Pubdate: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin Author: Craig Gima Contact: LEGISLATORS HOLD BACK BILL ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA But They Suggest a Resolution Asking Some Federal Action AIDS patient Alexander Martin did not really expect the state Legislature to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. But he is hopeful the Legislature will make a statement that marijuana should be legalized for people like him who use it to help deal with disease and the side effects of medication. "I will use whatever I need to do to fight for my life, and I believe that's true for many other people," Martin said after the House Health Committee yesterday voted to hold a bill to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. Instead, committee Chairman Alex Santiago (D. Pupukea) asked the bill's author, Rep. David Tarnas (D. South Kohala), to write a resolution asking the federal government to allow doctors to allow doctors to prescribe marijuana. Santiago was concerned about a conflict between state and federal law if the state legalized marijuana while it is still illegal under federal law. "Passing laws is not the way to do it, not at this time anyway," Santiago said. Tarnas had hoped the bill would advance since California and Arizona have legalized medical marijuana. He believes it will take some time to educate people on the issue. "It will be back on the table again next year," he promised. Sidney Hayakawa, the agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration office in Honolulu, said the Health Committee is doing the right thing in not moving the bill forward. He said there is a protocol on the federal level that may eventually allow doctors to prescribe marijuana. "We spent hours and hours debating the issue," Hayakawa said. "From the law enforcement side, we're law enforcement officials and it's our duty to enforce the law, not to make law or change law." Martin hopes the resolution will pass. "I think it's a step in the right direction," he said. Martin also noted that "Hawaii has often led the nation in health issues.