GROUP FORMS MARIJUANA TASK FORCE

Advocates, physicians, patients and drug policy organizations are
forming their own marijuana study group to do the work of a
government task force that was supposed to appointed by the governor.

The "working group" plans to meet over the next few months "to
attempt to put together some suggestions and recommendations for the
Legislature and maybe for our federal government, as well," said Sen.
Will Espero.

Espero (D, Ewa-Honouliuli-Ewa Beach) and medical marijuana advocates
held a news conference at the state Capitol Friday to announce their
intentions.

Senate Bill 1058, approved last session, mandated Gov. Linda Lingle's
administration to convene a 13-member task force to study law
enforcement issues and obstacles encountered by patients in obtaining
medicinal marijuana under state law. But the Lingle administration is
refusing to form the task force. Her administration has said the
state must prioritize its limited resources.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that the federal government
could prosecute medical marijuana users for violating federal drug
laws, despite state laws such as Hawaii's that allow its use. Earlier
this year, the Obama administration said it would not interfere with
states' medical marijuana laws.

Though Lingle vetoed the AB 1058, the veto was overridden by both the
House and Senate, making it law.

State Public Safety Director Clayton Frank said the administration
would be unable to comply with the task force mandate.

"Given the unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges, the
Department of Public Safety is prioritizing its limited resources and
focusing efforts on core functions," Frank said in a written statement.

Pam Lichty, president of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, said she
was disappointed in the governor's decision, noting that the bill did
not include any money from the Legislature.

She said the working group, with representatives from the Hawaii Drug
Policy Forum, the American Civil Liberties Union and others, will
move forward with invitations extended to state agencies to participate.