As recreational marijuana bill advances, opponents seek to ensure their voices are heard

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in Hawaii is advancing in the Legislature, but there is still resistance from other elected officials and community members.

On Friday, the full House voted to pass the recreational marijuana bill to the commerce and consumer protection committee, but some hope that it won’t get any further in the legislature. About a dozen people rallied outside the capital while the house was in session.

They held up signs urging House members to vote against recreational marijuana.

“I am going to do everything I can to talk to my friends in the House to please do not schedule this bill,” said state Sen. Kurt Fevella.

Fevella organized the gathering and invited Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm.

Alm has been repeatedly saying crime would go up including fatal car crashes, murders, and robberies if the law passed.

He also said it’s a danger to children.

“They’re talking to Alan Johnson at Hina Mauka where last year they treated 800 kids for substance abuse problems of that almost 600 were for marijuana,” said Alm.

“This is not a harmless drug, so I urge this the House members to keep looking at it and saying no.”

Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana said the public is behind it and point to successful efforts in other states. “Fifty-eight perecnt of Hawaii supports adult use legalization according to the most recent PRP poll,” said Nikos Leverenz, of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii.

“New Mexico shows that onboarding and adult use program need not being too expensive, they did it for under $5 million.”

Leverenz said an assessment is needed to determine whether treatment is the right response.

It’ll be up to Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee to decide if the bill will be heard.

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