Voice of Stephanie Salazar
Some local Puna residents are suing Hawaii County over its alleged failure to follow the voter initiative making adult personal use of marijuana the “lowest law enforcement priority” on the Big Island.
Resident Michael Ruggles hinted at the lawsuit last week during a public hearing on the budget, when marijuana supporters blasted what they say is the misuse of tax dollars in prosecuting pakalolo users.
On Tuesday, The Hawaii tribune Herald confirmed the lawsuit had been filed.
Many of the eight plaintiffs are no stranger to the legal entanglements of marijuana use on the island. Ruggles, the Rev. Nancy Harris, Kenneth Miyamoto-Slaughter, David and Wendy Tatum, George “Greywolf” Klare, Barbara Jean Lang and Robert S. Murray are seeking $5 million in punitive damages.
