House Finance Committee halts progression of cannabis legalization bill
After weeks of lively debate and testimony, a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana has come to a dead end this legislative session. The House Finance Committee has halted the progression of a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Hawaii. The bill, SB3335, had narrowly passed its second reading but was defeated due to numerous concerns about its implementation. The decision was strengthened by the number of 'no' votes from committee members on the House floor. The committee prioritized wildfire-related expenses after the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui tragedy. The full cost of implementing the legalization of adult-use cannabis is unknown, and Rep. David Tarnas (D) Hawi, Halaula, Waimea, and Waikoloa praised the efforts of the House of Representatives and the Senate to find the best practices from other states.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Kristy Tamashiro in Health
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It was a push that sparked fireworks on the House floor. After weeks of lively debate and testimony, a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana has come to a dead end this legislative session.
On Tuesday, the House Finance Committee Chair said in a statement:
“The path to legalizing adult-use cannabis has been a deeply divisive issue. This year marked its furthest progression, with SB3335 narrowly passing its second reading. Due to numerous concerns regarding the implementation of the bill, the House has decided against further deliberation in the House Finance Committee. This decision is strengthened by the prevailing ‘no’ votes from committee members expressed on the House floor. During an abnormally fiscally challenging year, the committee must prioritize addressing wildfire-related expenses after the Aug. 8 tragedy in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. Ensuring the recovery of our communities continues to come at an extraordinary cost to the state budget, and the full cost of implementing the legalization of adult-use cannabis is unknown. As lawmakers, it would be remiss of us not to allocate funding to safeguard critical government services, including education, infrastructure, roads, and other essential services for Hawaiʻi’s residents and kūpuna, especially during a period of fiscal uncertainty. We recognize that now is not the opportune time for its implementation, as we navigate the challenges of managing the largest wildfire recovery efforts in Hawaiʻi’s history.”
It’s the furthest any recreational cannabis bill has gotten. Representative David Tarnas worked with stakeholders to craft the measure.
“It really is because of the hard work of the Attorney General and the House of Representatives and the Senate working together with the Department of Health to find the best practices from other states and that’s why it made it so far,” said Tarnas (D) Hawi, Halaula, Waimea, Waikoloa.
The bill would have legalized the possession of certain amounts of cannabis for those 21 and older, as well as set rules for manufacturing, selling, and adult use of cannabis.
Opposers said costs to run the program, concerns for children, and public safety were amongst the top reasons to vote ‘no.’
“We’re doing the right thing and I want to commend the Finance Chair and all those who voted against it saying it is a go for the people of Hawaii,” expressed Rep. Gene Ward (R) Portlock, Hawaii Kai, and Kalama Valley.
Meanwhile, Rep. Tarnas said he’ll take the public safety and budget concerns and work with the Attorney General’s office to reintroduce the bill next session.
“That’s what I’m trying to do is bring good evidence, good facts, and just be very deliberate and reasonable about how we put together a bill that protects public health and public safety,” Rep. Tarnas continued.
Topics: Social Issues, Cannabis