Hawaii’s full House of Representatives has advanced a bill to decriminalize marijuana through its second reading; the measure has already been approved through the state’s full Senate.
Senate Bill 2487 would decriminalize the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for everyone 21 and older, while reducing the penalty for possessing one to two ounces.
Last month Senate Bill 2487 was passed through the Senate with overwhelming support, the vote being 24 to 1. Today, the proposal was passed through its second reading in the House, with a third and final reading expected next week. If the House does pass the measure through its final reading, as is expected, it will be sent to Governor Josh Green.
Under current law possessing up to three grams of marijuana is decriminalized, punishable by a maximum fine of up to $130. Possessing more than three grams but no more than an ounce is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail. Possessing over an ounce is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail.
Senate Bill 2487 would increase the possession limit for marijuana decriminalized from three grams, to one ounce (28 grams), while reducing the potential fine from $130 to $25. The measure would also reduce the penalty for possessing over one ounce but less than two ounces from a gross misdemeanor to a petty misdemeanor.
A separate measure to fully legalize marijuana was recently killed by the House Finance Committee, despite being passed by the Senate 19 to 6.
According to polling released last year, 52% of adults in Hawaii in support of legalizing marijuana, with just 31% opposed.
