Many tourists have arrived in Honolulu or Maui with big plans to party like rock stars and surf the amazing Hawaiian waves. If law enforcement catches you with cocaine or another illegal drug, your trip will include a stay in a Hawaiian jail facing drug charges.
Even though Hawaii is known as a paradise, like every other state it has problems with drug addiction and crime. Lawmakers in the state of Hawaii have implemented strict laws targeting the use of and trafficking of controlled substances, including including cocaine.
If you’re facing criminal charges for drug possession or some other drug-related offense, you should familiarize yourself with Hawaii law. In this article, we’ll discuss Hawaii’s drug laws, including the penalties for the most common offenses. You should also contact an experienced Hawaii criminal defense attorney.
State Cocaine Laws
Hawaii’s state laws prohibit the possession, sale, and distribution of dangerous drugs. According to the DEA’s drug classification system, cocaine is a Schedule II drug. This is because of the drug’s potential for abuse and physical dependence.
Some of the other illegal drugs the Hawaii Revised Statutes prohibit include:
- Methamphetamine
- Cannabis/Marijuana/Marijuana concentrate
- Heroin/Fentanyl/Narcotic painkillers
- LSD
In March 2024, the Hawaii Senate passed a bill legalizing the recreational use of marijuana. The bill was considered a lock to become but was killed by the Hawaii House. Another bill to expand possession of less than three grams of marijuana resulting in a petty misdemeanor and fines to 15 grams died in the Senate. The drugs and substances Hawaii law prohibits are in Hawaii Rev. Stat. §329-14.
While law enforcement officers target people engaged in drug trafficking, the police can still arrest you if you only have enough drugs for personal use. One of the reasons lawmakers target drug dealers and distributors is because they know the dangerous impact drug use and substance abuse have on individuals, families, and the community.
Cocaine Statutes in Hawaii
State and federal law prohibits the possession, use, and distribution of cocaine. If the police find you under the influence of cocaine or another illicit drug, they’ll arrest you and take you to the police department for booking. They can also arrest you if they catch you with drug paraphernalia.
The only question will be what specific charges you’ll face. Even if it’s your first time facing charges for a drug offense, a conviction will result in severe penalties. The section below outlines the cocaine laws in Hawaii, including the potential jail time and fines you’ll face if the state convicts you of the offense.
Hawaii Cocaine Laws Code Sections
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Hawaii Revised Statutes
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Cocaine Possession Penalties Under Hawaii Law
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- Any amount: Class C felony (§712-1243)
- 1/8-1 oz.: Class B felony (§712-1242)
- 1 oz. or more: Class A felony (§712-1241)
- Subsequent Offenses: Class A or B felony, depending on the quantity
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Cocaine Sale and Trafficking Penalties Under Hawaii Law
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- Any amount: Class B felony (§712-1242(1)(c))
- Selling one-eighth of an ounce or more or selling any amount of cocaine to a minor: Class A felony. (§712-1241(1)(c))
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Hawaii Drug Courts
There’s a growing trend in this country to offer first- and second-time drug offenders an alternative to jail. Hawaii has a drug court program that helps nonviolent offenders get treatment and stay out of prison. The court first began in Oahu and has spread to all jurisdictions in the state.
Officials say this nontraditional way of rehabilitating addicts is making a dent in drug use and criminal drug convictions. The Hawaii Drug Court Program on Oahu has enjoyed a low recidivism rate of just five percent.
Issues With Hawaii Cocaine Laws? Talk to an Attorney
Contact a Hawaii criminal defense attorney if you need legal advice regarding a drug matter. You can also visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more articles and information on this topic.