STAND. COM. REP. NO. 714

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 319

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 319 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MARIJUANA,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Change from one ounce to thirty grams the minimum amount of marijuana that constitutes the offense of promoting a detrimental drug in the second degree; and

(2) Increase from three grams or less to fifteen grams or less the amount of marijuana that constitutes the offense of promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of the Public Defender, Community Alliance on Prisons, Marijuana Policy Project, ACLU Hawaiʻi, and Hawaiʻi Alliance for Cannabis Reform.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of the Attorney General, Department of Law Enforcement, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi Police Department, Honolulu Police Department, Smart Approaches to Marijuana Hawaii, Hawaii Family Forum, and nine individuals.

Your Committee finds that the consequences of arresting, prosecuting, and incarcerating people for personal drug use are devastating. People who have been convicted of possession of small amounts of marijuana cycle through the criminal justice system and are not able to successfully contribute to society or have the support of their social network. Additionally, a criminal record can carry lasting, detrimental effects on finding employment, housing, and accessing educational opportunities. This measure will make the State's cannabis laws more responsible, just, and equitable.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 319 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair