There are way too many food trucks in LA to keep track, but discovering a new one, a delicious one, is like a receiving an unexpected gift on Christmas.

This Friday I checked out a stretch of road in Granada Hills known as Food Truck Row.  I discovered the place on accident a few weeks ago when I wanted to try the Bun Truck. I was surprised to find not only the Bun Truck, but a good 20 trucks lined up one after the other for blocks. I thought at first there was a street festival going on, but after talking to a few vendors, I realized this was just a regular Friday night.

Discovered some really great trucks, many I had never heard of before. Met some really cool people as well. From what I hear, the trucks are all lined up every Wednesday/Friday night,  in Granada Hills around the area of Chatsworth/White Oaks. Park in the residential area nearby and just walk on over to avoid the traffic.

Here are a few places I tried on Friday:  The Bun Truck, Bollywood Bites, Slap Yo Mama,  Mossie Lee’s, Sweet Beats.

Check out the cool video my friend Dev put together from Friday. He even caught me doing some kind of weird jig!

As mentioned briefly in my previous entry here, it is absolutely essential to have a proper Emergency Kit and Emergency Plan. With help from trusty ol’ Red Cross, I will outline what I’ve included in my own Emergency Kit and also list suggestions on how to create you own Emergency Plan.

The  contents of your emergency kit will depend on two factors:

1. The number of people in your household (pets included).
2. Natural disasters that are common to your geographic location (ie Hawaii and being prepared for a hurricane and/or tsunami).

Of course there will be an overlap in the type of supplies you’ll need based on the “emergency situations” common to your area, so you can use this guide as a base of what to include and then add in items tailored to your need. Red Cross provided a very helpful guide [here], I’ve listed the starter items, plus items that I have added for my own Emergency Kit.

• Water— one gallon per person, per day (3 ­day supply for evacuation, 2 ­week supply for home)
• Food— non­perishable, easy ­to­ prepare items (3 ­day supply for evacuation, 2­ week supply for home).
• Extra Clothes – Having an extra, already packed away set of clothes can’t hurt!
• Flashlight (I suggest at least 1 handheld flashlight, 1 lantern)
• Battery­powered or hand­crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) – I bought a radio/wind-up lantern, which takes care of the call for a lantern listed above.
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit – I bought the Deluxe Family  First Aid Kit from the Red Cross here.
• Medications (7 ­day supply) and medical items (should be included in first aid kit, but add what you need that isn’t include)
• Multi­purpose tool - I found an affordably priced Leatherman Kick Multi-Tool at Amazon.
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items – I suggest buying a bunch of travel-sized items and putting ‘em in a gallon sized ziplock bag. Don’t forget to include an extra toothbrush, toothpaste, etc as well.
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) – I suggest putting important documents in a plastic folder, like this Document Holder from Amazon.
• Cell phone with chargers
  
• Family and emergency contact information – can be included w/ personal documents.
• Extra cash - I recommend having bills and coins (for the payphone).
  
• Emergency blanket – The Deluxe Family First Aid Kit I mentioned above has 1 emergency blanket. I have a sleeping bag from when I moved here, so I have that as well.
• Map(s) of the area
• Pet supplies – collar, leash, ID, dry food, litter, portable litter box.  Of course if you have a dog, you items will be different. The Pet Travel store is a good place to purchase collapsible food/water bowls, portable litterbox, and other misc. travel items.

As mentioned, the items listed above are just the bare necessities you’d need for your Emergency Kit. I’ve seen some kits that also include supplies like duct tape, masks, work gloves, etc. So you can decide for yourself if that’s something you think you’d need.

In addition to have a proper Emergency Kit, you should also have an Emergency Plan. Here’s what the Red Cross recommends:

MAKE A PLAN!

• Meet with your family or household members.
• Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
• Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.
• If a family member is in the military, plan how you would respond if they were deployed.

Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency

• Choose two places to meet:
  • Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire
  • Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate
• Choose an out­of­area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing or programmed into their cell phones.

Plan what to do if you have to evacuate

• Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. You may choose to go to a hotel/motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter if necessary.
• Practice evacuating your home twice a year. Drive your planned evacuation route and plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.
• Plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of pet­friendly hotels/motels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

[photo credit: STR/EPA]

Like most people, I watched via livestream in horror at all the chaos and destruction that unfolded in Japan during their earthquake and tsunami late Thursday night/early Friday morning.  I was tearing through websites looking for more information, trying to post up as much as I could for others.  Hawaii was issued a tsunami warning that night as well and I spent a good hour contacting friends and family to make sure they were outside of the evacuation zones.

As I looked at the heartbreaking aftermath pictures in Japan, I was sharply reminded of the necessity of having an emergency kit (and plan). I have seen Emergency Kits for sale on places like Amazon or even the Red Cross website, but I think the best thing to do is build your own and tailor it to your needs. Here’s a listing of kits on Amazon, just to give you an idea of what kind of items you can/should include. If you have pets, make sure your kit includes supplies for them as well. As a suggestion, I started with a first aid kit from Red Cross–there are a few different options depending on how many people are in your household. If there’s enough interest, I will post up what’s in my kit to give others an idea of what to include.

Want to donate to disaster relief in Japan? I know I wanted to, but like most people felt overwhelmed by the options.  So, I’ve done a bit of research and listed a few places I recommend. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but just a few suggestions to get you started. Charity Navigator also lists a number of reputable organizations you can donate to, listing them by rating. If you click on the organization’s name, it will give you a complete breakdown of the company from accountability, historical data, etc.

UPDATED!

• Doctors Without  Borders – I’ve been told two teams will be sent to directly to Japan to help out.

• Peace Winds Japan – This link is specifically for Japan disaster relief. It also lists opportunities to volunteer if you’re available.

• Global Giving – This link is specifically for Japan’s earthquake/tsunami.

• Save the Children – The link I grabbed is specifically for Japan, but there are other options for donation too.
• Japanese Cultural and Community Center in Northern California – Read Executive Director Paul Ozaki’s letter in regards to the relief fund here at Keith Kamisugi’s website.

In case you’re interested, Charity Navigator also lists some great tips on deciding where/how to donate:

Wait and see: While we all feel an urgent need to help immediately following a massive disaster, some donors may want to wait a few days before donating. By then, charities should have a more clear plan of how they’ll provide aid.

Avoid Newly-Formed Charities and Give To An Established Charity That Has Worked In Japan – Establishing a new charity is hard enough, but in a crisis, the odds of succeeding are slim to none. Think of it this way: would you entrust all your savings in a financial firm that just opened, doesn’t even have stationery, and whose employees have no experience in investing money? Doubtful. Find a charity with a proven track record of success in providing disaster relief on a massive scale and one that has worked in Japan and the other impacted regions. Start with the list of charities on the right and if a group you are considering supporting isn’t there, then take the time to thoroughly research it before making a gift.

Designate Your Investment – Generally, it is best to trust your chosen charity to spend your donation as it sees fit. But with disaster related giving, you should specify that you want your donation only used to respond to this particular crisis.

Do Not Send Supplies – Knowing that people are desperately in need of food and water, it is hard not to want to pack up a box of supplies and send it to Japan. But this type of philanthropy is simply not practical or efficient. Even if mail could get to an impacted region, no one is set up to receive these goods, much less organize and distribute them to the victims. Furthermore, charities are often able to partner with companies to acquire large amounts of in-kind donations such as bottled water and new clothing. Instead of boxing up and sending your old clothing, have a garage sale and turn your used goods into cash and donate that to a worthy charity.

Be Careful Of Email Solicitations – Be Leery Of People That Contact You Online Claiming To Be A Victim – Unless you personally know someone in Japan, anyone alleging to be in this position is most likely part of a scam. Obviously, people affected by the earthquake and tsunami are in no position to contact you directly for assistance.

Delete Unsolicited Emails With Attachments – Never respond to unsolicited emails. Do not open any attachments to these emails even if they claim to contain pictures from Japan. These attachments are probably viruses.

Seek Out The Charity’s Authorized Website – Criminals are likely to set up bogus sites to steal the identity and money of generous and unsuspecting individuals. We saw this after Hurricane Katrina when the FBI reported that 4,000 sites were created to do just that. So, if you plan to give online, be sure to find the charity’s legitimate site. You can safely give on Charity Navigator’s site via our partnership with Network for Good. Alternatively, we link to each charity’s authorized site so you can give there if you prefer.

Think before you text – So long as you do your homework – meaning that you’ve vetted the charity and made sure that you are using the proper texting instructions- then texting can be a great way to give. Remember there may be additional costs to you to make such a gift. And it can take as much as 90 days for the charity to receive the funds.

Consider The Nature Of The Charity’s Work – Not every charity is responding in the same way. Some are providing medical assistance, some shelter, some food and water. Others will be more focused on either short term or long term rebuilding efforts. And some are just helping to fundraise for other nonprofits. Think about what it is you want your philanthropic investment to accomplish and then take the time to find the charities doing that work. At Charity Navigator we link to each charity’s website so that you can quickly learn more about their plans to help.

Be Inspired By Social Media, But Still Do Your Homework – Social networking tools like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogs are delivering heart-wrenching images and information about the earthquake and tsunami to our computers and phones. Many of them include pleas to donate. While these tools can be a powerful tool to inspire your desire to help, you should not blindly give via these vehicles. You must take the time to investigate the groups behind such pleas for help to ensure that it comes from a legitimate nonprofit.

Avoid Telemarketers – As always, hang up the phone do your homework and give directly to a charity.

Do Not Expect Immediate Results, But Do Keep Tabs On What Your Donation Accomplishes- It takes time for charities to mobilize, to assess the problems that need to be addressed and to develop effective solutions. Donors need to be patient so charities will not feel pressured to plunge in and offer ineffective aid, simply to placate impatient donors. That doesn’t mean donors shouldn’t hold the charities accountable for delivering on their promises! Be sure to follow up with the charity in a few months to find out (a) how your donation was put to use and (b) if the organization needs additional support to complete the recovery effort.

QUEERSAY:

Dear friends, let me tell you how my life has changed since making my video contribution to the It  Gets Better Project.  I didn’t expect anyone to watch my video (other than my friends and a few random youtube people), but I received numerous emails from people who said thank you for being brave and others who needed someone to talk to. We all have the power to change and effect the world in a positive way. We all have the power to make things a little better for someone who is in pain.

My awesome friend Lexi has made a blog contribution to the It Gets Better Project and I highly encourage you to take a read at her website Trial and Error. Her story, like many others, broke my heart, but also gave me hope that things will get much better for all of us who are suffering.  She has also listed her email address if you need someone to talk to, so be sure to drop her a line if you need a friend.  She’s a really sweet and funny individual, definitely a friend you want in your corner.

Want to help too? Check out the It Gets Better Project and see how you can contribute to the Trevor Project and other noteworthy organizations.

If you would like to be featured here, send me an email at kristel[at]slowdancingwithstrangers.com.

Check out Lexi’s story at Trial and Error here.

Happy,  happy birthday, DowneTowne! Damn, can you believe it’s been THREE YEARS already?  It’s crazy to think how much DowneTowne has grown in such a short amount of time. I remember hearing about the parties while I was still in DC and when I came home during the summer of 2007, I bought a DSLR and began shooting at the parties.  The thing about DowneTowne that I love is that it always strives to outdo itself which, I think, pushed me to photograph the parties better.

It’s going to be a great birthday party. DJ Amara from LA will be there on decks. I’m going to do a short interview with her hopefully (cross your fingers) before the party, so you can learn a bit about her beforehand! I’m extremely stoked.

Also, I hear there’s gonna be some awesome giveaways that night!

The $8 before 11pm guestlist is open right now, but will close on March 5th at 3pm. So get your asses over to Downetowne’s website and sign up! It takes two seconds, seriously.

More info after the jump.

I’ve been anxiously waiting for the inaugural issue of the Hawaii Women’s Journal to be published. I didn’t know what shape it would take. I only knew what my small contribution to the magazine would look like and even that was limited to its Microsoft Office form.  Last week, they put up an online version where you could skim (and read) through the entire magazine. I was amazed at how everything came together and can’t wait to hold an actual copy in my hands (yes, I’m dorky like that).

Anyway, tonight is the official launch party of the magazine at the Manifest! The party runs from 6-10pm and it’s absolutely FREE. I read that there will also be free organic food from Kale’s Natural Foods, Mango Season, and DJ Kee providing musical entertainment. More importantly, there will be hard copies of the Hawaii Women’s Journal for you to swipe for me so I can send to my relatives, I mean, keep for yourself.

If you’re interested in reading my article, “Are you there, Angst? It’s me,  Quarter-Life Crisis” you can head on over to their official website or download a PDF copy of it here (right-click and save link as).

Got this message from Kathyrn Xian and promised I’d pass this along:

We urgently need your help. Please take a few minutes to make these calls/faxes/emails to one or all of the people listed below. With your help, we can PASS Hawaii’s first Human Trafficking state law and keep Hawaii safe.

BILL #: HB1940 http://capitol.hawaii.gov/session2010/lists/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1940
and its senate companion SB2045

Templates will soon be available on our website to submit testimony at legislative hearings BUT people can make calls, emails and faxes at any time, like NOW. You don’t have to wait for a legislative hearing to have their voices heard. This year is an election year so your option as a registered voter (always good to remind them) is extra important!

FOR LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS: If you sign our mailing list or petition, we will alert you to when these hearings are held and how to submit testimony. We will only be give 48 hours notice, so please consider calling one or all of the key players below to urge them to support this bill NOW.

FOR CALLS AND FAXES TO URGE SUPPORT (YOU MAY DO THIS AT ANY TIME): Please be prepared to get the “runaround” from some of those listed below but if you do, do not give up. Remember, they work to serve the people of this state. And, your support can make a great difference in the lives of Human Trafficking Victims. Make sure your voice is heard! ACCEPT NO EXCUSE FOR STALLING ON THE HUMAN TRAFFICKING LAW. THEY HAVE NO GOOD EXCUSES. (Some may give you many without being specific. Be wary.)

SAMPLE SCRIPT:

“Aloha, may I speak to (Person Listed Below)? Hello, my name is (Your Name) and I am a registered voter (optional). The Women’s Legislative Caucus has submitted a bill making Human Trafficking a felony offense. I am urging you to support the Anti Human Trafficking Bill HB1940 and its Senate Companion SB2045. There is no excuse to wait on passing this legislation. Hawaii is now one of seven states without a state Human Trafficking Law. This is unacceptable. I support anyone in office who supports this bill. Thank you for your time.”

Below is a list of people to call. ALL ARE IMPORTANT!

1. City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle
808-768-7400

Currently does not think that Human Trafficking laws are needed. Has testified against all past Human Trafficking Bills. Has also had 6 months to comment and improve the current bill, which he has not.

2. Governor Linda Lingle
Phone: 808-586-0034
Fax: 808-586-0006

Attorney General Mark Bennett
Phone: 808 586-1282
Fax: 808-586-1239
Currently does not think that Human Trafficking laws are needed. Has testified against all past Human Trafficking Bills. Has also had 6 months to comment and improve the current bill, which he has not.

3. Chief Louis Kealoha, HPD
808-529-3386
lkealoha@honolulu.gov
HPD will not advocate for anything that the Prosecutor is against. Hence, they will not support the Human Trafficking Bill.

4. Sen. Brian Taniguchi, Chair of Senate Judiciary Committee
phone 808-586-6460; fax 808-586-6461
e-mail: sentaniguchi@Capitol.hawaii.gov
The Human Trafficking Bill will be heard by his committee. He has not given his position on this subject.

5. Sen. Colleen Hanabusa, President of the Senate
Phone 808-586-7793; Fax 808-586-7797
Email: senhanabusa@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Currently is unsure about the need for a state Human Trafficking law.

6. Rep. Calvin Say, Speaker of the House
phone 808-586-6100; fax 808-586-6101
e-mail: repsay@Capitol.hawaii.gov
Currently is unsure about the need for a state Human Trafficking law.

7. Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee
phone 808-586-8490; fax 808-586-8494
E-mail: repkaramatsu@Capitol.hawaii.gov
The Human Trafficking Bill will be heard by his committee. He has voiced his support. It would be good to thank him.

Summary of This Year’s Human Trafficking Bill:

1. Creates the crime of Human Trafficking in the 1st Degree as a Class A offense, the highest penalty available in Hawaii, and sets varying degrees of offenses for trafficking related crimes. Human Trafficking for sexual exploitation in the 1st degree is based upon transportation (into, through within, or across state lines) plus intent to advance prostitution by any ONE of the NINE stated means in the definition of the offense (e.g. force, enticement, fraud, extortion, debt bondage, use of illicit substances, etc..). (Easy to prove transportation as we are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean surrounded by 2000 miles of seawater on every side. The “intent to advance” language would exempt non-criminal forms of transportation from prosecution and would focus prosecution only on Human Traffickers and those that abet Human Traffickers).

2. Establishes a mandatory minimum sentence for the traffickers and patrons of trafficked children.

3. Focuses the criminalization on the traffickers and the patrons of Human Trafficking NOT on the victims. (Current prostitution statutes criminalize the victims by placing them in the same criminal category as patrons and advancers of prostitution).

4. Would allow victims to be legally recognized as victims of human trafficking and not as “prostitutes” or other criminals

5. Excuses the crime of Human Trafficking from Hawaii’s “Deferred Acceptance” law which allows defendants, if pleading guilty, to receive a lighter sentence and to be able to legally say after the fact that they have not been convicted of any crime. Current prostitution statutes are not exempt from Deferred Acceptance. E.g. Rodney D. King was pled guilty to sex-trafficking minors in 1999 and received only 30 months in prison only to repeat his crime again in 2007 with another set of children and women.

6. Establishes the offense of Human Trafficking for the purposes of labor exploitation and set varying degrees of labor trafficking related offenses

7. Includes Human Trafficking in the state’s Restitution and Forfeiture regulations as well as the Violent Crimes definitions.

I just read an interesting letter/article in the Honolulu Advertiser in regards to Civil Unions. Many people who are against civil unions use religion as their reason. As a religion major, this is frustrating.The very term, civil union, is supposed to lack any religious connotation. But because this is partnership/union that gay people would be allowed to enter, some religious people have a big problem with that.

I spent a good deal of time studying homosexuality and the Bible, but I will not bore you with that stuff. I will say, though, that I am pleased and proud that there are people in religious communities (moreover, people in religious communities who have power) that support civil unions. Read on, it’s good, I promise.

HB 444 Fulfills Durty to Diversity by Rev. John Heidel

(original article from the Honolulu Advertiser)

Hawai’i has an opportunity to lead the nation in providing couples with civil union rights under the proposal now before the state Legislature, demonstrating both our acceptance of diversity in our community and the value we place on the rights of others.

The language of the Senate draft now under consideration in the Legislature leaves no doubt that a civil union is not marriage. Our state constitution gives the Legislature the sole right to define marriage, and the bill is unequivocal in declaring that, “it is not the Legislature’s intent to revise the definition or eligibility requirements of marriage.” In other words, marriage will still be marriage, reserved for unions of one man and one woman. Civil unions will be a distinct and legally established alternative.

Because this proposal has been the cause of division in our community, particularly within the religious community, The Interfaith Alliance Hawai’i offers this statement as an effort to clarify the issue and heal the division. The local clergy who have signed in agreement believe this is a matter of constitutional rights, not religious doctrine.

Establishing fully defined civil unions in Hawai’i will also finally and firmly answer a question that has divided our community for too long: It will grant same-sex couples the legal rights they have been seeking. At the same time, by extending benefits to opposite-sex couples, the civil unions law will strengthen traditional marriage by removing it from this acrimonious public debate. The unique value of traditional marriage will be absolutely protected.

The current proposal creates a civil union based entirely in the law, and conferring strictly legal rights to couples who opt to enter into a civil union. While other states offer similar unions, Hawai’i's proposed law will be the only one that offers a civil union’s legal benefits to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples without further limitations. Other states offering civil union benefits to opposite-sex couples place limitations either on the union or on the rights conferred.

In offering civil unions to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, Hawai’i will demonstrate that civil unions are not a half measure, or a form of “separate but equal” treatment for same-sex couples. Rather, the civil union law creates a new and valuable process for committed couples to enjoy the rights normally provided to married couples, while protecting the sanctity of traditional marriage.

For those of us who observe and celebrate our individual faiths, the religious and ceremonial aspects of marriage may always be paramount. However, for those who wish to enter into an alternative union, Hawai’i will provide a choice, without depriving those committed couples of valuable legal rights. An opposite-sex couple could choose to enter into a civil union for any of a wide array of reasons, some legal, some financial, and some based on personal beliefs. The rest of our community should be ready to accept and respect those choices. Therefore, this proposal would not hinder or influence the personal belief or private practice of anyone’s religion.

Diversity has long been a hallmark of our island culture, and respect for that diversity has played a large role in creating the rich, thriving community we love. Hawai’i learned long ago that the resilience of our community rests upon a foundation of acceptance of ideas and practices that differ from our own. It is easy to accept those who are like us; unity comes from respecting those who are different. We can show the rest of our nation the path to greater peace by taking this vital step. In preserving traditional marriage while providing a meaningful alternative, Hawai’i can lead the country on a path away from divisiveness and toward solutions that consider all reasonable concerns.

The time to act on civil unions has come. We have all heard the claims that the Legislature is too busy, or that they should be focused on other, more pressing issues. There is no issue more important than treating each other with respect, particularly those whose opinions differ from our own. If they let this opportunity pass them by, they may find that there is never a perfect time to reopen the discussion of civil unions; there will always be other pressing matters to consider.

The question is before us, the opportunity is ripe, and the solution is ready. We hope our Legislature will act on civil unions now.

• Bishop Yoshiaki Fujitani, Honpa Hongwanji

• Rabbi Peter Schaktman

• The Rev. Teruo Kawata, United Church of Christ, former Conference Minister of Hawaii UCC

• The Rev. Fritz Fritchel, Lutheran Pastor, ELCA

• The Rev. Sam Cox, United Methodist Church

• The Rev. Elizabeth A. Zivanov, Rector, The Parish of St. Clement (Episcopal)

• The Rev. Jory Watland, Lutheran Pastor, ELCA

• The Rev. Louise Ulrich, 1st Unitarian Church of Honolulu

• The Rev. Wally Fukunaga, United Church of Christ

• The Rev. Pat Hendrickson, Deacon, Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles (Kailua)

• The Rev. Deborah M. Ball, United Church of Christ

• The Rev. Michael P. Barham, Associate Rector, The Parish of St. Clement (Episcopal)

• The Rev. Jeff M. Lilley, Pastor, Lutheran Church of Honolulu, ELCA

• The Rev. Kate Lewis, Vicar, Emmanuel Episcopal Church

• The Rev. George Lee, retired, Episcopal Church in Hawaii

• The Rev. Paul Snipes, Disciples of Christ

• The Rev. Brian J. McCreanor, Esq, Disciples of Christ

• The Rev. David Baumgart Turner, United Church of Christ

• The Rev. Alan Urasaki, Honpa Hongwanji

• The Rev. Dan Hatch, United Church of Christ

• The Rev. Paul Lillie, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

• The Rev. Chikai Yosemori, former Bishop of Honpa Hongwanji

• The Rev. Richard Shields, Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii

• The Rev. Carolyn Martinez Golojuch, MSW, Native American Spiritualist

• The Rev. Neal MacPherson, United Church of Christ

• The Rev. Andrew J. Walmisley (Maui)

• The Most Rev. Jack Isbell, Bishop, Ecumenical Catholic Church in Hawaii

• The Rev. Nicholas Eyre, Priest, Ecumenical Catholic Church in Hawaii

• The Rev. Eric Matsumoto, Buddhist

The Rev. John Heidel is president of The Interfaith Alliance Hawai’i. Twenty-nine other clergy members from various churches also signed this commentary for The Advertiser.

Just read on the Honolulu Advertiser that the Senate will be voting tomorrow, January 22nd, on HB 444 (Civil Unions bill):

“If the bill is approved by the Senate, it would move back to the state House, where lawmakers passed a civil-unions bill last session that applied only to same-sex couples. State House leaders have said they would see whether the Senate gets a two-thirds majority — 17 of 25 senators — to override a veto before deciding how to proceed.”

We are being urged to contact our Senators again and let them know how important passing HB 444 is! Doesn’t matter if you’ve done this already, you gotta keep at it and make some noise to get anything done in this town. Send them an email, call their office, or even try and visit them in person. Here’s a directory listing so you can see who you need to contact.

Since the Senate will be voting on HB444 tomorrow, if you have some free time during the day, come down to the Senate Chambers and show your support. Session starts at 11:30am, but try and come as early as you can. Come as colorful as you can to support LGBT equality! The opposition will be in white, so there’s a color to avoid!

Then later in the afternoon, there will be sign waving near the Capitol from 4-6pm at the corner of South Beretania and Punchbowl.

Thanks to Michael Golojuch for the info.