Hawaii state Rep. David Tarnas plans to introduce a bill that would place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults.
Tarnas, who represents Hawi, Waimea, and Waikoloa, chairs the House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and has long supported legal cannabis use. The Hawaii Legislature reconvenes next week.
“I intend to protect public safety, consumer safety, and promote education so adults use cannabis responsibly,” Tarnas said. He has continued to study outcomes in other states with legal marijuana since the 2025 legislative session ended in May.
In 2024, a marijuana decriminalization bill advanced to the full Senate but was ultimately rejected.
For the proposed constitutional amendment to appear on the ballot, two-thirds of the 76-member Legislature must approve it. If it proceeds to voters, it would need a majority of all ballots cast, with blank votes counted as “no” under state law.
Supporters of legalization cite potential benefits including increased tax revenue, regulated product safety, and reduced criminal enforcement. Nikos Leverenz, board president of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, said it is time to move away from prohibition.
“It’s time for us to move toward regulation, consumer safety, education, and treatment,” Leverenz said.
Leverenz also said older adults may benefit from cannabis as an alternative to opioids or alcohol. He cited tax revenue gains in New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado as examples of possible economic benefits for Hawaii.
Opponents include the Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutor Steve Alm said legalization would negatively affect Hawaii, particularly families.
“The marijuana of yesteryear that was 3 or 4% THC is nothing like today’s product,” Alm said, referring to concentrates with higher potency. He also expressed concern about potential harm to residents and tourists, and addiction.
“Legislators, like doctors, I think their first guiding principle should be ‘do no harm,’” he said. “If the tax money we’re making is from daily smokers, the addicts, then we’re really in the addiction-for-profit business.”
Residents and visitors interviewed in Waikiki last week expressed support for legalization. Kelii Heunekeka‘eo, a 45-year-old Kahaluu resident, said marijuana should be legal like alcohol and could provide economic opportunities for local farmers.
Echo Virden, 46, from Oregon, said legalization could support Hawaii’s tourism industry and generate tax revenue for public services.
Starr Yoza, a 61-year-old dental hygienist from Kapahulu, supported regulated access as an alternative to the black market. She cited concerns over tainted cannabis products, noting a friend’s family member died from fentanyl contamination.
The Hawaii Legislature will begin its 2026 session on Jan. 21.
