October 27th 2009 at 6:30 PM in room 329 of the Hawaii State Capitol building on O’ahu, a meeting or “Talk Story” was held for the “Medical Cannabis Working Group” aka “The Task Force” the one that Governor Lingle vetoed over the 100% passed bill. Many patients and caregivers were there from O’ahu, and Brian Murphy from Maui was present. My wife and I were the only ones representing the Big Island. There was no one from Kauai. The Talk Story was brief and no doubt needs more attention to resolve the current disarray of the Hawaii Medical Cannabis Laws and the changes we face. A big Mahalo for the Medical Cannabis Working Group, in making sure this moves forward. This will come with a price, but at whose and what expense? That is the one of many questions that lingers amongst us. The fact that we were the only ones there from the Big Island, which has the highest #Medical Cannabis Patients and Caregivers, was disturbing. Policies that are being written and suggested will be for O’ahu / Maui. Brian Murphy of Maui is looking out for the patients and farmers rights, a job that has been thankless by many and deserves to be noted in his efforts to move the Medical Cannabis issues up front and dealt with. The Big Island could learn from some of his approaches and could benefit working together on furthering these issues of Medical Cannabis, as a team approach. The Big Island must have representation, or yes folks, face the inevitable bills and laws being worked on by others not hearing from us over here. Hawaii has a lot to offer in ways of growing Hemp and Cannabis for the entire Island Chain here on Hawaii for exports as well as being a major supplier to the Grocery Stores locally and nationwide for Hemp based food & clothing products that we are currently buying in most all Hawaiian grocery stores which we import from Canada. Sugar Cane is gone and so is Pineapple. Tax and regulating all Cannabis products immediately would generate over $500Million Annually in Agricultural Gross Sales revenues, creating thousands of new “green “jobs. No pun intended. The tax dollars would assist the States General Accounting Office in having more money to fund needed programs. I.e. Police, Fire, Safety, Education, Health. It is time we wake up and smell the flowers.