Federal Judge Upholds Hawaii Marriage Law

Senior U.S. District Judge Alan Kay ruled earlier this month upheld the constitutionality of Hawaii’s marriage law that “the legislature shall have the power to reserve marriage to opposite sex couples.” (Article I, Section 23 [HB 117 (1997) ratified con-amnd. 1998])

In issuing his 120 page opinion Judge Kay stated that changes to Hawaii’s marriage law should be enacted by the Legislature or through an amendment to the State Constitution.

The current statute in the State Constitution was approved by the voters in 1998 by a near 70% margin. Since that time the State Legislature has approved “Reciprocal Benefits” and “Civil Unions”.

I have opposed reciprocal benefits and civil unions. I support the current law and if changes are needed believe that the state should get out of the marriage business (and all of its definitions) and leave that up to the churches and the private sector.

State Senate Recognition for “Hawaii Five-0″

Some cast members, production team and network executives were at the State Capitol yesterday (March 31) to receive congratulatory certificates from both the Senate and House recognizing a successful first season for the hit CBS TV show, “Hawaii Five-0″.

Cast members Alex O’Loughlin and Daniel Dae Kim were joined by original series actor Al Harrington as well as an executive from CBS TV on the Senate floor. Members of the production team as well officials from the state and city film offices met with legislators after the floor presentation.

CBS is expected to renew “Hawaii Five-0″ for a second season this coming May.

Al Harrington, Daniel Dae Kim and Alex O’Loughlin seated on the Senate floor.

Executive Order Creates New Hawaii Surfing Reserves

Governor Lingle with Senator Hemmings & Supporters of the Hawaii Surfing Reserves

Governor Linda Lingle signed Executive Order #10-07 on June 2  which creates the Hawaii Surfing Reserves as proposed by State Senator Fred Hemmings (R—Hawaii Kai to Waimanalo/Kailua) this legislative session. The executive order was issued after the majority party in the State House of Representatives killed the original surfing reserves bill (SB 2646) on the last day of the session. That bill passed out of the Senate with a unanimous vote on March 2. The Executive Order designates Hawaii Surfing Reserves, comprising of surf breaks off Waikiki from Ala Wai to the War Memorial Natatorium and the North Shore of Oahu from Haleiwa’s Ali’i Beach  to Sunset Beach.

Senator Fred Hemmings thanks Governor Lingle for signing the Surfing Reserves Executive Order.

Chinese Prosecutors Visit Senate

More than 25 officials from the Fujian Province of the Peoples’ Republic of China visited the State Senate chamber last Thursday, February 25. The officials are associated with various prosecutors’ offices in the province. They met with Senator Sam Slom at the Minority Caucus room where they were briefed on the legislative and judicial process and the law. The group was very friendly and asked many questions about the process. The meeting with the Chinese officials was arranged through the City Prosecutor’s office.