than three grams of cannabis as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Those penalties would have been reduced to a $25 civil fine under the proposal.
In April, Senators voted 19 to 6 in favor of separate legislation, SB 3335, which sought to legalize and regulate the adult-use cannabis market. That legislation was ultimately tabled by the House.
Opponents of both measures alleged that liberalizing Hawaii’s cannabis laws would undermine tourism and send the wrong message to young people.
Nikos Leverenz, board president for the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, told Marijuana Moment: “Too many legislators this cycle have ceded to the histrionic arguments by many in the criminal legal lobby and others who want to ensure broad prohibition. Hopefully next year’s legislature will produce a bona fide recalibration of cannabis policy in Hawaii.”
Additional information on Hawaii’s marijuana laws and penalties is available from NORML.