Title:
Hawaii: A fine is fine
Message:
On Tuesday, February 26, the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee will hear SB 472, a measure that would replace the threat of arrest and jail time for simple possession of marijuana with a civil violation of $100. This will be the only committee the bill is heard in before the full Senate takes it up, so it is important that you submit testimony in support of the bill now!
Criminal convictions can stand in the way of getting a good job, accessing educational opportunities, or even getting housing. Individuals shouldn’t have their dreams derailed for possessing a substance that is objectively safer than alcohol. This change in law could save Hawaii up to $9 million per year, according to University of Hawaii economist David Nixon, allowing law enforcement to spend more time working on preventing and solving crimes of violence and crimes against property. Surely, this change would serve the people of Hawaii better than the status quo.
Committee members need to understand the benefits of this simple change in law, but they will only be accepting testimony until 5:00 p.m. today, Monday, February 25. Submit your testimony today, then ask your friends and family to do so as well!
Mahalo!
