Dozens of bills introduced to improve Hawaii's marijuana laws; study bill awaits governor's signature
Last update: June 22, 2009
2009 legislative session
Numerous marijuana policy bills were introduced this year in Hawaii. Although most of them are currently on hold, a bill that would establish a task force to examine crucial issues surrounding Hawaii's medical marijuana law is currently sitting on Gov. Linda Lingle's desk awaiting her signature. Please send an e-mail to Gov. Lingle today asking her to sign SB 1058 into law. While Gov. Lingle may sign SB 1058 into law at any time, she has until June 30 to signal her intent to veto; however, if she has taken no action on it by July 15, the bill will become law with or without her signature. After you have e-mailed Gov. Lingle, please follow up with a call, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in support of SB 1058.
If established, the task force would: (1) Examine current state statutes, state administrative rules, and all county policies and procedures relating to the medical marijuana program; (2) Examine all issues and obstacles that qualifying patients have encountered with the medical marijuana program; (3) Examine all issue and obstacles that state and county law enforcement agencies have encountered with the medical marijuana program; (4) Compare and contrast Hawaii's medical marijuana program with all other state medical marijuana programs; and (5) Address other issues and perform any other function necessary as the task force deems appropriate, relating to the medical marijuana program.
Hawaii County initiative
Last November, Hawaii County voters overwhelmingly approved Question 1, which makes the cultivation and possession of marijuana intended for adult personal use the Big Island's lowest law enforcement priority. Voters approved the initiative by a 58% to 42% margin.
The new ordinance directs local law enforcement to make the investigation, enforcement, and prosecution of certain adult marijuana offenses involving fewer than 24 plants or less than 24 ounces their lowest priority. It remains illegal to sell marijuana on the criminal market, cultivate marijuana on public property, drive while under the influence of marijuana, or be in possession of more than 24 plants or 24 ounces. Question 1 was spearheaded by Project Peaceful Sky.
Are you a community leader who supports marijuana policy reform?
If you are an attorney, educator, or member of the law enforcement community who believes that our current marijuana laws need reforming, please send an e-mail to state@mpp.org to see how you can be of special help.
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