“Rep. Tupola offers amendments to HB 2739”

News Release from Office of Rep Andria Tupols

HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI (March 6, 2018) – HB 2739 – Relating to Health, also known as the "Physician-Assisted Suicide" will be heard on the house floor to be voted on by all members for a third time. Although Representative Andria Tupola (District 43 – ʻEwa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nānākuli, Lualualei, and Māʻili) voted “no” on the measure previously, she is offering an amendment to the bill that would help satisfy its claim to be the 'strongest' legislation so far.

"There are significant weaknesses to the current safeguards for health care providers, patients, and enforcement," said Rep. Tupola. "Even though I am opposed to the underlying measure, I do not want to see legislation passed into law that could be amended to better fulfill the introducer's intent."

"We weren't ready for this legislation last year, and we are not ready for it this year," said Rep. Tupola. "I'm concerned we are rushing through important legislation so quickly to meet deadlines, but the ramifications of doing so results in sloppy work that inadvertently promotes elder abuse and permits loopholes that add to the opioid crisis sweeping our country," concluded Rep. Tupola.

PDF: Floor Amendments