House Leadership issue statements regarding SB3335
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – House Committee on Finance Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12, Upcountry Maui) issued the following statement:
“The path to legalizing adult-use cannabis has been a deeply divisive issue. This year marked its furthest progression, with SB3335 narrowly passing its second reading. Due to numerous concerns regarding the implementation of the bill, the House has decided against further deliberation in the House Finance Committee. This decision is strengthened by the prevailing 'no' votes from committee members expressed on the House floor.
During an abnormally fiscally challenging year, the committee must prioritize addressing wildfire-related expenses after the August 8 tragedy in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui. Ensuring the recovery of our communities continues to come at an extraordinary cost to the state budget, and the full cost of implementing the legalization of adult-use cannabis is unknown. As lawmakers, it would be remiss of us not to allocate funding to safeguard critical government services, including education, infrastructure, roads, and other essential services for Hawaiʻi's residents and kūpuna, especially during a period of fiscal uncertainty.
We recognize that now is not the opportune time for its implementation, as we navigate the challenges of managing the largest wildfire recovery efforts in Hawaiʻi’s history.”
House Speaker Scott K. Saiki (D-25, Ala Moana, Kaka‘ako, Downtown) issued the following statement:
“In hearing the overwhelming testimony and serious concerns from members of Hawaiʻi’s law enforcement industry, this bill requires further consideration of the impact legislation will have on our children, economy, and overall well-being.”
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Cathy S . Lee
Director of Communications
House Communications