Special Session Update

UPDATE: All registered testifiers can still be heard, but should be ready at any time

News Release from House Republican Caucus November 1, 2013

Following an announcement this morning to the contrary, the joint House committee has confirmed that every registered testifier will have an opportunity to speak by the hearing's end, even if they were not present at the time their number was initially called.

The pace of all remaining testimony is unknown, so it is highly recommended that every testifier pay close attention to the progress of the hearing. The hearing is airing on Olelo (Channel 55) and is streaming live on the web at this link.

As of 4:00 this afternoon, the committee was hearing testimony from people with numbers between 2,000-3,000 on a first come, first served basis. Testimonies will continue in blocks through the last number. Again, if you are not present when your number is called, you will be given a chance to testify after all others have testified if you are present in the audience. A total of 5,181 people have registered to testify.

Many registered testifiers have expressed frustration that the expectations of the hearing process have evolved throughout this special session. Our caucus feels strongly that all members of the public who would like to participate should have the opportunity to do so.

Thank you to the thousands of people who have already submitted testimony and those still waiting to participate. Please stay tuned for more updates throughout this process.

Capitol District Public Parking Locations for Testifiers - Interactive Map

Due to the large numbers of testifiers expected at both public hearings this week, carpooling and drop-offs are highly recommended. Details regarding parking locations, rates and time limits can be found at the interactive map at this link.

To view details on each parking location, simply zoom in on Honolulu and click on the blue dots surrounding the State Capitol (located at 415 S Beretania Street).

Information on each location is also shown in list form below the map.

How was your testifying experience on Senate Bill 1? Tell us on Twitter at #iwanttransparency

Thousands of individuals and organizations have submitted written testimony and visited the state Capitol in person to share their views on Senate Bill 1.

In many cases, efforts to speed things along have created an even more rushed and closed process than expected. Evolving procedural expectations set by both the Senate and House committees this week have caused confusion and frustration by interested testifiers. This is proof that the people of Hawaii need more time to participate than this special session is allowing.

If you have testified, did you have enough time to speak your mind?

We want to give you a chance to be heard. You have the right to fully participate in the legislative process – and that includes having ample time to review legislation, prepare testimony, make arrangements to visit the Capitol, and deliver sufficient testimony in person.

Summary of Same-Sex Marriage Legislation - Senate Bill 1

What would this bill do?

• Legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii and give same-sex married couples the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of opposite-sex married couples, including parentage rights.

Whose religious liberties does this bill NOT exempt?

• Religious organizations that make a profit by allowing the general public to use their facilities or grounds for marriage ceremonies (This bill does not attempt to explain what would be considered "profit.");
• Small business owners who are asked to personally provide marriage-related services such as planning, food catering, photography, etc.;
• Government employees who would be processing same-sex marriage applications; and
• Judges who are asked to officiate at a same-sex marriage ceremony.

Who is exempted under this bill?

• Religious solemnizers who are licensed by the State to perform marriage ceremonies, including clergy, ministers, priests and rabbis, among others; and
• Religious organizations that do not profit by allowing the general public to use its facilities or grounds for marriage ceremonies and those that merely accept donations from the public, provide religious services to the public, or otherwise allow the public to enter their premises.