How ‘religious freedom’ varies

Hawaii has no "religious freedom restoration" law like the ones enacted in 20 other states — 21, assuming the brand-new Arkansas law gets signed.

But when Senate Bill 1 passed here in 2013 to legalize same-sex marriage, it had a more limited exemption. The carve-out was aimed at making religious organizations and the nonprofit operations they own or control immune from legal challenges if they refuse services for a marriage.

The exact language: "A religious organization or nonprofit organization operated, supervised or controlled by a religious organization shall not be required to provide goods, services, facilities or grounds for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage that is in violation of its religious beliefs or faith."

In all those other states, individuals and corporations can also invoke a religious exemption, and from a wide range of laws. Right now, it’s mainly Indiana taking all the heat, and largely over same-sex marriage.

Even tourism workers bummed

Tourism’s appeal in Hawaii has always been strongest among people who work in the industry.

Until now. For the first time in the history of a survey dating back to 1988, tourism workers were more likely than employees in other industries to agree with statements such as:

» "This island is being run for tourists at the expense of local people."

» "Tourism results in a higher cost of living."

» "My island’s economy is too dependent on tourism."

The overall perception of tourism remains favorable. But the declining support from those most critical to its success should serve as a wakeup call to Hawaii’s main economic sector.