Senate Bill 472 would establish a civil fine of $1,000 for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.

On Thursday (March 14), House Judiciary approved the measure, though Democrats like Sharon Har have strong reservations about the measure. Republican Bob McDermott was the lone “no” vote.

Chairman Karl Rhoads also amended the bill to decrease the amount to seven-tenths of 1 ounce — 20 grams.

Law enforcement officials testified in opposition to the measure. SB 472 now awaits a hearing in House Finance.

image

Photo courtesy “it was 3 a.m.”.

—Chad Blair

What it means to support Civil Beat.

Supporting Civil Beat means you’re investing in a newsroom that can devote months to investigate corruption. It means we can cover vulnerable, overlooked communities because those stories matter. And, it means we serve you. And only you.

Donate today and help sustain the kind of journalism Hawaiʻi cannot afford to lose.