Hawaii Lawmakers Kill Cannabis Legalization Bill But Push Decriminalization, Expungement
The prospect of marijuana legalization in Hawaii is dead for now but cannabis decriminalization is still alive and well.
House lawmakers approved a bill this week to create a task force that would lower fines for cannabis possession and clear past criminal records for marijuana offenses.
“Right now, it is $130 fine, for possession of sic joints or three grams — that is decriminalized,” stated Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm, of the measure that would reduce the fine to $25 and increase up to one ounce the amount of marijuana people will be allowed to possess.
“Heavily fining or putting people in jail for possession of some small amount simply serves to impair people to hold a job, get loans, things you need to advance in society,” said Sen. Chris Lee (D), one of the bill’s authors, reported Island News.
“Decriminalizing possession of cannabis is something that is a big step forward,” added Lee. He says it is a big step toward legalization.