PDF: HEARING ANNOUNCEMENT
Special Session Update
Message from House Republican Caucus November 2, 2013
UPDATE: Committee will hear testimony until 11:00 p.m. tonight, then resume on Monday
The committee has announced that it will hear testimony until 11:00 p.m. tonight (Saturday). The hearing will resume on Monday, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. in the Capitol Auditorium.
The pace of all remaining testimony is unknown, so it is highly recommended that every testifier arrives on time on Monday and pays close attention to the progress of the hearing. Today's hearing is airing on Olelo (Channel 54) and streaming live on the web at this link.
More updates will follow as necessary. Thank you to the thousands of people who have already submitted testimony and those still waiting to participate.
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?
Are you satisfied with the process of this special session?
Use the Twitter hashtag #iwanttransparency to share your experience with state leaders.
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.