May 2016 Legislative Update

Many thanks to all who took the time to contact legislators to support the Death With Dignity legislation introduced at the State Legislature. As expected, because 2016 is an election year, Senate Bill 2373 did not receive the needed committee hearings. Your effort was not in vain because we were able to show an important level of support and the feedback indicates that the senators who introduced the bill were very appreciative.

What Comes Next?

There is much to do between now and the 2017 legislative session and here’s what you can do now:

As possible, get to know your own legislators and the candidates running in your political districts. With the 2016 legislative session now over, all candidates for public office who are running for office are appearing at numerous community functions. Some will be free to the public and the usual political fundraisers are taking place. Find the latest list of all candidates running for office here. We will update this information pending the next official report.

We will be sending out as much information as possible about the dates, times and locations of these events, with the hope that our issue can be brought up directly to all of the candidates “in person.” Your phone calls or visits to their campaigns will be very important. Should you find out that a candidate is supportive or not, it would be of great help if you would let us know the results of your direct contact and interaction.

Ernest Juggie Heen

The late Ernest “Juggie” Heen

Again, “Mahalo!” for your past and future support. As the recent success in California demonstrated, Death With Dignity is very possible for Hawaii — if we build the needed political and grassroots support base. Please feel free to contact us to share information or to answer your questions.

We are naming SB2373 the “Juggie Heen Memorial Bill” in honor of the late former State Representative, Ernest “Juggie” Heen. “Uncle Juggie” has many friends still in the legislature and he worked tirelessly on our behalf. Also visit our memorial gallery honoring many who have gone before us and on whose shoulders we stand.

Regards,
Scott Foster
Communications & Legislative Director