Hawaii Republican Party Statement on 2013 Special Session

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party September 9, 2013

Honolulu – The Hawaii Republican Party, in the following statement, expressed disappointment today in the governor’s decision to call a special legislative session to discuss a bill that would legalize same sex marriage.

“Although we respect the rule of law, this issue deeply divides our state and should be considered during the regular legislative session. Rather than welcoming an open dialogue, Governor Abercrombie has once again resorted to strong-arm tactics to pressure members of his own party just to advance his polarizing agenda. Our high cost of living, underfunded state pension accounts, and lack of funding for school facilities and transportation are important issues to the people of Hawaii, but the governor has never rushed to fix those issues in a special session. Ultimately, the governor is using this issue to ensure his win in the 2014 Democrat primary election and ignoring the many people of Hawaii who feel that a special session will limit public input and lack transparency.”

The Hawaii Republican Party urged its members to continue contacting their state legislators at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/ to voice their opinions on this important issue prior to the special session on October 28. 

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Rep. Johanson statement on special session

HONOLULU – Rep. Aaron Ling Johanson made the following statement today regarding the special session announced by Governor Abercrombie:

“This five-day special session at the Capitol will not give the people time to fully and publicly debate this multi-faceted issue that so many people feel strongly about. The heart of a strong democracy is built on our commitment to provide the public the opportunity to voice their opinions and to have a say. This truncated session will likely deny that opportunity to so many.”

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