Everything you need to know about Rep. Rida Cabanilla: Child molester back at work at Hawaii Legislature
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VETERAN ANGRY ABOUT FLAGPOLE BILL DEFERRAL: Rep. Cabanilla defers bill to allow flagpoles in housing developments.
Ewa Beach – State Representative, Rida Cabanilla, 42nd (Ewa, Waipahu), deferred a bill that would have allowed veterans and community members to commemorate loved ones by displaying American or state flags on their homes.
House Bill 2311 was introduced by State Rep. Kymberly Pine, 43rd (Ewa Beach, Pu`uloa, Iroquois Point), in response to concerns from Iraq veteran and Retired MSgt, Harold Alejandro. He faced barriers in the homeowner's association rules when he tried to install a flagpole for an American flag display on his home.
“We are deeply saddened that this bill did not pass, it would have allowed this humble veteran a small gesture to keeping the memory and sacrifice alive of two fallen heroes whom I had the privilege to serve alongside," explained Alejandro.
Similar homeowner's association rules that hinder flag displays are being challenged across the country. In 2009, one Virginia association gained nationwide attention when it ordered Army Col. Van T. Barfoot, a 90-year-old recipient of the Purple Heart and the Medal of Honor, to remove the flagpole from his home. His fight against the homeowners association has gained the support of U.S. Senator, Mark R. Warner, D-Va as well as numerous Facebook "friends."
Last year, Housing Committee Chair, Rep. Cabanilla voted in support of similar legislation to override association rules by allowing clotheslines in housing developments. This year, however, Rep. Cabanilla will not support legislation to allow veterans and residents to honor their service and sacrifices by hanging an American flag on their homes. In the committee hearing she stated that associations have rules regarding flags and they must be followed.
"It is clear to me that Rep. Cabanilla cares more about hanging dirty laundry than she does about hanging the American flag," stated Alejandro.
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HB2311 STATUS
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