DECRIMINALIZE DOPE

The greater majority of Big Island residents consumes pakalolo for
recreational or medicinal purposes, or openly supports
decriminalization. Now would be an excellent time to let our
representatives know where we stand on the decriminalization bill, SB
1460, which will reduce penalties for an ounce or less to a civil
fine. It has passed the Senate but is having a difficult time in the
House.

The reason is that Rep. Ryan Yamane, chairman of the Health Committee,
and Henry Aquino, chairman of Public Safety and Military Affairs, are
not scheduling hearings for SB1460. The bill will die unless we tell
them we want a hearing. Go to http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov to phone
or email them. Time is short.

The climate for decriminalization is perfect given our dire economic
times. The state cannot continue to afford $6.2 million each year to
enforce and prosecute cannabis possession laws.

Here on the Big Island, there are about 300 arrests yearly for
possession of an ounce or less. Decriminalization would have allowed
those 300 residents to pay a civil fine rather than having to show up
in court with a lawyer.

Decriminalization will unclog the courts, allow police more time and
resources to focus on serious and violent crimes, and save precious
taxpayer dollars.

And, for the nonviolent personal use offender, it means not having a
police record, keeping that job, allowing a student to apply for
college loans, being able to obtain housing or not losing the housing
you're in, and maintaining one's self esteem.

After all, is it the goal of our government to handicap its citizens
by punishing them severely?

The benefits of decriminalization far outweigh criminal treatment.
Let's make Hawaii the 14th state to decriminalize small amounts of
cannabis.

Andrea Tischler

Hilo