STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1901

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2023

 

RE:   H.R. No. 53

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.R. No. 53 entitled:

 

"HOUSE 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 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 American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii; Aloha Green Holdings Inc; Last Prisoner Project; Hawaii Cannabis Industry Association; Marijuana Policy Project; and two individuals.  

 

     Your Committee finds that the prosecution of cannabis-related offenses has had detrimental consequences across society, and despite similar usage rates across racial groups and other communities, the prosecution and penalization of these offenses has been disproportionate and inequitable. Your Committee further finds that President Biden has pardoned thousands of persons convicted of federal charges of cannabis possession. Your Committee finds that granting clemency to those convicted of cannabis-related offenses, would facilitate social justice and reintegration for those convicted.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 53, as amended herein, and recommends its adoption in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 53, H.D. 1.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair