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Testifying in Support of a Ceasefire in Gaza

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.

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Ignore Denby Fawcett

Opinion Devoid of Evidence

It’s good that Civil Beat labeled as opinion Denby Fawcett’s 2/13 inaccuracy-ladened diatribe against cannabis legalization for responsible adult use. As it relates to the issue itself, I can count on one hand, with fingers to spare, the number of factually accurate statements that can be found in her piece, “3 Good Reasons Not to Legalize Marijuana.”

Rather than conducting a fact-based investigation of her own, she chose to rely on the talking points of self-admitted prohibitionists, however well-respected they may be.

For starters, she, like many confounded opponents, asks, “why now?” Why the big push this year? I might ask, “why not?” Yes, it cannot be denied that our state faces a myriad of serious and complex issues. Is there a time in recent memory when it didn’t?

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2023 Legislature: A Review

As the conclusion of the 2023 legislative session recedes into the rearview, I’ve been contemplating its successes and failures. This past session, perhaps more than most was largely a disappointment. Certainly, every session leaves advocates and Capitol regulars with the bitter taste of at least some disappointment, but this year felt different.

There was a somewhat higher level of drama and dysfunction than in recent memory.

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I’ve been asked for my thoughts by a few people on the four proposed Charter Amendments that appear on ballots for Oahu voters this year. With ballots arriving right now in mailboxes, hopefully, you’ll find this helpful before you cast yours.

I did a similar post in 2020….

In addition to my thoughts below, Hawaii Public Radio has an “explainer” and the Star-Advertiser has a piece about them, as well.

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