Big Island council rejects pot proposal

HILO, Hawaii (AP) — The Hawaii County Council has voted down a resolution urging state lawmakers to decriminalize the cultivation, possession and use of marijuana.

Council members on Friday rejected the pot proposal from North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell on a 5-2 vote, with two members absent.

In opposing the measure, Councilman Ka'u Guy Enriques said he does not want Hawaii "to be the leader in marijuana." One reason he ran for office, Enriques says, is that he disapproved of the Legislature's earlier decision to make marijuana use by adult's the lowest priority for law enforcement.

Only Greenwell and Puna Councilwoman Emily Naeole-Beason voted in favor of the resolution.