Our state lawmakers are considering measures to make vaping less attractive to young people and to reduce the blood alcohol level at which a person is considered intoxicated.

These are solid initiatives that promise public health and safety improvements. The same cannot be said of Senate Bill 686 and House Bill 708, which would legalize recreational use of cannabis in Hawaii.

Do the people of Hawaii need another legal mind-altering substance? We already have alcohol, the negative impact of which is repeatedly seen in auto accidents, domestic violence, and as a contributor to financial difficulties.

Where is the wisdom in legalizing another mind-altering substance to collect more tax revenues? Aren’t our lawmakers supposed to be enacting laws for the public good? How does recreational cannabis use help society?

While added tax revenue from a new source has positive implications, lawmakers cannot turn a blind eye to the negative impacts and problems that legalization will bring. We need our elected representatives to show leadership and do what is right for the people of Hawaii, not jump on the pakalolo bandwagon.

Douglas Rinehart

Salt Lake

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