Death Bill Laid to Rest

Hawaii Senate Health Committee Tables So-Called “Death with Dignity” Proposal

From Hawaii Right to Life

Honolulu, HI – “This is a great victory for the people of Hawaii,” said Hawaii Right to Life Executive Director Janet Grace. “We are very pleased with the outcome of this bill and are grateful to Senate Health Committee Chair Josh Green, Vice Chair Clarence Nishihara, and the committee members for responding to the will of the people by tabling this bill.

“People from all walks of life, both concerned citizens and those representing a large number and variety of organizations, turned out to testify publicly to their concerns about this bill—that speaks volumes. It is obvious that an overwhelming majority believe such legislation would pose grave consequences to Hawaii’s people,” Grace said, “and that legalizing doctor-prescribed death leaves too much latitude for mistakes to occur that cannot be reversed. The people of Hawaii spoke with the resounding voice of conviction that all people, especially the weak and vulnerable, are worthy of protection under the full mantle of the law.”

Hawaii Right to Life is a non-profit organization that advances respect for life for innocent and vulnerable people from conception to natural death. Founded in 1973, Hawaii Right to Life is the state affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee.

###

Senate Committee on Health votes to HOLD (kill) SB 803 Death with Dignity

From Hawaii Family Forum

After Senator Josh Green stated that public sentiment was overwhelmingly opposed to the issue, he made a motion to hold the bill in committee.  The following vote was recorded:  (A yes vote is a vote to hold the bill in committee)

• Senator Josh Green voted yes
• Senator Clarence Nishihara voted yes
• Senator Roz Baker voted yes with reservations
• Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland voted yes
• Senators Maile Shimabukuro, Glenn Wakai, and Sam Slom were excused.

We really want to thank ALL OF YOU who took the time to submit testimony.  The hearing was long and emotional, with several people openly sharing their heart-wrenching stories.  We truly thank ALL the people who took time out of their busy schedules to testify and especially to the people from the disability community who showed up in strong numbers to oppose this bill.  Special thank you also to the articulate members of Generation Joshua. 

Please contact the members of the Senate Health Committee and thank them for their vote and their patience as they listened to all the testimony.

SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE

Members voting to hold bill in Committee

• Senator Josh Green, Chair  |  Phone:  (808) 586-9385
• Senator Clarence Nishihara  |  Phone:  (808) 586-6970
• Senator Rosalyn Baker  |  Phone:  (808) 586-6070
• Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland  |  Phone:  (808) 586-6130

Members Excused

• Senator Maile Shimabukuro  | Phone:  (808) 586-7793
• Senator Glenn Wakai  |  Phone:  (808)  586-8585
• Senator Sam Slom  |  Phone:  (808) 586-8420

CIVIL UNION BILLS

Tomorrow the House Judiciary will hear the Civil Union bills.  Don't forget that the hearing will be in the AUDITORIUM of the State Capitol. 

DATE: Tuesday, February 08, 2011

TIME: 2:15 PM

We hope to see you at the capitol.  Remember to wear your white shirts.

GAMBLING BILLS

Several gambling bills are coming for hearing in the House Economic Revitalization and Business Committee tomorrow morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and the Senate Tourism Committee on Thursday.  Please see our website at http://www.hawaiifamilyforum.org/article.php?story=20110204080740344  if you want to get more information on these bills and how you can participate in the legislative process.

Thanks again!