Planned Parenthood Concurrent Resolution Passes Last Committee

From Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Family Advocates, April 15, 2016

Today, (April 15, 2016) the joint House Committee of Health and Human Services passed the SCR85 SD1 celebrating the work of Planned Parenthood.  Let that sink in.  While true Health Organizations like Wahiawa General struggles to stay open, both Chambers have decided that passing a non-binding (but very public) resolution celebrating the "health services" provided by Planned Parenthood Hawai'i.  Hawaii Youth Services network, Hawaii Nurses Association OPEIU local 50, and the Women's Caucus Democratic Party of Hawaii testified in support. (Along with a few other organizations).  The Hawaii Family Forum, Hawaii Catholic Conference, PEACE Hawaii and the Hawaii Federation of Republican Women submitted testimony in opposition.  Planned Parenthood used their "PPACTION" tool to secure lots of testimony in support although we noticed that a few champions for life did not stay silent.

We commend this committee for considering this resolution in support of Planned Parenthood and its providers and patients. Its passage will demonstrate Hawaii’s high regard for women and maintain Hawaii’s status as a leader and champion of women's health and rights. - Planned Parenthood Hawaii Testimony

The vote in the committee(s) was as follows:

(House Health) Representative(s) Belatti, Creagan, Hashem, Kobayashi, Morikawa; and 4 Excused: Representative(s) Jordan, Oshiro, Fukumoto Chang, Tupola.

(House Human Services) 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Morikawa, Kobayashi, Belatti, Creagan, Hashem; Ayes with reservations: none; 3 Excused: Representative(s) Jordan, Oshiro, Fukumoto Chang.

The resolution (SCR85) will be voted on by the full House.  We will let you know when that vote is scheduled.  Please remember that a resolution is a measure expressing the will, wish, or direction of the Legislature. It does not have the effect of law.

We Can't Stop Now

Why should you invest in Hawaii Family Forum?  Here are just a few good reasons to donate today:

1. PEOPLE AT THE END OF THEIR LIFE ARE BEING TARGETED:  Compassion and Choices is targeting Hawai'i for Assisted Suicide in 2017.  On one hand, while our legislators consider a resolution "[r]equesting the prevent suicide Hawai’i task force to recommend a strategic plan to reduce suicides in Hawai’i by at least twenty-five per cent by 2025," Compassion and Choices is bragging about a 250k match-grant to make Hawai'i  the next state to allow physicians to legally kill their patients via the "choice" of suicide.  This isn't a new issue for us, we were there in in2002 and again in 2013 when the issue popped up because Compassion and Choices was misleading the community.  You don't have to just take our word for it, read what they have posted on their website about their efforts in Hawai'i.   It's time that we step about and raise our voices for life - and we need funds to do organize and educate the community!
2. RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IS BEING THREATENED:  The Human Rights Campaign has a very big voice and big money to back them up.  Issues that came up (and thankfully died) this session will be back with even more vocal power in 2017.  Check out their plans here.  If they have their way, people who have deeply held religious convictions would be confined to their church buildings or dark alleys and back rooms.  It's time we remind the legislators about all great work the faith-based community provides in Hawaii - and we need the funds to do it organize and educate the community.
3. HAWAIIS KEIKI WILL BE CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA VERSUS REREATIONAL MARIJUANA.  In the hearings for 2015, we made it very clear that we were concerned with the protection of our kids.  One of the groups who has been allowed to participate in rule making, policy development and education is NORML.  if you think that the discussion will stop now that the dispensaries are in process, think again.  Read what NORML has to say about it and how they have made Hawaii a big target with 2016 legislation.  Hawaii Family Forum has worked with government officials, leaders in education, and community leaders to raise awareness and education.  We needs funds to do organize and educate the community.

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HFF Signs National Coalition Letter

Hawaii Family Forum signed onto a national letter to congressional leaders regarding the 2017 appropriations bills.  The letter, in part, states... "[of] particular importance are riders that provide conscience protections for individuals, employers, schools, and businesses, allowing them to live and work according to their orthodox moral or religious beliefs.”  | Many of our national allies signed on as well.  Read full letter here.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, April 23rd, 9:00am - 12:00 noon

From #ProtestPP website: On April 23, #ProtestPP will conduct the first annual nationwide protest at Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide, to be held on the 4th Saturday of April every year until the abortion chain no longer preys upon our communities.  We’ll call on Congress and the States to cut off all government funding to Planned Parenthood and bring charges against all those responsible for the horrific baby parts scandal.  And we’ll demand that all charges against undercover journalist David Daleiden be dropped.  Join us April 23 as #ProtestPP marches forward!  Through public, peaceful protest at Planned Parenthood facilities, we seek to focus media attention, both locally and nationally, on the baby parts scandal, educate our communities about Planned Parenthood’s harmful impact on our society, and demand an end to funding of this controversial and corrupt organization in all state and federal programs.  We also seek to increase the ongoing pro-life presence at Planned Parenthood’s abortion facilities and referral centers throughout the country, as an essential component of the long-term effort to stop Planned Parenthood from preying on our families once and for all. 40 Days for Life is a co-sponsor of this event.  You can go to #ProtestPP.com for additional info