Our Commitment to You!

from Hawaii Family Forum, April 12, 2024

Our recent efforts have mainly focused on marijuana discussions, but we want to assure you that we are committed to addressing a wide range of family issues. We advocate for protecting parental rights, safeguarding religious freedoms, implementing effective suicide prevention measures, and preparing for the upcoming elections. 

Our commitment to addressing these multifaceted issues stems from our dedication to fostering a society that upholds the values essential for the well-being of families and communities, rooted in our biblical worldview.

We appreciate your support in our fight for faith, family, life, and religious freedom in Hawaii." and religious freedom in Hawaii!  In the coming weeks, we will provide information on educational opportunities in the community and other exciting efforts on the horizon.  Stay tuned!

So, what is happening with marijuana?

Although the House, by a small minority, voted against SB 3335 (recreational marijuana), effectively killing the bill, another bill decriminalizing marijuana has made it to the conference committee.

SB2487 is de-facto legalization.  The bill allows an individual to possess 2 ounces (or more), reducing the fine from $130 to $25.00.  Understanding that one ounce can make around 60 "cigarettes," two ounces could produce up to 120.  WHY WOULD ANY ONE PERSON NEED THAT MUCH POT?  And, are you going to deter use by reducing the fine?

STATUS: As of this email, the Senate has "disagreed" with the House's changes to the bill so that it will move to a conference committee of members of both chambers. (NOTE: Only those who voted yes or yes with reservations can be assigned to the conference committee. This allegedly helps a bill have a better chance of survival.) Conference members have yet to be assigned, but when they do, we will send out a notice so you can make contact.

Read more here.

Upcoming Legislative Deadlines

APR 15 SECOND LATERAL FOR SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS – All Senate concurrent resolutions with multiple referrals must move to their final House committee by this date. 

APR 19 DEADLINE FOR FINAL FORM OF BILLS PROPOSING CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS – A proposed amendment’s final form must be provided by written notice to the Governor at least 10 days prior to passing final reading by a 2/3 vote in each chamber. Once adopted by the Legislature, the proposed amendment is submitted to the voters, in the form of a ‘yes or no’ question on the ballot, for ultimate decision. 

APR 19 SECOND CROSSOVER FILING (AMENDED CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS) – Deadline to file committee reports on amended concurrent resolutions. 

APR 22 SECOND CROSSOVER FOR CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS – Deadline for passing amended concurrent resolutions in the non-originating chamber in order to “cross back” to the originating chamber. 

APR 22 FINAL DECKING BUDGET BILL – Deadline to file budget bill to deck for Final Reading. 

APR 25 FINAL DECKING OF NON-FISCAL BILLS – Deadline for submitting non-fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. 

APR 26 FINAL DECKING OF FISCAL BILLS – Deadline for submitting fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. Fiscal bills include appropriation or spending bills, tax credits, etc., or any bill with a House Finance or Senate Ways and Means referral.

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