A message from Pastors Francis Oda, Elwin Ahu and Kahu Kurt Kekuna

As you already know, Governor Linda Lingle vetoed HB444 yesterday (click here to read her veto statement in full) after long and thorough consideration of all sides of the issue. Her veto was based on the fundamental importance of marriage in our community. She expressed the opinion that no individual such as herself, even as Governor, and not a Legislature following flawed procedures and in closed door caucuses, should decide such a fundamental change in the community.  Her veto came with the opinion that this issue should be taken to the people. We support this position.

We were sitting in the Governor’s public chamber awaiting her arrival with invited guests from both positions and the press.  We commented on the seal of the State which hangs over her desk which says, “Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono”. “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”.  We then noticed that the queenly figure on the left of the seal opposite the King is holding a cross! None of us had noticed this before.  In order to uphold righteousness for our land, we now need to exercise our civic and kuleana responsibility to VOTE. The Lord has provided us this “victory” but we must take responsibility to be salt and light to this community.

We, therefore, ask you to do the following:
1.      Continue to pray for the Governor, email her office and thank her for the veto.
Governor.Lingle@hawaii.gov  |  586-0034 (Oahu)  |  974-6262 (Hilo)  | 
         274-3100 (Kauai)  |  327-4953  (Kona)  |  243-5796 (Maui)
2.      REGISTER TO VOTE  (click here for WikiWiki form)
3.      Request an absentee ballot for the Primary and General Elections. 
Click here for more information on the new "permanent absentee voter registration"
4.      Inform yourself of the candidates and their positions.
5.      Encourage others to register and to vote.
6.      VOTE IN THE PRIMARY
7.      VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION

It is in this way that we will take responsibility as stewards of our community to perpetuate righteousness.

Yours in Christ,
Pastors Elwin Ahu, Kurt Kekuna and Francis Oda