Let me start by saying this; I’m a pacifist. I don’t support war. I don’t support the death penalty. I don’t condone murder. There is no justice in any of it. There is no righteousness. It is not a solution to any problem.
Violence begets violence.
I will not, do not, condone the murder of Charlie Kirk. Nor do I mourn his passing.
The rhetoric he spewed was hateful. And it incited violence.
In the interest of full-disclosure, I am the Policy Advocate for the ACLU of Hawaii. However, the opinion expressed here is solely mine and does not in any way reflect that of the ACLU of Hawaii or anyone else who works there.
The recent news that the State Salary Commission has recommended massive pay raises for legislators, department heads, and legislators forces me to recall the last time this question arose, right as the COVID-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc on the state economy.
While beyond the authority of the Commission, the timing of their newest recommendations comes as the State is likely staring down significant (if not debilitating) budget gaps as a result of Trump, Musk, and their kleptocratic cronies.
The raises that were ultimately adopted, though delayed, were minor compared to the massive raises being recommended.
I know it’s been quite some time since I posted here, but while I wait for the House to gavel into session on this Valentine’s Day, I wanted to use the time to share my testimony.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Senate Committees on Health & Human Services and Judiciary
Senate Bill 1613 Relating to Cannabis
Testifying In Strong Support
Aloha Chairs San Buenaventura and Rhoads, Vice Chairs Aquino and Gabbard Members of the Committees:
I stand in strong support of SB1613. And I appreciate the support this issue has received in prior sessions by the Chairs of these committees and by the Senate as a whole. Mahalo!
As we stand at the precipice of the 2024 General Election, we have clear choices on the Hawaiʻi ballot. Hopeful and inclusive visions on the one hand and a return to a darker, mean-spirited time on the other. I am confident in Hawaiʻi’s inclusive and forward-looking spirit. Particularly as it relates to moral battles like abortion access and same-sex marriage.
Friday, March 8, 2024
SCR13 / SR6: Urging Members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation to Support the Ceasefire in Gaza Resolution Introduced by U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush
Testifying in Support of a Ceasefire in Gaza
Aloha Chair Wakai, Vice Chair Elefante, and Members of the Public Safety and Intergovernmental and Military Affairs Committee:
I am Jewish. And I acknowledge the goal of Hamas is the eradication of Jews and the Jewish State. But my Judaism will not and cannot excuse Israel’s vengeful over-reaction and retaliation against Hamas for their attack on October 7th.