Capsun's Corner – by Capsun M. Poe

I received the below email last night.  As you know, I am a supporter of Civil Unions, and more importantly, equality for all citizens and residents of Hawaii.  So, I am posting it in its entirety.

Here’s the gist:  If you support Civil Unions, sign the petition.  Here’s a hard copy that you can print, then mail or fax in.  Or here’s the electronic petition.  I’ve already signed it, won’t you?

Honestly, this is very much an uphill battle.  With the State’s dire budget situation, the lack of money is currently consuming all of our legislators’ time as they head into the final days of session, which ends May 7.  However, only by keeping this issue in the forefront will we be able to effect any change.  Just ask anyone who took part in the Civil Rights Movement.  It didn’t happen overnight – and neither will Civil Unions.

Mahalo!

I have lived in Hawaii my entire life and I have never before seen our state legislature generate the level of buzz and controversy that has surfaced with the recent civil unions bill, House Bill 444. Over 1400 people submitted testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which resulted in the absolute longest and perhaps most impassioned hearing in state history. This is absolutely incredible for a state that has consistently ranked among the lowest in voter turnout and political participation. Any issue that can attract locals to the State Capitol instead of the beach in such unprecedented numbers is worth considerable focus.  I think it goes without saying that this issue has become a hot topic this year not only in Hawaii, but on the national stage as well with the decisions in Iowa and Vermont legalizing same sex marriage.

I send this email not to preach, but to politely request that you not side-line this issue, which has been nothing short of phenomenal in regards to encouraging political participation. Regardless of where your personal views may lie, it’s impossible to deny the positive influence this discussion has had on involving our people in the democratic process. In following this bill, many of my friends and family have actually learned a lot about how the state legislature works – things they may have never known or cared about were it not for this issue. Getting locals to pay attention to politics is usually like pulling teeth, so you can understand my surprise and excitement in this newfound activism.

I understand that our state faces many important issues this year such as the poor economy and financial/budget crisis. Honolulu’s pending rail system has generated significant buzz as well. However, I must emphasize that without educating and empowering Hawaii’s people in the democratic process, we severely hamper our collective ability to progress as a state and to successfully face future issues. The Civil Unions bill has been among the most powerful and effective tools I have seen in facilitating this education and inspiring folks to participate.

So PLEASE don’t ignore this issue as it is STILL ALIVE!! The Senate still has until MAY 5th, 2009 to bring HB 444 out of committee. A single senator, Sen. Brian Taniguchi, can make this possible. As a blogger/journalist and one who reaches a significant audience your assistance is absolutely VITAL. If you believe in encouraging people to participate in democracy, please don’t let this issue die a silent death.

You can help by circulating (via your blog) this Petition urging Taniguchi to stand up for what he has said he believes in.

There is also an online version of the petition here: http://eqfed.org/campaign/cupetition

We are trying to gather 10,000 signatures by April 30^th and already have several thousand. Sorry this is so last-minute but, as they say, “never late than never.”

18 out of the 25 total senators have said they support civil unions. If that is true, why haven’t they passed it yet? Check out this Youtube channel dedicated to the fight for Civil Unions and equality and find out for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/civilunionshawaii

Because of your unique influence, you can help in ways that most can’t. Please help to give the people of Hawaii the equality our diverse state deserves.

Tags: civil unions, Hawaii, taniguchi