HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL NOT HEAR CANNABIS LEGALIZATION BILL

House Leadership issue statements regarding SB3335

News Release from House Democratic Caucus, April 2, 2024

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12, Upcountry Maui) issued the following 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 August 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.”

 House Speaker Scott K. Saiki (D-25, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) issued the following statement:

 “In hearing the overwhelming testimony and serious concerns from members of Hawaiʻi’s law enforcement industry, this bill requires further consideration of the impact legislation will have on our children, economy, and overall well-being.”

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FROM HAWAII FAMILY FORUM

We just received word that the House of Representatives has issued a statement that they will NOT be moving the issue of recreational marijuana forward.

House Speaker Scott K. Saiki (D-25, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) issued the following statement:

 “In hearing the overwhelming testimony and serious concerns from members of Hawaiʻi’s law enforcement industry, this bill requires further consideration of the impact legislation will have on our children, economy, and overall well-being.”

READ FULL STATEMENT HERE

Mahalo to all of you who took the time to raise your voice on this very important issue.  626 of you took the time to sign our petition and many of you made calls and connected with your legislators.  

Making sure that our keiki receive the very best chance for success is a high priority for us as people of faith.

If anything changes, I will send out a notice.

Eva Andrade
President/CEO
Hawaii Family Forum

COVERAGE:

SA: Hawaii bill to legalize recreational marijuana stalls | Honolulu Star-Advertiser (staradvertiser.com)

HTH: Marijuana bill dies in the House - Hawaii Tribune-Herald

SN: Adult-use cannabis bill dies (spectrumlocalnews.com)