HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

421

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to an advisory referendum on cannabis in hawaii.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that a true democracy in Hawaii demands fuller participation by its citizens in matters that affect all residents of the State.  One avenue through which voters may more fully participate is through an advisory referendum.

     The legislature finds that it is appropriate for the public to make its views on the issue of whether the State should legalize recreational cannabis known through a non-binding referendum.  Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require a non-binding referendum regarding the question of whether to allow the sale and use of recreational cannabis in the State.

     SECTION 2.  At the general election of 2022, there shall be an advisory referendum on whether the electorate wishes the State to legalize the sale and use of recreational cannabis in the State.  The chief election officer of the State shall submit a proposal to the electorate with instructions in the form of the following question:

"Shall the State of Hawaii allow the sale and use of recreational cannabis in the State?"

     The chief election officer shall publish a notice of the advisory referendum question and descriptive information regarding the sale and use of recreational cannabis in the State in a newspaper of general circulation in the State at least thirty days before the date of the advisory referendum.  The notice of the advisory referendum shall also be available at all public libraries in the State and the office of the county clerk of each county.

     The question shall be printed on the ballot and the question shall have a designated space to mark YES or NO.  The chief election officer shall report the results of the advisory referendum to the legislature no less than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2023 regular session.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Cannabis; Legalization; Advisory Referendum

 

Description:

Requires an advisory referendum consisting of a question to be placed on the ballot for the general election of 2022 on whether the electorate wishes the State to legalize the sale and use of recreational cannabis in Hawaii.

 

 

 

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