Hawaii Family Forum Legislative Week in Review
Weekly Recap January 11, 2019
40-70 planned suicides in 2019?
Hawaii's assisted suicide law (Our Care Our Choice) went into effect on January 1, 2019. The Hawaii State Department of Health was quoted as saying that 40-70 of Hawaii's community members will most likely avail themselves of the new law.
In an article dated January 1st, the Star Advertiser reported that Lorrin Kim, Chief of the DOH Office of Planning, Policy and Program Development, stated that they have "had three or four cold calls from interested family members with loved ones with six month or less prognoses. Those relatives were highly motivated and appear to have done their homework in studying the text of the law so we helped as much as we could." We sincerely hope that the patients are as interested as the "relatives" making the inquiries.
A few days later, on January 3rd, the Star Advertiser ran another story with another quote from Lorrin stating that the prescribed dose is "poison." She went on to say that these "are large doses of very potent drugs so [they] are still in the process of developing guidance to families and guidance to pharmacies on the proper safekeeping and storage of this medication."
Echoing our concerns during the debate they seem very concerned that the "medication" could end up in the wrong hands - namely, our keiki. She stated in the article that they want to make sure that "curious kids or other folks who may think these are opioids that maybe have some street value (don't get them)." On that point, we strongly agree.
Finally, most of the news stories rightfully report that pain is not why people choose assisted suicide. In fact, according to Oregon's 2017 public health department, the top three reasons people choose assisted suicide in the state are decreasing ability to participate in activities that made life enjoyable (88.1%), loss of autonomy (87.4%), and loss of dignity (67.1%).
Watch Bishop Larry Silva's video messages to Hawaii's Catholic Community.
From Around the Nation
Abortion Rider in Appropriations Bill
January 3, 2019 On the first day of the new congressional session, the House of Representatives passed a spending bill that includes a provision to repeal a pro-life policy. The bill was one of two appropriations bills passed on Thursday in an attempt to end the partial government shutdown.
The bill, which would resume funding for the federal government, includes language that would repeal the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance policy, which prevents non-governmental organizations from receiving U.S. health assistance funds if they either promote or provide abortions.
Both of Hawaii's congressional House members, Representative Ed Case and Representative Tulsi Gabbard voted YES on the bill.
Upcoming Events
January 13, 2019: Religious Freedom Sunday
Family Research Council is offering FREE resources and tools for Religious Freedom Sunday (January 13, 2019) . See below for Bulletin Inserts that can be printed double-sided, then cut in half for an easy, informative insert for your church.
We encourage you to check out Heritage's new landing page, What You Need to Know About Religious Freedom. There you will find information on the impact of faith-based organizations in America as well as a series of frequently asked questions about religious freedom to facilitate conversation with you and your family, friends, and colleagues.
January 22, 2019: March for Life
Please join the Hawaii March for Life which will be held at the State Capitol on Tuesday, January 22nd. The schedule is:
- 2:00 (sign waving, visit with elected officials)
- 3:30 (prayers, speakers, music)
- 5:30 (march around the block)
- 6:00 (circle of life in rotunda)
For more information call Aloha Life Advocates at (808) 722-2139
Upcoming Legislative Events
JAN 16
- OPENING DAY - Hawaii's constitution mandates that the regular legislative session starts at 10:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of January.
JAN 18
- LAST DAY TO INTRODUCE ALL NON-ADMINISTRATION BILL PACKAGES - Bills bundled together by common interest groups and accepted and labeled as a package by the clerks. You can view the various packages of legislation by clicking on the "Reports and Lists" button.
- LAST DAY FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO SUBMIT GRANT AND SUBSIDY REQUESTS - Deadline for "Grant-in-Aid" (GIA) applications. Grants may be appropriated to nonprofit and other organizations for various public purposes that are recognized as priorities and are seen as complimentary to state government functions. Applications, information, and more specifics regarding the deadline appear under here.
JAN 22
- STATE-OF-THE-STATE ADDRESS - The Governor's annual address to the assembled joint legislature. The address presents an opportunity for the Governor to report on affairs of state, and to put forth recommendations and initiatives. Many visitors come to the Capitol to hear the Governor's speech and witness the proceedings from the gallery (accessible on the ground floor/atrium level).
JAN 22
- LAST DAY TO INTRODUCE ADMINISTRATION BILL PACKAGE - This is what is known as the "Governor's Package." The bills are prepared by executive branch agencies for consideration by the legislature, and are introduced on behalf of the executive branch by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. View Governor's messages here.
JAN 24
- STATE-OF-THE-JUDICIARY ADDRESS - The Chief Justice's biannual address to the assembled joint legislature.
- LAST DAY TO INTRODUCE BILLS- A bill is "introduced" when it has been filed with the House or Senate Clerk, who gives it a number (with an HB or SB prefix) and then puts it on the calendar for First Reading by the chamber. After First Reading, it is given its committee referrals which specify which committees must hear and pass the measure for it to succeed. Only legislators may introduce bills.