A recent meeting to discuss the proposed introduction of a marijuana grow site in Kohala included a strong current of opposition and debate about local rule.
The meeting at the Kohala schools cafeteria drew a crowd of residents and several speakers about marijuana use and the legal structure of the dispensaries and growing locations.
“We’re talking about preventing another drug coming in,” said County Councilwoman Margaret Wille, who represents the district.
The medical marijuana dispensary law allows for two marijuana production license holders on the Big Island, with each allowed up to two production centers and two retail dispensaries. Each production center must be an enclosed indoor facility and can grow no more than 3,000 marijuana plants. The facilities also are required to maintain video surveillance, fencing, alarms and other security measures.
The law prevents the construction of the centers within 750 feet of a school, playground, public housing project or complex. They also must adhere to all county zoning rules.
It also preempts local rules and advice.
The law states no “law, county ordinance or rule shall prohibit the use of land for (licensed) medical marijuana production centers … provided that the land is otherwise zoned for agriculture, manufacturing or retail purposes.”
That clause confused Rep. Andria Tupola of West Oahu, who said she asked her colleagues why they were including such an element in the bill. She never received a clear answer.
This pulled into her criticism of the “Oahu-centric” government she sees from her position in the state House. She also is on the health committee that developed the bill.
“The Legislature is not being connected to the other branches (of government) and it’s not being connected to you,” she said.
She encouraged local activism.
The details about that still were in a nascent state, and organizers worked to draw together a community plan.
Organizer Jeffrey Coakley said altering the community development plan would be a good first step, but the rules were too restrictive for what the community needed.
“Tonight, we’re going to do all we can — have a community meeting,” he said.
He advocated for creating a community organization for the members to get together and have more influence in government. Coakley is a Vietnam veteran, and said he fought a year there to spread democracy.
He said the marijuana law and other actions by the state made him feel that his freedom of speech was being limited. He said he is “finding more and more places without a right to voice our opinions.”
County Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi of Hilo suggested altering the community development plan, noting at the same time it cannot be used to create “shall not” rules.
“We’ve gotta move so we can correct things,” he said.
“We need to have a meaningful say on this island,” Wille said.
She said she will push for amendments, statements or other legislative action to influence the state Legislature.
Tupola advanced another form of organization she’s found success with — social media. The groups there can be focused and bring forward some great ideas for her, she said.
“The best ideas are from the people in the community,” she said.
There also were presentations about the drug, how it has affected other states and law enforcement concerns by Police Chief Harry Kubojiri and Chief of the Narcotic Enforcement Division Keith Kamita.
Kamita explained the rules allow people to have extremely large amounts of THC-active materials in their homes. Kubojiri said they have seen an increase in drug-related DUI fatalities while alcohol-related road deaths have dropped.
Alan Shinn, CEO of the Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii, stressed the costs involved with gaining a license, saying it limited the program to investment firms.
“How many of you have a million dollars in the bank and can afford a $5,000 application fee and $75,000 license fee?” he asked.
Coakley asked anyone interested in helping form a community group to call him at 443-8687.
Email Graham Milldrum at gmilldrum@westhawaiitoday.com.
