The Hawaii Supreme Court judge whose 1993 opinion marked the beginning of the state's debate on gay rights will be there when the fate of the civil unions bill is decided today. Justice Steven H. Levinson was invited by the staff of Gov. Linda Lingle to attend her announcement, he told Civil Beat.
Gov. Lingle says House Bill 444 is "essentially marriage by another name." The process by which is was approved was flawed, she says, and the issue is of "such societal importance that it deserves to be decided by all the people of Hawaii."
Today, depending on what Gov. Lingle decides to do with HB 444, Hawaii will either join 10 other states and the District of Columbia in legally recognizing same-sex marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships, or remain on the side of 36 states that do not.
Kaneohe Ranch President and CEO Mitch D'Olier says there is "no connection" between his role on the Hawaii Business Roundtable's executive committee and the Hawaii Family Forum board. Both organizations want Lingle to veto House Bill 444.
Still more fallout on Hawaii Business Roundtable's opposition to House Bill 444, as another executive committee member backs away from divisive stance. Move comes less than a week before Gov. Lingle decides whether to sign controversial legislation.
Another influential member of the Hawaii Business Roundtable's executive committee backs away from asking Lingle to veto HB 444. Bank says any administrative issues arising from bill are "manageable."
Civil Beat
