Hundreds of people from both sides of the gay-marriage debate are likely to converge on the state Capitol today, and House aides and state sheriffs are taking added security precautions.
Demonstrations on Wednesday at times turned intense — and shouting by opponents of gay marriage could be heard inside the state House chamber — so stepped-up security is meant to permit passionate exchanges while preserving safety and preventing disruptions.
The House is expected to cast a final vote on a marriage equality bill today and send it back to the state Senate for review.
House Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Kuroda held a news conference Thursday afternoon with Lois Perrin, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii; Wayne Cordeiro, pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship; and Allen Cardines Jr., pastor of Hope Chapel Nanakuli, to outline how supporters and opponents of the bill will be separated at the Capitol.
Barricades have been arranged outside the House chamber, replacing the stanchions that were up Wednesday, to prevent demonstrators from banging on or poking flagpoles on the windows to the chamber.
Kuroda said the Capitol courtyard would be divided in half, with bill advocates on the mauka side and opponents on the makai side. The camps will also be divided inside the House gallery so neither will have a numerical advantage. Both sides will also be asked to share Beretania Street, a popular venue for sign-waving.
"The primary thing here is to make sure that the voices are heard in a safe and orderly manner, to make sure that the House can do its business without disruption, and at the same time ensure that all the voices are heard," Perrin said. "We would ask that all of the advocates or all of the opponents — whatever side of the issue that you are on — that you all conduct yourself with civility and obedience. That is the most important message.
"We recognize that this is an emotional issue for people. But in order for voices to truly be heard, it needs to be done in a calm and collected manner."
Cardines had a similar message. "We want everybody to come out and participate, be passionate but yet be respectful and kind to one another," he said.
