REP FC 024 01/21/1997 1996-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: January 21, 1997 Re: Comm. No. 78 - PLACE: Councilroom TIME: 10:43 A.M. Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Bill No. 28, reports as follows: Bill No. 28, transmitted by Deputy Corporation Counsel Ivan Torigoe, via Communication No. 78, dated December 23, 1996, amends Chapter 14 of the Hawaii County Code, by adding a new article restricting the possession, sale and causing the sale of products containing gamma hydroxybutyrate in the County of Hawaii. Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, also known as "GHB" or "Liquid X", has been determined to have deleterious effects on human health, including depression of the respiratory system, which can trigger unconsciousness, amnesia and possibly death. Because of these effects, and because GHB is odorless and almost tasteless, it is being used by teenagers and others as a "date rape" drug. Representatives from the Hawaii County Police Department, State of Hawaii Narcotics Enforcement Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration, gave a short presentation in support of Bill No. 28. These agencies are making efforts to classify products containing GHB as controlled substances. However, until such changes occur, products containing this potentially lethal drug can be easily manufactured or purchased legally by both adults and minors. Public testimony revolved primarily around the alleged medicinal uses of GHB. Certain individuals claimed that they have taken or administered the substance for insomnia, weight loss, sexual stimulation, impotency, and muscle building. Until recently GHB has been available at health food stores as a food supplement. One member of the public raised a question regarding the effectiveness of prohibition. Members of Your Committee shared similar concerns, such as the fact that potential medicinal uses could be hampered should GHB be prohibited, and also the extra attention the County may be giving the substance by prohibiting it without further exploration. Some members also felt that insufficient data was provided regarding GHB's connection as a "date rape drug". Other members of Your Committee felt determinedly that GHB should be prohibited in Hawaii County, as trends from the outer islands and United States are likely to surface here. Also, because Hawaii County would be the last to pass this bill, the Council's failure to act could leave the Big Island as the place of choice for those trafficking the drug. FC REPORT N0. 24