State of Hawaii Archives: on Drugs
Jill Tokuda:
Establish rules for medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary: HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers. Allows a qualifying
patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place. Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated
similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 36-13-2 on 3/10/15; Passed Senate 24-0-1 on 4/14/15; State Sen. Jill Tokuda voted YES; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Apr 14, 2015
Jill Tokuda:
Allow transport between islands of medical marijuana
HB 290: Authorizes qualifying patients or qualifying out-of-state patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for their personal medical use.Marijuana Moment blog summary: Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level--and
airspace is federal --hence enacting the bill could lead travelers to "erroneously believe they are immune from federal prosecution."
Veto Message: lnter-island transport necessarily entails travel outside the jurisdiction of the State
of Hawai'i, as the State only has jurisdiction up to three nautical miles offshore. Because Hawaii's laws cannot completely regulate the interisland transport of cannabis, a state statute purporting to allow interisland transport may give false comfort
to some that such transport is protected from federal enforcement.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 39-12-0 on Apr/30/19; Passed Senate 24-1-0 on Apr/30/19; State Sen. Jill Tokuda voted YES; Vetoed by Governor David Ige on Jul/9/19
Source: Marijuana Moment blog on Hawaii voting record HB 290
Apr 30, 2019
Andria Tupola:
Require welfare applicants to pass a drug test
Q: Do you support requiring welfare applicants to pass a drug test in order to receive benefits?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?
A: No.
Q: Should the state government increase funding for treatment facilities to combat opioid abuse?
A: Yes.
Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2018 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2018
Andria Tupola:
Voted against medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary:HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers.
Allows a qualifying patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place.
Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and
prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.Legislative outcome:Passed House 43-8-0 on March 10, 2015; Rep. Andria Tupola voted NO; Passed Senate 23-2 on April 14, 2015; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Jul 15, 2015
Benjamin Cayetano:
Philosophy shift to treatment instead of punishment
The federal, state and county governments have waged a “war against drugs,” relying mainly on law enforcement and punishment to deter illegal drug use. [California & Arizona instead] declared drug abuse a health problem. It’s time for a shift in
philosophy here in Hawaii. Therefore, I will submit legislation that will mandate treatment instead of punishment for non-violent, first-time offenders. [Let’s] establish “best practices” regulations to assure high quality, effective treatment programs.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Bob McDermott:
Voted against medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary:HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers.
Allows a qualifying patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place.
Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and
prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.Legislative outcome:Passed House 43-8-0 on March 10, 2015; Rep. McDermott voted NO; Passed Senate 23-2 on April 14, 2015; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Jul 15, 2015
Bob McDermott:
Allow transport between islands of medical marijuana
HB 290: Authorizes qualifying patients or qualifying out-of-state patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for their personal medical use.Marijuana Moment blog summary:Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level--and
airspace is federal --hence enacting the bill could lead travelers to "erroneously believe they are immune from federal prosecution."
Veto Message: lnter-island transport necessarily entails travel outside the jurisdiction of the State
of Hawai'i, as the State only has jurisdiction up to three nautical miles offshore. Because Hawaii's laws cannot completely regulate the interisland transport of cannabis, a state statute purporting to allow interisland transport may give false comfort
to some that such transport is protected from federal enforcement.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 39-12-0 on Apr/30/19; Rep. Bob McDermott voted YES; Passed Senate 24-1-0 on Apr/30/19; Vetoed by Governor David Ige on Jul/9/19
Source: Marijuana Moment blog on Hawaii voting record HB 290
Apr 30, 2019
Brian Schatz:
Criminalize date-rape drugs as controlled substances
Schatz indicates support of the following principles to address crime.- Support labeling Rohypnol the, "date-rape drug", as a controlled substance, which would make possession a felony.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain
non-violent offenders.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
- Strengthen penalties and sentences for sex offenders.
- Support the blood-alcohol-content limit defining drunk driving.
Source: Hawaii Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Brian Schatz:
Hawaii not ready for legal pot; needs national conversation
Hanabusa said the states, and not the federal government, should determine whether marijuana should be legalized.
Schatz said he does not think Hawaii is ready to legalize marijuana, but does believe there needs to be a national conversation on drug laws that are "incarcerating young men and women and ruining their lives."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser on 2014 Hawaii Senate race
Jul 8, 2014
Charles Djou:
Prohibit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes
Djou indicated support for the following principles to address crime and drugs:- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
- Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
-
Prohibit the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
- Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
- Support .08 blood alcohol content limit defining drunk driving.
Source: 2000 Hawaii Legislative National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Colleen Hanabusa:
States should determine marijuana legality
Hanabusa said the states, and not the federal government, should determine whether marijuana should be legalized.
Schatz said he does not think Hawaii is ready to legalize marijuana, but does believe there needs to be a national conversation on drug laws that are "incarcerating young men and women and ruining their lives."
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser on 2014 Hawaii Senate race
Jul 8, 2014
Cynthia Thielen:
Establish rules for medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary:HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers.
Allows a qualifying patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place.
Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and
prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.Legislative outcome:Passed House 36-13-2 on 3/10/15; Rep. Cynthia Thielen voted YES; Passed Senate 24-0-1 on 4/14/15; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Jul 15, 2015
Cynthia Thielen:
Allow transport between islands of medical marijuana
HB 290: Authorizes qualifying patients or qualifying out-of-state patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for their personal medical use.Marijuana Moment blog summary:Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level--and
airspace is federal --hence enacting the bill could lead travelers to "erroneously believe they are immune from federal prosecution."
Veto Message: lnter-island transport necessarily entails travel outside the jurisdiction of the State
of Hawai'i, as the State only has jurisdiction up to three nautical miles offshore. Because Hawaii's laws cannot completely regulate the interisland transport of cannabis, a state statute purporting to allow interisland transport may give false comfort
to some that such transport is protected from federal enforcement.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 39-12-0 on Apr/30/19; Rep. Thielen co-sponsored and voted YES; Passed Senate 24-1-0 on Apr/30/19; Vetoed by Gov. Ige on Jul/9/19
Source: Marijuana Moment blog on Hawaii voting record HB 290
Apr 30, 2019
Cynthia Thielen:
Establish licensing rules for medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary: HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers. Allows a qualifying
patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place. Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated
similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.
Legislative outcome: Passed House 43-8-0 on March 10, 2015; Rep. Cynthia Thielen voted YES; Passed Senate 23-2 on April 14, 2015; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Mar 10, 2015
David Ige:
No marijuana decriminalization but alternative sentencing ok
Q: Do you support decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana?A: No.
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?
A: Yes.
Source: Hawaii Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
David Ige:
Establish licensing rules for medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary:HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers.
Allows a qualifying patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place.
Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and
prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.Legislative outcome:Passed House 43-8-0 on March 10, 2015; Passed Senate 23-2 on April 14, 2015; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Jul 15, 2015
David Ige:
Vetoed transport between islands of medical marijuana
HB 290: Authorizes qualifying patients or qualifying out-of-state patients to transport medical cannabis between islands for their personal medical use.Marijuana Moment blog summary:Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level--and
airspace is federal --hence enacting the bill could lead travelers to "erroneously believe they are immune from federal prosecution."
Veto Message: lnter-island transport necessarily entails travel outside the jurisdiction of the State
of Hawai'i, as the State only has jurisdiction up to three nautical miles offshore. Because Hawaii's laws cannot completely regulate the interisland transport of cannabis, a state statute purporting to allow interisland transport may give false comfort
to some that such transport is protected from federal enforcement.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 39-12-0 on Apr/30/19; Passed Senate 24-1-0 on Apr/30/19; Vetoed by Governor David Ige on Jul/9/19
Source: Marijuana Moment blog on Hawaii voting record HB 290
Jul 9, 2019
Duke Aiona:
No marijuana decriminalization but alternative sentencing ok
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders, such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?A: Yes.
Q: Should the possession of small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized?
A: No.
Q: Should a minor who sends sexually-explicit or nude photos by cell phone face criminal charges?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes?
A: No.
Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
John Carroll:
Marijuana less damaging than alcohol; legalize it
Q: Do you support full legalization of marijuana?
JC: Yes, I believe that marijuana should be legalized, controlled, regulated and taxed. I believe it is way less damaging to the brain than alcohol.
Source: Maui Time on 2016 Hawaii Senate race
Jun 27, 2016
Josh Green:
Establish licensing rules for medical marijuana dispensaries
Legislation summary: HB 321: Establishes a licensing system for medical marijuana dispensaries. Prohibits counties from enacting zoning regulations that discriminate against licensed dispensaries and production centers. Allows a qualifying
patient, primary caregiver, or an owner or employee of a medical marijuana production center or dispensary to transport medical marijuana in any public place. Allows persons authorized to use and possess medical marijuana in other states to be treated
similarly to qualifying patients in this State. Authorizes the department of health to conduct criminal history checks on license applicants, licensees, and prospective employees of dispensaries and production centers.
Legislative outcome: Passed House 43-8-0 on March 10, 2015; Passed Senate 23-2 on April 14, 2015; State Sen. Josh Green voted YES; Signed by Governor Ige on 7/15/2015, as Act 241.
Source: Hawaii legislative voting records: HB 321
Apr 14, 2015
Ron Curtis:
Keeping drugs illegal means crime, money, and addiction
Q: Do you support the legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes?A: Yes. I don't condone the irresponsible use of any legal or illegal drugs that puts others in harm's way.
The problem with illegal or controlled substances, including marijuana, is threefold; crime, money, and addiction.
In general, I favor legalizing, controlling, and taxing the industry to remove the crime and money problems related to illegal and controlled substances. Much like the repeal of prohibition, but with global benefits in
the reduction of crime and cartels. We then need to use the taxes raised from drug legalization to fund social programs to address the drug awareness, abuse, and addiction problems that remain.
Source: Vote Smart 2018 Hawaii Political Courage Test
Jan 1, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023