Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Supports Death With Dignity Bill

Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Doug Chin, Democratic candidate for Hawai‘i’s First congressional district, issued the following statement announcing his support for House Bill 2730, the so-called ‘Death with Dignity’ measure.

“I believe the people of Hawai‘i should be empowered to make intensely personal and incredibly difficult end-of-life choices when they face a grave illness with no hope for relief. My testimony today reflects my longstanding commitment as Hawai‘i attorney general, and now as lieutenant governor, to create a compassionate process with strict safeguards to protect individuals from fraud and other crimes.”

A complete version of the lieutenant governor’s testimony in support of the measure is included below.

I write today as Hawai‘i lieutenant governor to support House Bill 2739 because I believe the people of Hawai‘i should be empowered to make intensely personal and incredibly difficult end-of-life choices when they face a grave illness with no hope for relief.

As attorney general, last year I worked closely with members of both the House and Senate to assist the legislature as you crafted legislation to add Hawai‘i to the ranks of states—like California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont and Washington—which have passed similar “death with dignity” measures. House Bill 2739 reflects your conscientious work to create a compassionate process. It also reflects your concerted efforts to provide strict safeguards that, along with appropriate regulations, will protect individuals from fraud or other crimes.

I support House Bill 2739 and encourage the legislature to continue working with the constructive input of the Attorney General’s office as the bill moves forward. Thank you for your consideration.