HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP FC 024 01/21/1997 1996-1998 OFFICE INFORMATION ONLY
Meeting: Hawaii County Council - February 7, 1997
Action: Close file
Re: Bill 28/C-78/FC-24
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
It was also suggested that should the Legislature not take action on prohibiting gamma
hydroxybutyrate from the State of Hawaii, this body could revisit this issue at a later date.
Your Committee on Finance is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 28 and
recommends it pass first reading.
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Ayes Noes A&E EX
CHUNG X Respectfully submitted
anvxEnn-TOGO x X ~E ON FINANCE
SANTANGELO X "1.
SMITH X ~
TvLEe X AARON S.Y. HUNG, C AIR
YAGONC X FC REPORTI~Q 4
ARAKAKI, E.O.M. X FILED ABOB~'E9: t