Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jan 2016
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2016 Star Advertiser
Contact: 
http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html
Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154
Author: Bill Funk
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n017/a07.html

LEGAL POT WON'T BENEFIT HAWAII

Legalizing marijuana for agriculture is a pipe dream ("Like it or 
not, legalizing pot could be boon for local ag," Star-Advertiser, 
David Shapiro, Jan. 10).

Alcohol and tobacco are not profitable in Hawaii because of the 
out-of-state competition, egregious state regulations, taxes, land, 
labor, production and transportation costs.

Marketing labels like Puna Butter, Kona Gold or Maui Wowie would not 
create cannabis agriculture. Just like Hawaiian sweet bread, 
marijuana would not be exported; it would be produced outside of Hawaii.

The ever-expanding acceptance of pot in the U.S. will doom any local industry.

No one will shop at inconveniently located, overpriced and highly 
taxed stores when they can easily get pakalolo from uncle, aunty, 
cousin or friend.

No aggregate benefits to Hawaii will materialize unless locally 
produced pot becomes a tourist attraction, which is unlikely.

Bill Funk

Mililani
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom