Bill > HB217

This bill modifies Hawaii's marijuana and drug paraphernalia laws to reduce penalties for certain marijuana-related offenses. It creates a new offense called "promoting a harmful drug in the fifth degree" which applies to possessing small amounts of marijuana concentrate or marijuana-infused products (defined as products containing or derived from marijuana), or transferring such products to people 21 and older without payment. These offenses would be considered violations punishable by a $25 fine, with the option to perform two hours of community service instead. The bill also exempts drug paraphernalia used specifically for marijuana from existing prohibited uses, changes the definition of marijuana possession in various degrees of drug promotion offenses, and makes smoking marijuana in a public place a violation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a transfer of marijuana is considered for remuneration if it is given away during another transaction, advertised with other goods or services, or contingent on a separate transaction. The overall intent appears to be decriminalizing small-scale marijuana possession and use while maintaining restrictions on public consumption and distribution.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=217&year=2026