Update: No decriminalization bill passed before the legislative crossover and likely will not be voted on this year.
Lawmakers in the House and Senate are once again considering multiple legislative bills to decriminalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults.
According to an analysis of 2010 marijuana arrests data, Hawaii police make some 1,500 marijuana possession arrests annually. Minor marijuana possession offenders, many of them young people, should not be saddled with a criminal record and the lifelong penalties and stigma associated with it.
Additionally, 77 percent of Hawaii residents believe jail time is inappropriate for marijuana possession.
However, Gov. David Ige — a former proponent of decriminalizing marijuana — is now expressing reluctance to move forward with such a change.
Enter your information below to contact your elected officials, including the Governor, and urge them to support decriminalizing marijuana offenses.
