HI SB2418

Narrows Hawaii's drug paraphernalia law to only prohibit items used for manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, or preparing controlled substances

Removes criminal penalties for possessing paraphernalia used for personal drug use, including items for testing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or storing controlled substances

Maintains the existing $500 maximum fine for violations related to manufacturing-associated paraphernalia

Follows Minnesota's 2023 lead as part of a national trend to repeal drug paraphernalia laws, citing public health research linking such laws to opioid overdose deaths and disproportionate enforcement against people of color

Aims to support harm reduction efforts, prevent overdoses and disease transmission (HIV, hepatitis C), and reduce criminal justice involvement for individuals with behavioral health challenges