HILO, Hawaii — Hawaii County police and federal authorities say they will continue enforcing marijuana laws on the Big Island despite the passage of a ballot initiative making it the lowest priority for law enforcement.
Voters approved the measure 34,957 to 25,464 in Tuesday’s election. Other cities that have previously passed “lowest priority” initiatives in recent years include Denver, Seattle and Eureka Springs, Ark., as well as the California cities of Santa Barbara, Santa Monica and Oakland.
But Hawaii County Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna said the measure is a resolution, not a law, and added: “There will be no change how we prioritize the enforcement of marijuana. The resolution does not invalidate federal law. It doesn’t legalize marijuana.”
