Governor Proposes More Special Session Bills

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has asked state lawmakers to expand the agenda for the upcoming special session to include three new bills for health services on Kauai and recent contracts for public worker unions.

Abercrombie last month called for the Legislature to hold a special session beginning Oct. 28 to consider a bill legalizing gay marriage.

The governor’s draft bill was prompted by the US Supreme Court’s June 26 ruling that struck down a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act that denied federal tax, pension and health benefits to married gay couples.

Abercrombie today said that there are other “important matters” that also need consideration.

He asked lawmakers to also consider an emergency $2.5 million appropriation for hospital care on Kauai and the funding for collective bargaining agreements reached with United Public Workers Unit 10 and Hawaii Government Employees Association Unit 13.

A statement from the governor’s office said that the additional legislation will be posted on the website for the special session.