Thousands opposed to same-sex marriage rallied at the state Capitol to send a message to lawmakers who support a civil-unions bill in this election year.

“;Your one vote is just as powerful as their one vote,”; Dennis Arakaki, an organizer, told the crowd. “;Use that power to elect people who are righteous.”;

Among the key issues facing lawmakers after the Legislature convenes Wednesday is House Bill 444, which “;extends the same rights, benefits, protections and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union.”;

Arakaki, executive director of Hawaii Family Forum, which organized the event, said the purpose of the rally was to hold politicians accountable and ensure they vote according to the will of the people.

  Civil union rally pushes lawmakers

 

Civil union rally puts pressure on lawmakers to make a decision this election year.

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“;If they pass civil unions or address that issue first before they even settle the (school) furlough issue, I think people are really going to be upset,”; he said. “;That just shows disdain for what people are really concerned about.”;

Arakaki estimated about 15,000 people dressed in white went to the Capitol yesterday, some on their own and many others bused in with church groups.

The turnout was more than last year's traditional-marriage rally that brought 10,000 to 12,000 attendees dressed in red, Arakaki said.

A deputy sheriff said his division would not give a crowd estimate this year after the dispute about the division's estimate last year.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who has formed an exploratory committee for a run for governor, said he supports traditional marriage and publicly supported traditional marriage in 1998.

“;I have never deviated from that position,”; Hannemann, a Democrat, said. “;I believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.”;

He encouraged others to pray for those who disagree with them.

Lt. Gov. James “;Duke”; Aiona, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, said the rally was part of the democratic process.

“;Talk to everyone you know and let them know they have to get involved, and the only way is to vote,”; he said.

Arakaki said he wanted to keep politics out of the rally, but when both politicians showed up, they were asked to speak.

Rep. John Mizuno (D, Kalihi), who was also at the event, said he opposes HB 444 and is introducing a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and a woman and a bill to allow reciprocal benefits for same-sex couples and other family members.

“;It shouldn't only be 444 or nothing,”; he said.

Some attendees enjoyed the “;unity”; at the event and the entertainment.

“;It's pretty good and powerful,”; said Carisa McBrie, 14, of Mililani, who came with her church.

Dozens held signs along two lanes of Beretania Street that were coned off in front of the Capitol. The rally's theme, “;iVote,”; was visible on stickers and banners as well.

Cathy Wisniewski, 58, of Waipahu hoisted a sign that read, “;Hawaii, learn from Africa. One man and one woman.”;

“;Africa understands one man plus one woman, no other,”; she said.

While her 21-year-old son is gay, she does not support same-sex marriage, adding that she supports God first, then her spouse, then her family.

A handful of civil-union supporters stood across the street amid traditional-marriage proponents.

Some opponents engaged in debates about homosexuality, but deputy sheriffs reported no major problems.

“;They're promoting social inequality,”; said Dave McCaskey, 18, a University of Hawaii student who is not gay. He carried a sign that read, “;You can't outlaw LOVE.”;

“;They're defining who we are by depriving us of our rights,”; said Kealoha Kelekolio, 63, of Manoa.

Kamuela Kaahanui, 60, a UH professor, said he was disappointed that they would hold the rally on the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and on the anniversary of the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

“;If the queen were here, she would ask this question,”; he said, pointing to a sign reading, “;Where's the aloha?”;