Legislative report
As Hawaii’s legislative session moves into its midpoint, lawmakers are considering a variety of bills that could significantly impact families, religious liberty and moral values. As people of faith, we are called to engage in these discussions, ensuring that laws uphold the dignity of human life, protect the family and preserve religious freedom.
Constitutional amendments and moral concerns
Among the most concerning proposals is an amendment to the state Constitution aimed at protecting so-called “access” to contraception and abortion.
Senate Bill 350, if passed and approved by the community through a ballot question, would enshrine practices contrary to the sanctity of life and the church’s teachings into state law.
While framed as issues of personal choice, such policies fail to recognize the moral and ethical implications of disregarding the value of every human life, born and unborn.
Gambling and legalized substance use
Several bills were introduced to legalize sports betting (such as House Bill 1308) and casino gaming, citing economic benefits. However, the Catholic Church has long warned of gambling’s detrimental effects, particularly on low-income communities and families struggling with addiction.
The attempted expansion of cannabis laws also raised concerns, but thankfully, all marijuana-related bills were defeated for this session. As stewards of a faith that upholds human dignity, we must carefully consider the societal impact of these measures and continue to oppose them.
Parental rights
Another problematic bill, SB1150, supported expansions of “gender-affirming” medical procedures, further challenging parental authority and the natural order of human creation. Thankfully, the legislation seeking to provide minors with gender-transition treatments without parental consent failed for this session.
This attempt contradicts the church’s understanding of human identity and the biological truth of God’s creation — “made in his image and likeness.”
Housing, homelessness and economic justice
A number of proposals seek to address Hawaii’s ongoing housing crisis, including funding for low-income housing renovations, rental assistance and supportive housing programs.
While these initiatives align with the church’s call to care for the poor, the challenge remains in ensuring that government policies prioritize solutions that empower families and communities rather than encourage dependency.
At the same time, economic justice concerns have emerged, particularly regarding tax credits that support working families. Proposals to impose sunset clauses on these credits threaten financial stability for many, while increasing support for energy assistance programs could provide much-needed relief.
Immigration and the church’s role
Hawaii’s legislative session also saw church-supported immigration bills fail to move forward.
As Catholics, we recognize the dignity of immigrants and their contributions to our communities. Policies that fail to protect the vulnerable or provide pathways for stability contradict the biblical call to “welcome the stranger.”
While immigration remains a complex issue, the church calls for compassionate and just policies that uphold the rights of all people.
Environmental stewardship and climate responsibility
Several bills advocate for climate change mitigation and energy efficiency measures. As stewards of God’s creation, we have a responsibility to support policies that promote environmental care while ensuring that economic burdens do not disproportionately impact working families.
Legislation aimed at building resilience to climate change should balance ecological sustainability with social justice.
A call to faithful citizenship
As Catholics, we are called to engage in the legislative process — not as passive observers, but as active participants in shaping policies that reflect our moral convictions. This is not about politics for the sake of power but about ensuring that Hawaii’s laws reflect a commitment to life, family and religious liberty.
We encourage every faithful citizen to stand firm in our beliefs while engaging with a spirit of aloha — holding fast to our convictions while always leading with love and compassion. Hawaii’s future depends on our willingness to be voices for truth and defenders of faith and family.
The Hawaii Catholic Conference, established on March 4, 1994, by decree of Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo, was founded to give witness to spiritual values in public affairs. After 31 years, our legacy of action continues, and our commitment to faith-driven advocacy remains unwavering.
Eva Andrade is executive director of the Hawaii Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the Diocese of Honolulu.
