Considering that 20 out of 24 Hawaii state senators have co-sponsored the bill, it's probably safe to say that this bill will see a vote this year.
(h/t to drcnet.org)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/...
Remember, Hawaii is a state that has been devastated by the crystal meth epidemic, and not too long ago turned down drug interdiction dollars aimed at escalating the marijuana war in Hawaii. So, when it comes to progressive thinking on this issue, Hawaii is certainly not devoid of that.
For the non-connoisseurs out there, Hawaii has contributed various sativa-dominant landrace strains to the marijuana cornucopia. Hawaiian pot strains are highly prized by distributors and consumers, and in a taxed and regulated market would bring an influx of cash into the state economy.
Some excerpts from the article:
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana would be considered a civil violation similar to a traffic ticket and subject to a fine of $100 under the bill.
This is identical to what California did in 2010, and went into effect on Jan 1st, 2011. So far, I haven't heard anyone complain about the new rules, though surely the haters are out there somewhere. In the Western U.S. decrim is mainstream, and re-legalization polls at 45-50% across the region. Washington, California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado are just a few of the states where this has been a winning ballot issue.
Other states, such as Massachusetts, are looking at decrim or similar measures. Alcohol Prohibition didn't end until individual states changed their own laws and called for federal reform, and it's likely the same will ultimately be true and necessary for cannabis reform.
More:
"The Legislature finds that certain state policies should be revised in response to our current economic climate," the preamble to the bill states. "The Legislature finds that in Hawaii, as in these other areas, the benefits of establishing a civil violation for the possession of small amounts of marijuana far outweigh the benefits of the current criminal treatment of this offense."
Similar laws are on the books in 18 states, either statewide or at municipal levels, with studies indicating that those jurisdictions "have not suffered negative consequences," the bill states.
The measure is scheduled to be discussed at 3 p.m. by a joint hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Labor and Health committees.
Treating simple possession of an ounce or less of marijuana as a civil matter would free clerks, judges and other court officers for more pressing matters, said Sen. Clayton Hee, Judiciary chairman.
"We're looking at what ultimately, the data shows, has ended up as a fine anyway, not jail time," said Hee (D, Kahuku-Kaneohe). "Courts have indicated that to get to a fine, in terms of personnel costs to the Judiciary, costs more than the fine itself.
Arizona has asimilar bill introducedby a Republican. It remains to be seen if that bill has a chance to move forward, but Governor-of-Racism Brewer is in office.