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Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 30 Mar 2013 – A federal judge denied defense requests Friday to dismiss the marijuana case against Hawaii island cannabis advocate Roger Christie, clearing the way for his trial in July. U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi issued an order saying the dismissal and other defense requests were denied. A more detailed order will come later, she said.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 28 Mar 2013 – Law enforcement officers joined community groups and individuals at a rally at the state Capitol on Wednesday to show their opposition to a bill that would decriminalize possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana. Senate Bill 472 has won approval from the state Senate and is making its way through the House. April 8 is the deadline for a vote on final passage in the House.

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Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 23 Mar 2013 – I understand the governor and Senate are pushing a bill for the decriminalization of marijuana. Our police who deal daily with the devastating effects of drug use in our community have testified against the bill’s passage.

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Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 23 Mar 2013 – All eyes are on Colorado and Washington state as Hawaii and other states consider if and when to similarly legalize marijuana. But until more clarity emerges on conflicting federal-state policies, Hawaii can take some logical steps by transferring the medical marijuana program to the Health Department and decriminalizing possession of small amounts for recreational use. Starting with California in 1996, Hawaii is among 18 states and the District of Columbia that allow marijuana to be used for medical purposes, which has proven effective. The program in Hawaii has been administered by the state Department of Public Safety but should have been transferred long ago to the Department of Health, where it belongs.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 20 Mar 2013 – People younger than 18 wouldn’t face penalties under a Senate bill headed for a vote by the House that would decriminalize the use of small amounts of marijuana and set a $100 civil fine, Honolulu police say. Maj. Jerry Inouye, head of HPD’s Narcotics and Vice Division, said, "There are no provisions for penalties for juveniles under the age of 18."

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 20 Mar 2013 – Roger Christie is accused of running a marijuana distribution business through his church in Hilo. His THC Ministry has long claimed marijuana as a religious sacrament and the use of it protected under the right to freedom of religion. The federal prosecution argues that the THC Ministry is a front for illegal marijuana distribution. In its motion to deny bail, it presented evidence it says supports this allegation. However, this should not be relevant to a bail hearing. Whether the defendant has committed a crime or not is a decision to be made by a jury in a public trial, not by a judge in a bail hearing. Since July 2010, Christie has been denied bail and remains behind bars awaiting trial.

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