ACTION ITEM FROM THE HAWAII CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

HB 444 (Civil Unions) Awaiting Decision by Governor

MAY 14, 2010:  As you know, HB 444 was passed by the House in last minute maneuvering last week.  We ask each of you to take the time to contact the Governor's Office and ask her to VETO HB 444.  (Click here to take action).

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, February 11, 2010 on "insights" on PBS Hawai'i, civil unions is but one of many issues that motivates faith based organizations to influence public policy. Does their activism erode our historic separation of church and state? It's Howard Dicus' turn as he takes a historic look at religious issues and brings us an economic up dated with "everybody's business.

Fr. Marc Alexander (Vicar General) and Jack Hoag (member of LDS church) are guests.

Click here to watch online.

 

 

 The Hawaii State House voted to defer HB444 indefinitely.

What this means is that in all likelihood the measure will not come up again.  What it doesn't mean is that the bill is dead.

The first thing we should do is continue to pray and thank God for His grace and mercy. We appreciate all your prayers on behalf of Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Catholic Conference -- most especially for Dennis Arakaki and Eva Andrade. Remember that we are witnesses to Christ in all that we do and say and we must always show compassion to those who do not agree with us.    

We are asking you to thank all the Representatives for their courageous action in putting the will and the priority of the people first.

Finally, we ask you to stay vigilant.  Check our website on a regular basis for updates. Our efforts on the iVOTE campaign are continuing so we will keep you posted on that as well.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to raise your voices!

Update on 1/22/2010: Senate vote at 11:30. Please show up at the State Capitol wearing white. And please pray for our senators.

 

As the Senate poises to vote on the passage of HB 444 SD1, Bishop Larry Silva, and several church and community leaders, submit a letter to Senate President Colleen Hanabusa.

 

[more and to read letter]

Please continue to get the word out!

OAHU: Sunday, January 17th, 2pm at the State Capitol.

MAUI: Sunday, January 17th, 2 pm in front of the Wailuku State Building with overflow across the street at Honolii Park.

KITV reported that State senators intend to approve a civil unions bill shortly after the legislative session starts this month. We need to demonstrate our resolve to stand up for marriage, social justice and civic responsibility.

Click here for the iVote Rally flyer and more information. We ask that you please print the flyer and/or bulletin inserts for wide distribution. Pastors are encouraged to make pulpit announcements and print the flyer as bulletin inserts. Please forward this email to all your friends and colleagues. Some 66% of Hawaii voters do not want same-sex marriage and our legislators need to see how serious we are. At the same time, we have an opportunity to contribute to the elimination of hunger in our community.

Please pray for our elected officials and for our entire community. We face so many challenges, it is critical to help our legislators hear the voice of the people.

HB 444, the civil union bill, stalled in the Senate on Thursday, May 7, 2009.

 

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April 14, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

From:  Dennis Arakaki, Hawaii Family Forum / Hawaii Catholic Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

An ecumenical network of various faiths and faith communities have been called and challenged to respond to the growing problem of domestic violence in communities across the state.

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We just received word from a reliable source that there will be another attempt to pull HB444 HD1 from the Senate Judiciary Committee within the next couple of days.  The first vote could come as early as April 14, or Thursday, April 16.

 

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