From Hawaii Family Advocates March 18, 2016

Increased Taxes for Hawaii Drivers?

SB2938 SD2 which increases the state fuel tax to generate additional revenues for the state highway fund, increases the state motor vehicle registration fee, increases the amount of the fee to be deposited into the state fund and increases the state motor vehicle weight tax passed the Senate on March 8, 2016.  The vote in the Senate was as follows:

Ayes, 10;  Senator(s): Baker, English, Galuteria, Inouye, Keith-Agaran, Kidani, Kouchi, Nishihara, Taniguchi, Tokuda  | Aye(s) with reservations (6): Senator(s) Chun Oakland, Dela Cruz, Gabbard, K.Kahele, Shimabukuro, Wakai  | Noes, 8; Senator(s) Espero, Green, Harimoto, Ihara, Kim, Ruderman, Slom, L. Thielen | Excused, 1; Senator(s) Riviere

Treatment for Minors without Parental Consent?

SB2886 SD2 which reduces barriers in accessing mental health care for adolescents by lowering the age of consent to receive treatment from 18 years old to 12 years old was passed by the House Health Committee today (March 18, 2016) The vote was follows: 

7 Ayes: Representative(s) Belatti, Creagan, Hashem, Kobayashi, Morikawa, Oshiro, Fukumoto Chang; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Jordan, Tupola. 

Several concerns about the bill were expressed by Hawaii Family Advocates in testimony submitted.  HFA had reservations on the bill because of the committee report from the Senate Judiciary which stated that "requiring parental consent for minors to receive substance abuse treatment and family planning services may pose a barrier to health care.  Minors may find desired mental health services inaccessible due to the discomfort and even opposition caused by obtaining parental consent."  Is this bill a way to work around a parent who may find certain services problematic?  HFA believes that the bill creates more questions than answers.  It is now pending hearing by the House Judiciary committee. If you would like more information on this bill, please contact HFA.

On another note, don't forget to sign our petition against the Minor "Conversion" Therapy bill.  The bill is pending hearing by the House Health Committee.   VOTE NO ON SB2615 RELATING TO MINORS

ADF International welcomes State Department’s recognition of ongoing genocide of Christians, other religious minorities by ISIS

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday (March 17, 2016) that the United States recognizes the atrocities perpetrated by ISIS/Daesh against Yazidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims as genocide. ADF International, which authored an extensive analysis of the issue as part of a report the Knights of Columbus provided to Kerry, says it welcomes this statement as an important first step in stopping the atrocities against Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq and bringing the perpetrators to justice.  Full news release, quotes, and related media resources available at the following link.

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THE PASSION, coming to TV on Palm Sunday March 20th

Narrated and hosted by Tyler Perry, THE PASSION features a cast that includes Jencarlos Canela (as Jesus), Trisha Yearwood (as Mary), Chris Daughtry (as Judas), Prince Royce (as Peter), Seal (as Pontius Pilate) and Michael W. Smith, Shane Harper and Gabriel Conte as disciples. This cast of world-class producers, musicians and actors will present The Greatest Story Ever Told in a dynamic way, and on a scale that is rarely seen on network television.  Visit this website for more info and to download a free discussion guide and Easter Week devotional.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Featuring Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Chloe Buckley, Ph.D., who will be equipping you with practical tips such as how to identify and support struggling youth and young adults, when to refer to professional counseling, and much more! The workshop will be held at Aiea Korean United Methodist Church located at 99-550 Kulawea St. in Aiea.  Refreshments will be provided.  If you have questions, please contact Pastor Michele.

5 Week Sessions Beginning Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Are you concerned about controversial lesson content in schools and the impact on the faith of our children?  P.E.A.C.E. is significantly expanding support for Christian parents through an on-line webinar series.  This  5-week series, “Guiding Through the Sex Ed Confusion:  Hawaii Parent Support Webinar”, will take parents step by step through the peace Engage Process. For more information, visit this site.