‘We living in a fantasy world,’ State Senator, community members rally against Cannabis bill

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Lawmakers are getting closer to legalizing recreational marijuana in Hawaii, but one State Senator joined other community members to rally against the bill on Friday.

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Senator Kurt Fevella, District 20 – ‘Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, ‘Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, and a portion of ‘Ewa Villages, voiced his opinion on the bill that would legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21.

If passed, the bill would be taxed at 14 percent, with the revenue expected to support law enforcement, public health, education, and safety.

Rep. Cedric Gates (D) Waianae, Makaha, and the Agriculture Committee Chair believes the bill would create thousands of jobs and can bring in $80 million within the first few years.

Senator Fevella does not buy it.

“If you believe that much people going to buy legal marijuana and increase taxes and making lot of money, we living in a fantasy world,” expressed Fevella.

Fevella argued that legalizing recreational marijuana would cost the state more, and would scare away Japanese visitors from coming to the islands.

The bill was heard for the first time in the House on Wednesday, with many lawmakers believing this could be the year that it passes.

Many law enforcement agencies also oppose the bill. Governor Green is in support of the legalization, saying that he would sign the bill.

If it passes the next three hearings, recreational marijuana could become legal for people 21 and older by 2026.