Hawai`i is probably the most tourism-dependent state in the nation. So, Hawai`i government officials generally care about the state's image as perceived by non-residents more than their counterparts in other states - especially now that tourism is in decline.
So I'm asking non-residents to take a few minutes this week to help pass legislation (HB 444, HD 1) to establish civil unions in Hawai`i. Use your power as a potential visitor to encourage the state's legislators to do the right thing.
Please follow me below for the details. But before you do, please visit, bookmark, and register with the website of Family Equality Coalition. This organization - led by Alan Spector & Paul Gracie - is spearheading the efforts to pass this legislation.
The civil unions legislation easily passed the state House of Representatives, as I recently noted.
But then it was sent to the Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee. Strangely, half of the committee is comprised of three of the most anti-gay legislators in the state. So, after the longest committee hearing in Hawai`i history last month, the bill failed to pass out of committee, based on a deadlocked 3-3 vote.
The good news is that the Senate can pull the bill out of committee. All it takes is nine senators making the request. That shouldn't be difficult considering that 23 of the 25 senators are Democrats. And if that happens, passage seems likely. Senate Majority Leader (and Kossack) Gary Hooser has said there are at least 13 votes for the bill. But some senators are wavering, raising unspecified concerns about "the process."
So, it's time to call and e-mail Hawai`i's senators, please.
With one click, you can reach all 25 senators:
sens@Capitol.hawaii.gov
If you'd prefer to contacts senators directly, here's their contact information:
http://capitol.hawaii.gov/...
Here are some talking points I'd recommend that you consider:
- Please move HB 444, HD 1 to the Senate floor for an up-or-down vote.
- Enactment of civil unions in Hawai`i would increase your admiration for Hawai`i and make it more likely that you would visit the state in the near future.
- Support for civil unions has been part of the state Democratic Party's platform for many years.
- The time to act is now. The 2009 legislative session will be over soon, and there's little chance that such a controversial measure would pass next year because it's an election year.
- Hawai`i has long prided itself on its multiculturalism, diversity, and tolerance. This bill falls within that tradition.
To make things even easier, Family Equality Coalition can deliver your message for you:
Tell The Senate To Support The Civil Unions Bill!
Civil rights should never take a backseat to economic concerns. But Hawai`i is facing its worst economic crisis since statehood, and a leading (generally progressive) columnist has criticized the legislature for even considering civil unions at this time. So, I think the economic angle might be persuasive. But of course you should say whatever you think is appropriate.
Mahalo!