Hawaii House Bill HB452

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/25/23

Caption

Relating To An Advisory Referendum On Cannabis In Hawaii.

Impact

If enacted, HB452 mandates that the chief election officer of Hawaii be responsible for presenting the referendum question to voters, accompanied by necessary information about cannabis use and sales. This will not only allow the public to voice their opinions but is also seen as a step toward potentially shaping future legislative processes regarding cannabis in Hawaii. The results of the referendum are to be reported to the legislature 20 days before the regular session of 2025, providing a timely insight into public sentiment on the issue.

Summary

House Bill 452 proposes an advisory referendum in Hawaii regarding the legalization of recreational cannabis. The key objective of this bill is to facilitate greater public involvement in decision-making processes by officially gauging citizens' opinions on whether cannabis should be allowed for sales and use in the state. The bill outlines a plan for voters to express their views on this matter during the general election of 2024 through a non-binding question posed on the ballot. The question will specifically ask if the electorate wishes to legalize the sale and use of recreational cannabis in Hawaii.

Contention

There may be concerns surrounding the implications of this referendum, particularly from various stakeholders including policymakers, health advocates, and law enforcement. Critics might argue that such referendums could lead to a push for legalization without addressing public health and safety concerns adequately. Moreover, the advisory nature of the referendum means that while it reflects public opinion, it does not impose any mandatory legal changes, which could raise questions about its effectiveness in altering current cannabis laws.