State of Hawaii Archives: on Civil Rights

Andria Tupola: Include gender identity in anti-discrimination laws

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Hawaii's anti-discrimination laws?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support greater efforts by Hawaii state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?

A: Yes.

Ron Curtis: Americans are equally entitled to Constitutional rights

The security and protections guaranteed to every American under our Constitution must apply equally to all. Each individual has the opportunity to achieve, without any guarantee for a particular outcome.

Andria Tupola: Give same rights to American Samoans living here

John Carroll: Inclusive legislation to banish racism and intolerance

A: I don't think the bridge has ever been built. Since before the days of Dr. Martin Luther King, the "bridge" has been under constant construction, and it is far from nearing completion. As a U.S. Senator I will do everything possible to bring to Washington the values of aloha (love), laulima (cooperation), ho'ihi (respect), and kuleana (responsibility and accountability). Values that have guided my long career as an attorney, politician, pilot & businessman--values that got me re-elected to state office. As a US senator I would vote for and propose inclusive legislation that will ensure the evils of racism, intolerance and bigotry never have a place in America again. Most importantly, I would work every day to build that bridge between two parties who fundamentally want the same thing: A better America. Our country may be torn apart--often down party lines--but it is not too late to start working together.

Bob McDermott: Amendment for marriage only by opposite-sex couples

Another would redefine the term 'place of public accommodation' to allow any religiously-affiliated organization--including hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, hospitals, retail stores, even mortuaries--to deny services to LGBT people. Neither bill has a single co-sponsor.

McDermott is leading opposition to a bill to ban public school teachers from promoting 'gay conversion therapy,' a practice discredited by all leading national medical and psychological authorities because it is ineffective, risky, and can be harmful.

David Ige: Follow the lessons offered by our host culture

Their voyage banner, Malama Honua, means "to care for our earth." Living on an island, we know better than most that the limited resources of this planet must be protected if we are to thrive as a species. That is the lesson offered by our host culture. It is their gift to all of us.

Mark Takai: Support ENDA; oppose DOMA; yes to LGBT marriage

I will also support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in Congress. No one deserves to be fired because of his or her sexual orientation.

Cam Cavasso: Government shouldn't redefine marriage

Cavasso: Strongly Agree.

Eddie Pirkowski: Government shouldn't redefine marriage

Pirkowski: Strongly Agree

David Ige: Civil unions ok; gay marriage not ok

A: Yes.

Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?

A: Yes.

John Carroll: Opposes same-sex marriage, but 14th Amendment trumps that

A: No. I think the 14th Amendment trumps whatever feelings I have on the subject. A number of states have passed same sex marriage laws including Hawaii.

Duke Aiona: No same-sex marriage; no civil unions

A: Yes.

Q: Should Hawaii allow same-sex couples to form civil unions?

A: No.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Hawaii's anti-discrimination laws?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Hawaii's anti-discrimination laws?

A: Yes.

Aiona adds, "I believe each state needs to handle the issue in accordance with the will of its people. In Hawai'i, I believe the will of the people has been clear on the issue of same-sex marriage and civil unions, as demonstrated by election vote in 1998 and public opposition in 2009. The wonderful thing about our system of government is that we encourage dialogue from all parties, regardless of the size of their constituency. Thus, it is commendable and admirable when people make their beliefs known in a respectful way in an effort engender the type of change they seek. "

Duke Aiona: Supports affirmative action

A: Yes.

Linda Lingle: Civil unions are same-sex marriage by another name

However, I want to be clear that my personal opinion is not the basis for my decision against allowing this legislation to become law. Neither is my veto based on my religious beliefs or on the political impact it might have on me or anyone else of either political party in some future election.

I am vetoing this bill because I have become convinced that this issue is of such significant societal importance that it deserves to be decided directly by all the people of Hawaii. It would be a mistake to allow a decision of this magnitude to be made by one individual or a small group of elected officials.

Linda Lingle: Vetoed civil unions for couples who cannot marry

Honolulu Star-Advertiser summary:Civil unions accords legal rights to couples whom federal law bars from marriage, a status that comes with federal rights and social conventions as well. It's a matter of basic fairness, ensuring that the state gives couples a clear path to services and protections that otherwise can elude them..

Veto Message: It is essentially marriage by another name. I have been consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage, but my personal opinion is not the basis for my decision. This decision is of such societal significance that the people of Hawaii deserve the right to directly decide whether the changes contemplated by House Bill No. 444 should become law.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-7-0 on Jan/22/10; Passed House 31-20-0 on Apr/29/10; Vetoed by Gov. Lingle on Jul/6/10

Charles Djou: Supports traditional marriage but also domestic partnerships

A: I support traditional marriage. Marriage has both religious and civil implications. Marriage is undeniably a religious institution, in which a personal relationship between individuals is instituted and celebrated according to their religious beliefs. In addition, government has long conferred legal benefits and protections on married couples. In other words, marriage is also a public institution. This public institution has historically been limited to men and women, even where other relationships were respected. I support the continued restriction of marriage to an institution between men and women. This does not suggest that society should deny gays and lesbians the legal benefits of marriage. On the contrary, I support domestic partnerships. Domestic partnerships afford the same legal benefits of marriage while preserving the sanctity of the marital institution.

Colleen Hanabusa: Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry

Honolulu Star-Advertiser summary:Civil unions accords legal rights to couples whom federal law bars from marriage, a status that comes with federal rights and social conventions as well. It's a matter of basic fairness, ensuring that the state gives couples a clear path to services and protections that otherwise can elude them..

Veto Message: It is essentially marriage by another name. I have been consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage, but my personal opinion is not the basis for my decision. This decision is of such societal significance that the people of Hawaii deserve the right to directly decide whether the changes contemplated by HB 444 should become law.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-7-0 on 1/22/10; Sen. Colleen Hanabusa voted YES; Passed House 31-20-0 on 4/29; Vetoed by Gov. Lingle on 6/6.

Colleen Hanabusa: Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry

Honolulu Star-Advertiser summary:Civil unions accords legal rights to couples whom federal law bars from marriage, a status that comes with federal rights and social conventions as well. It's a matter of basic fairness, ensuring that the state gives couples a clear path to services and protections that otherwise can elude them..

Veto Message: It is essentially marriage by another name. I have been consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage, but my personal opinion is not the basis for my decision. This decision is of such societal significance that the people deserve the right to directly decide whether the changes contemplated by HB 444 should become law.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-7-0 on 1/22/10; Passed House 31-20-0 on 4/29; Rep. Cynthia Thielen co-sponsored and voted YES; Vetoed on 6/6.

David Ige: Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry

Honolulu Star-Advertiser summary:Civil unions accords legal rights to couples whom federal law bars from marriage, a status that comes with federal rights and social conventions as well. It's a matter of basic fairness, ensuring that the state gives couples a clear path to services and protections that otherwise can elude them..

Veto Message: It is essentially marriage by another name. I have been consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage, but my personal opinion is not the basis for my decision. This decision is of such societal significance that the people of Hawaii deserve the right to directly decide whether the changes contemplated by HB 444 should become law.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 18-7-0 on 1/22/10; Sen. David Ige voted YES; Passed House 31-20-0 on 4/29; Vetoed by Gov. Lingle on 6/6.

Daniel Akaka: Opposed the Patriot Act renewal on civil liberty grounds

Ed Case: Supported Patriot Act to provide law enforcement tools

Cam Cavasso: PATRIOT Act does not go too far

A: No

Benjamin Cayetano: Defend native Hawaiian Homelands project

Charles Djou: No affirmative action

Djou indicated support for the following principles concerning employment:
• Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
• Q: Which of the following state agencies should take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?College and university admissions
  A: No.
• Q: Public employment?
  A: No.
• Q: State contracting?
  A: No.