HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GREDC 010 2016/10/19 (2014-2016) REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
DATE: October 19, 2016 Re: Comm. No. 1094/Res. No. 673-16
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i
TIME: 2:43 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development, to which was referred
Resolution No. 673-16, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 673-16, transmitted by Council Member Margaret Wille, via Communication
No. 1094, dated September 28, 2016, urges the 2017 Hawai`i State Legislature to pass legislation
to decriminalize marijuana.
Ms. Wille explained that this resolution is not to legalize marijuana, it decriminalizes it by
reducing the penalty classification from a misdemeanor or criminal offense to a civil violation
resulting in fines and community service.
Mr. Paleka shared that he will support this measure based on his personal experience having
served 15 years as a corrections officer.
Mr. Kanuha stated that he would like to see facts on how other states have dealt with this issue
and that he has no problem with supporting it.
Mr. Onishi said he will not support this resolution and shared his concerns coming from his
recent visit to a medical marijuana farm while attending the Western Interstate Region board
meeting in Oregon.
Your Committee on Governmental Relations and Economic Development is in accord with the
purpose and intent of Resolution No. 673-16, and recommends its adoption.
de
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID x COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
EOFF x RE A TIONS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ILAGAN X
KANUHA X
ONISHI X
,� 4 . -0/
PALEKA X DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI, CHAIR
POINDEXTER X GREDC REPORT NO.: 10
WILLS X
ADOPTED: NOV 0 2 2016