April 2, 2024, 1:00 PM HST
Rep. Kyle Yamashita, who represents Maui's interior and chairs the Hawaii House Finance Committee, said Tuesday that his committee would legalize marijuana use for adults on the island, effectively killing the bill this session. He said he would not debate the bill.
“The path to adult-use cannabis legalization has been a highly divisive issue. This year marks the furthest it has gone. [Senate Bill 3335] We passed the second screening by a narrow margin,” Yamashita said. “Due to numerous concerns regarding the implementation of the bill, the House of Representatives has decided not to conduct further consideration in the House Finance Committee. It has been strengthened.”
He explained that in an unusually difficult fiscal year, the commission must prioritize addressing wildfire-related expenses after the Aug. 8, 2023, tragedies in Lahaina and Maui's interior. did. Ensuring the recovery of these communities continues to be costly to the state.
“The total cost of legalizing adult-use cannabis is unknown,” Yamashita said. “As legislators, it would be remiss of us not to allocate funds to protect critical government services, including education, infrastructure, roads, and other essential services for Hawaii residents and kupuna, especially during a time of fiscal uncertainty. .”
He added that now is simply not the right time to do so, as the state grapples with the challenge of managing the largest wildfire recovery effort in Hawaii's history.
“After hearing overwhelming testimony and serious concerns from members of Hawaii's law enforcement community, this bill requires further consideration of its impact on children, the economy, and overall well-being.” added House Speaker Scott K. Psaki.
