PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IX OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII RELATING TO RECREATIONAL CANNABIS.
Summary
HB519 proposes a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis in Hawaii for adults age 21 and older. The measure would add new constitutional language authorizing individuals in the state who are at least 21 years old to possess and use cannabis, while also expressly allowing the Legislature to regulate cannabis possession, distribution, use, and taxation through future legislation.
The bill would place the question directly before voters on the ballot, making legalization contingent on approval through the constitutional amendment process. Its stated purpose is to let Hawaii residents democratically decide whether to legalize recreational cannabis, reflecting the bill’s framing of the issue as a significant policy choice best resolved by the electorate rather than solely by lawmakers.
Impact
If approved, HB519 would amend the Hawaii Constitution and create a new constitutional basis for adult recreational cannabis use in the state. It would not itself create a full regulatory system, but it would authorize the Legislature to enact laws governing possession, distribution, use, and taxation of cannabis, potentially affecting criminal law, public health regulation, licensing, and state revenue policy. The bill would also shift Hawaii’s legal framework from prohibition toward constitutionally protected adult use, subject to legislative regulation.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated tone is supportive of giving voters the chance to decide on legalization, and the legislative findings describe recreational cannabis as a contentious issue that should be resolved democratically. No committee transcript or recorded votes were provided, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate broader support or opposition beyond the bill’s own framing. Based on the text, the measure is presented as a policy proposal rather than a compromise bill, with an emphasis on voter choice and legislative flexibility.
Contention
The main point of contention is the legalization of recreational cannabis itself, which the bill acknowledges is controversial. Supporters would likely favor adult access, voter decision-making, and the ability to regulate and tax cannabis, while opponents would likely object to legalization on public health, safety, or moral grounds. Because the bill is a constitutional amendment, another likely issue is whether such a major policy change should be embedded in the constitution rather than handled through ordinary statute.
Proposing Amendments To Article X, Section 2 And Article Xviii, Section 12, Of The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Establish Local Elected School Boards.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.