04-06-2010, 08:56 AM
quote:
Originally posted by jade
Aloha James and Loren,
Where do you stand on legalizing marijuana?
"legalizing" in contrast to "decriminalizing", right?
My view on this is in part shaped by my having grown up on a tobacco farm in a time when tobacco was "legalized" but could only be produced in limited quantities ('quota') with crop area measured every year by the U.S. government, and the product was marketed under a highly regulated U.S. government program. And this happened to be in a part of the country where whiskey making, in times of prohibition and not, illegal and not, is a tradition.
As a citizen, I reckon it is way past time to stop prohibition. It wastes money and lives and achieves no useful purpose. There are lots of ideas afloat about taxes and dispensaries and growing.
What will work best? That needs discovery and the sooner the better.
In the meantime, it is long over due to recognize that current law and policy is a disaster and the dialogue and action must begin to move away from this disaster.
As a candidate for Hawaii County Council, I recognize that the County government has no jurisdictional authority over "legalizing" cannabis. That does not mean that the Hawaii County Council has no role in moving our local community away from the current disastrous law and policy situation.
A critical role for the Hawaii County Council is provided for in implementation of Hawaii County's ‘Lowest Law Enforcement Priority of Cannabis Ordinance’.
As a Council member, my position will be to proceed with implementation of this ordinance as approved by the voters.
As required by the ordinance...
In the budget process I will ensure there is no funding appropriation inconsistent with the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority policy; and,
Also, as required by the ordinance...
I will introduce community oversight legislation to:
i.provide procedures for the Council, Police Chief, and Police Commission to receive grievances regarding violation of the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority policy; and
ii.establish reporting on implementation of the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority policy.
James Weatherford, Ph.D.
15-1888 Hialoa
Hawaiian Paradise Park