State of Hawaii Archives: on Civil Rights
Andria Tupola:
Give same rights to American Samoans living here
The proposed disqualification of House candidate Timoteo is raising questions about the policies that bar American Samoan citizens living in the U.S. from voting and running for office. Tupola says that Timoteo should be allowed to run.
The state says Timoteo is ineligible because as a citizen of American Samoa she's considered a U.S. national and not a U.S. citizen. "They're called American Samoans, but yet they have less rights than other American citizens," Tupola said.
Source: Hawaii News Now on 2018 Hawaii gubernatorial race
Aug 4, 2018
Andria Tupola:
Include gender identity in anti-discrimination laws
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.
Q: Do you support greater efforts by Hawaii state government in closing the pay gap between men and women?
A: Yes.
Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2018 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2018
Benjamin Cayetano:
Defend native Hawaiian Homelands project
During the past year, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands continued its unprecedented pace of building homesteads and returning Hawaiians to the land. Clouding the good work of the department, however, is the recently filed lawsuit - Barrett vs. State
of Hawaii - challenging the constitutionality of OHA and the Department. It is a broadside attack on Hawaiian programs and on our Constitution. I pledge that I will use my authority to defend and protect the rights of native Hawaiians.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to Hawaii Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Bob McDermott:
Amendment for marriage only by opposite-sex couples
Another legislative session in Hawaii, another season of Bob McDermott exposing himself and his sexual obsessions in the public square. Among the bills he's introduced this session is a Constitutional Amendment to 'reserve marriage to opposite-sex
couples,' despite the fact that marriage equality was passed by an overwhelming majority in the Hawaii State Legislature and is now the law of the land as a result of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.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.
Source: Huffington Post on 2018 Hawaii Governor race
Feb 9, 2016
Bob McDermott:
2013: Sued to stop gay marriage going into effect in Hawaii
State Rep. Bob McDermott has filed a new motion to ask Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto to reconsider "a serious constitutional issue." Monday is the day when marriage licenses become available for same-sex couples. Sakamoto rejected
McDermott's lawsuit to stop gay marriage in Hawaii on Nov. 14, a day after the historic legislation was signed into law. The judge said the Legislature has the authority to define marriage.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Nov 27, 2013
Bob McDermott:
In Hawaii, we are all minorities to one degree or another
I think Hawaii is truly a color-blind society. The spirit of aloha and ohana [welcome and family] permeate our daily lives.
In Hawaii, we are all minorities to one degree or another. For example, my wife and I are a bi-racial couple who have been married for 35 years, with eight bi-racial children.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Senate race
Sep 26, 2020
Cam Cavasso:
PATRIOT Act does not go too far
Q: Does the patriot act go too far in restricting civil liberties?A: No
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald Election Guide Questions
Aug 22, 2004
Cam Cavasso:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Cavasso: Strongly Agree.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Hawaii Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Charles Djou:
Supports traditional marriage but also domestic partnerships
Q: What is your opinion of gay marriage, and how could that factor into your campaign?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.
Source: Jumping in Pools blog Q&A on 2014 Hawaii Governor's race
Mar 1, 2010
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.
Source: 2000 Hawaii Legislative National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Colleen Hanabusa:
Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry
HB 444: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.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.
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Hawaii voting record HB 444
Jan 22, 2010
Cynthia Thielen:
Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry
HB 444: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.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.
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Hawaii voting record HB 444
Jan 22, 2010
Daniel Akaka:
Opposed the Patriot Act renewal on civil liberty grounds
I voted aye when congress authorized the PATRIOT Act the first time. That bill granted limited powers, and I voted for it. But I opposed the second PATRIOT Act, because I felt they were being overrun by the administration. National security must be a
priority of the US government. However, civil liberties are equally important, and the reauthorized PATRIOT Act failed to provide checks against abuses against civil liberties, and the Bush administration I feel abused the PATRIOT Act.
Source: 2006 HI Senate Debate on PBS Hawaii
Aug 31, 2006
David Ige:
Civil unions ok; gay marriage not ok
Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?A: Yes.
Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?
A: Yes.
Source: Hawaii Congressional Election 2012 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
David Ige:
Follow the lessons offered by our host culture
We need to fulfill our obligations to our host culture whose sense of aloha influences everything we do. As we speak, the Hokule'a & its sister ship are sailing across the oceans to call for a more sustainable world.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.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Hawaii Legislature
Jan 26, 2015
David Ige:
Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry
HB 444: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.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.
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Hawaii voting record HB 444
Jan 22, 2010
Duke Aiona:
No same-sex marriage; no civil unions
Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?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. "
Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Duke Aiona:
Supports affirmative action
Q: Do you support the state's use of affirmative action?
A: Yes.
Source: Hawaii Gubernatorial Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Ed Case:
Supported Patriot Act to provide law enforcement tools
PATRIOT Act II was a reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act. And it was passed after a very long and very vigorous debate. It was passed with my vote. We want our law enforcement community to have the tools it needs to protect us, investigating,
surveying, wiretapping, but we want our law enforcement community to have those powers only if there's a check and balance placed on that law enforcement community against abuse, i.e. a search warrant and court supervision.
Source: 2006 HI Senate Debate on PBS Hawaii
Aug 31, 2006
Eddie Pirkowski:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Pirkowski: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Hawaii Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
John Carroll:
Opposes same-sex marriage, but 14th Amendment trumps that
Q: Do you support same-sex marriage?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.
Source: VoteSmart 2012 Hawaii Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
John Carroll:
Inclusive legislation to banish racism and intolerance
Q: The country is torn apart. What would you do to rebuild bridges?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.
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2016 Hawaii Senate race
Jul 29, 2016
Josh Green:
Create civil unions for couples who cannot marry
HB 444: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.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. Green voted YES; Passed House 31-20-0 on 4/29; Vetoed by Gov. Lingle on 6/6.
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Hawaii voting record HB 444
Jan 22, 2010
Kai Kahele:
Enshrine protections for the LGBTQ+ community into law
We must address the epidemic of violence against the trans community across the country, end conversion therapy, lift the ban on transgender service members serving in our armed forces, and stop the bullying of LGBTQ+ youth which impacts their physical
and mental health and leads to a disproportionate level of suicide and homelessness among them. Kai supports the Equality Act to enshrine protections for the LGBTQ+ community into our federal nondiscrimination laws.
Source: 2022 Hawaii Gubernatorial campaign website KaiKahele.com
May 12, 2022
Kirk Caldwell:
Stand in solidarity with Black community for social justice
[As mayor of Honolulu]: "It is important that our City sends a clear signal that we stand in solidarity with the Black community as we all work together for social justice," said Mayor Caldwell. "But it's also important that we celebrate and lift up
the contributions and achievements of Black people in Hawai'i from the time of the Hawaiian Kingdom to today. Recognizing Juneteenth is a way to do both and I'm proud of the way our community has come together and grown stronger in the face of injustice.
Source: KHON TV-2 on 2022 Hawaii Gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2020
Kirk Caldwell:
We celebrate diversity and inclusion no matter who we love
Caldwell said that Honolulu Hale will be illuminated in rainbow colors in recognition of Pride Month. "On the 50-year anniversary of the Stonewall riots, Honolulu is once again proud to light Honolulu Hale in celebration of Pride Month,"
Caldwell said in a press release. "The journey is not over, the march goes on, but we in Honolulu celebrate diversity and inclusion no matter who we love, our chosen gender, and whether we worship a creator."
Source: Honolulu Civil Beat on 2022 Hawaii Gubernatorial race
Jun 24, 2019
Linda Lingle:
Civil unions are same-sex marriage by another name
After months of listening to Hawaii's citizens express to me in writing and in person their deeply held beliefs and heartfelt reasons for supporting or opposing the Civil Unions Bill, I have made the decision to veto HB 444. I have been open and
consistent in my opposition to same gender marriage and find that HB 444 is essentially 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.
Source: 2010 Hawaii gubernatorial Press Release, "Veto HB444"
Jul 6, 2010
Linda Lingle:
Vetoed civil unions for couples who cannot marry
HB 444: Extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.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
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Hawaii voting record HB 444
Jul 6, 2010
Mark Takai:
Support ENDA; oppose DOMA; yes to LGBT marriage
"I believe all law-abiding Americans should have the same rights--period." I voted yes for marriage equality in the Hawaii State House in November because it was the right thing to do.
In Congress, I will work to ensure that the LGBT community has the same rights afforded to everyone else.
As a Lt. Colonel in the National Guard, I supported the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I was pleased when the Supreme Court ruled DOMA unconstitutional.
I think all people should be treated the same.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.
Source: 2014 Hawaii House campaign website, MarkTakai.com
Nov 4, 2014
Ron Curtis:
Americans are equally entitled to Constitutional rights
Freedom to pursue inherent American guarantees of Life and the Pursuit of Happiness. Freedom secured by the rule of law, not by arbitrary judicial or executive decrees, provides all Americans an equal choice to pursue a productive and meaningful life.
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.
Source: 2018 Hawaii Senate campaign website RonCurtis808.com
Aug 8, 2018
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023