Hawaii 24/7

Gov. Abercrombie: ‘This significant piece of legislation is a clear example of people exercising courage, determination and patient perseverance.’

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE The state House of Representatives voted late Friday to pass SB1 HD1, relating to equal rights, on third reading. The measure was approved by a vote of 30 to 19, with two members excused. The House draft includes amendments, modeled after similar language in Connecticut law, significantly broadening exemptions for religious organizations and […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE Floor session to be aired live on community television and streamed online WHO: Hawaii House of Representatives WHAT: State House Floor Session for third reading vote on SB1 HD1. SB1 HD1 recognizes marriages between individuals of the same gender. In addition, the measure extends to same-sex couples the same rights, benefits, protections, and […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE The state House of Representatives voted Wednesday to pass SB1 HD1, relating to equal rights, with amendments on second reading. The measure was approved by a vote of 30 to 18, with three member excused. SB1 HD1 recognizes marriages between individuals of the same gender. In addition, the measure extends to same-sex couples […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE After five days and nearly 57 hours of testimony, the House Judiciary and Finance Committees passed SB1 HD1, relating to equal rights, out of committee with amendments broadening exemptions for religious organizations and those performing solemnizations. The measure was approved Tuesday by the Judiciary and Finance Committees in a vote of 18 to […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE To accommodate the expected high numbers of people wishing to testify on SB1 and to allow testifiers to plan their time accordingly, the House Judiciary and Finance Committees plan to begin the public hearing at 10 a.m. and end at midnight. At that time if there are people who signed up to testify […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE The Senate Committee on Judiciary and Labor holds hearing on Senate Bill (SB) 1, Relating to Equal Rights, at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28 at the State Capitol Auditorium. The hearing will follow the convening of the Second Special Session of 2013 called by Governor Neil Abercrombie. “Listening to public input, we’ve strived […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE The U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in the two same-sex marriage cases have substantially increased the short-term and medium-term benefits that could accrue to Hawaii if the state Legislature enacts legislation allowing same-sex marriages to begin in Fall 2013 or early in 2014. The UH Economic Research Organization released this info: The U.S. Supreme […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE Gov. Neil Abercrombie strongly supports the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act in United States v. Windsor, which will now afford full federal rights to all couples married in states that allow same sex marriage. Abercrombie said: “In Hawaii, we believe in fairness, justice and […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE Sen. Brian Schatz has released the following statement as the Supreme Court hears arguments to determine the constitutionality of Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court will also hear a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage between a man and a woman, thereby denying federal […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE Gov. Neil Abercrombie in 2011 signed into law civil unions, which represented Hawaii’s diversity, protected people’s privacy, and reinforced our core values of equality and aloha. In 2012, a lawsuit was filed against Abercrombie in his official capacity claiming discrimination for failing to allow same sex couples to marry. The governor has declined […]

Read the full story

MEDIA RELEASE A U.S. District Court judge Wednesday upheld Hawaii law banning same-sex marriages. Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who contended that the law violated the Constitution, released the following statement: “I respectfully disagree and will join the plaintiffs if they appeal this decision. To refuse individuals the right to marry on the basis of sexual orientation […]

Read the full story

I congratulate the President for taking a strong stand on marriage equality for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation. I understand his journey, and stand with him on this issue. This is why in Congress I will work for the repeal of DOMA and support and co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act.

Read the full story

Today, in an interview with ABC News, President Obama said, “I think same sex couples should be able to get married.” Also responses to the President from Senators Akaka and Inouye.

Read the full story