STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1969

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.C.R. No. 51

H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 51, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR TO INITIATE A CLEMENCY PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED FOR CANNABIS-RELATED OFFENSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge the Governor to initiate a clemency program for individuals who have been prosecuted for cannabis-related offenses.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Last Prisoner Project, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i, Marijuana Policy Project, and nine individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that the war on drugs has been found to be destructive and devasting to immigrant, indigenous, and low-income individuals, families, and communities. Mass incarceration is significantly worsened by the war on drugs, which includes the criminalization of cannabis possession. The prosecution of cannabis offenses has deprived people of accessing higher education, housing, employment, individual liberty, and the right to vote. This measure requests the initiation of a clemency program for individuals who have been prosecuted for cannabis-related offenses, which will eliminate barriers for thousands of people seeking employment, housing, and educational opportunities who would have otherwise been ineligible.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 51, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair