The House of Representatives yesterday paved the way for Hawaii to become the first state in the nation to repeal its abortion law.

The repeal bill passed by a 31-20 vote and is expected to breeze through the Senate on Tuesday.

Every member voted on the measure.

Barring major defects in the bill, Gov. John A. Burns is expected to let the bill become law without his signature.

It will automatically become law 10 days after he receives it.

The Governor has stated in the past that he supports repeal.

Although the measure is laced with amendments, it still retains its basic intent—to repeal Hawaii's 101-year-old abortion law.

“;I am glad that it is all over,”; Rep. George W.T. Loo said.

“;I feel this is something we all can live by, and I hope it is not abused.”;

Loo, co-chairman of the joint conference committee that worked out the compromise bill, originally brought the issue to legislative attention several years ago.

The current law says a woman may get an abortion only when her life is in danger.

The bill would repeal this and make abortion a matter of conscience between a woman and her physician.

... Yesterday's House vote, which crossed party lines, came after a two-hour debate.