Civil Unions?

This issue is raging in Hawaii.  The issue is passionate as HB 444 was not passed last year.  With a new governor, the civil union supporters have renewed hope but certain conservative groups seem determined to stop passage.  This blog was created to allow discussion and debate on the issue.

Supporters are citing civil and/or equal rights as their justification to pass the bill and the opposition do not want to eventually see the bill pass as it appears that it will eventually lead to a desire to redefine convenational marriage being exclusively between a man and a woman.

Another facet of the debate is that the SB 232 has been put ahead of other important bills.  Supporters of the bill are saying that it's because they want to settle it and move on while others are saying the legislature has their priorities wrong.

HOW THEY VOTED

A look at how the state Senate voted on Senate Bill 232, a proposal to allow for civil unions.

YES (19)
» Rosalyn H. Baker (D, Honokohau-Makena)
» J. Kalani English (D, East Maui, Lanai, Molokai)
» Carol Fukunaga (D, Lower Makiki-Punchbowl)
» Brickwood Galuteria (D, Downtown-Waikiki)
» Dr. Josh Green (D, Milolii-Waimea)
» Clayton Hee (D, Kahuku-Kaneohe)
» Les Ihara Jr. (D, Kaimuki-Palolo)
» David Y. Ige (D, Aiea-Pearl City)
» Gilbert Kahele (D, Hilo-Naalehu)
» Michelle Kidani (D, Mililani-Waipio)
» Clarence K. Nishihara (D, Waipahu-Pearl City)
» Suzanne Chun Oakland (D, Kalihi-Liliha)
» Pohai Ryan (D, Lanikai-Waimanalo)
» Maile S.L. Shimabukuro (D, Nanakuli-Makua)
» Malama Solomon (D, Hilo-Honokaa)
» Brian T. Taniguchi (D, Moiliili-Manoa)
» Jill N. Tokuda (D, Kaneohe-Kailua)
» Shan S. Tsutsui (D, Wailuku-Kahului)
» Glenn Wakai (D, Salt Lake-Foster Village)

NO (6)
» Will Espero (D, Ewa-Honouliuli-Ewa Beach)
» Donovan M. Dela Cruz (D, Kaena-Wahiawa-Pupukea)
» Mike Gabbard (D, Kalaeloa-Makakilo)
» Donna Mercado Kim (D, Kalihi Valley-Halawa)
» Ronald D. Kouchi (D, Kauai, Niihau)
» Sam Slom (R, Diamond Head-Hawaii Kai)