Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 11 Mar 2013 – Why does Hawaii have to propose the highest penalty in the country among (marijuana) decriminalized states? The main issue involving Senate Bill 472 is whether someone has to go to jail or get a ticket. A ticket would save the cost of jailing and trial costs for more than 2,000 Hawaii citizens unfortunate enough to get arrested. Without the jailing requirement, there may be more enforcement of the law and this would generate more revenues via a simple ticket.