SB 2418 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.

SB 2418 would repeal the existing prohibition on drug paraphernalia under the state's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This change would remove the ban on items like pipes, bongs, or other equipment typically used for drug consumption from the law. The bill directly affects individuals who might otherwise face legal consequences for possessing such items under current law. The key mechanism is the direct removal of this specific prohibition from the legal code.

Issues: ✓ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Apr 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Last action Apr 27, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

SB2418_HD2 → SB2418_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill fundamentally rewrites Hawaii's drug paraphernalia laws to decriminalize most items used for personal drug consumption, such as syringes, pipes, and spoons. The primary goal is to reduce harm, lower barriers to syringe exchange programs, and prevent law enforcement from criminalizing individuals seeking medical help for overdoses. By removing these items from the definition of illegal paraphernalia, the state aims to shift focus from punishment to public health and addiction treatment.

Scope change

The bill significantly narrows the scope of prohibited items, restricting the law to only ban equipment used for manufacturing or processing controlled substances, while explicitly exempting items used for planting, growing, or consuming drugs.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'drug paraphernalia' was altered to remove items used for planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, testing, analyzing, packing, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, or inhaling controlled substances.

ENFORCEMENT

The criminal penalties for possessing or delivering drug paraphernalia were reduced from felonies to minor offenses punishable only by a fine of up to $500.

ELIGIBILITY

The law now explicitly excludes syringe exchange participants and program staff from criminal liability when possessing needles or syringes during official duties.

REQUIREMENT

The bill clarifies that seeking medical assistance for an overdose does not lead to arrest or penalties for possessing controlled substances or paraphernalia involved in the incident.

TIMELINE

The effective date of the bill was changed from a distant future date (July 1, 3000) to immediately upon legislative approval.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 16, 2026

Amended

Senate disagrees with House amendments.

upper

Apr 16, 2026

Introduced

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 657).

upper

Apr 14, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Souza voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Hussey, Kila, Kong, Matsumoto, Muraoka, Olds, Pierick, Shimizu voting no (12) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate.

lower

Apr 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Kahaloa, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: none; 3 Noes: Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Shimizu; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Hashem, Sayama.

lower

Mar 30, 2026

Committee

Reported from HLT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1504-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA.

lower

Mar 25, 2026

Lower · Passed

The committee on HLT recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Takayama, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Amato, Hartsfield, Marten, Takenouchi; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Olds; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia; and Excused: none.

lower

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to HLT, JHA, referral sheet 17

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 235) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 21; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 3 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte, Fevella). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Lee, C.). Transmitted to House.

upper

Mar 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Feb 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, San Buenaventura; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang.

upper

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 02-13-26 9:00AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Committee

Re-Referred to JDC.

upper

Jan 28, 2026

Committee

Referred to HHS, JDC.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 20, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors