HONOLULU (KHON2) -- On Nov. 5, Hawaiʻi voters approved a significant constitutional amendment that ensures the state legislature cannot define marriage as solely between one woman and one man.
This vote was a powerful affirmation of the rights of same-sex couples and all individuals who seek equal recognition of their marriages.
For Commissioner Kathleen O'Dell, Ph.D., Chair of the Hawaiʻi State Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, the passage of this amendment is a moment of pride and cautious optimism.
"This is a powerful affirmation of equality, acceptance, and safety for all individuals," Commissioner O'Dell said. "It's not just about the LGBTQ+ community, but about who people love and how they identify. We stand for inclusion, we celebrate diversity, and we make it clear that hate has no place here."
While the outcome was a win for equality, Commissioner O'Dell acknowledged the challenges faced during the campaign.
"To be honest, the language was a bit confusing," she said, referring to the ballot measure. "I heard from many people about that, and we knew we had to work hard to make sure voters understood how to cast their votes. In the end, though, everyone pulled together, and we got the word out to help people understand what was at stake."
Despite the confusion, the turnout and support for the amendment were strong.
"I'm just grateful that everyone came together to get the word out and help pass this measure. It shows how much we care about equality and how far we've come as a state," O'Dell said.
Looking ahead, Commissioner O'Dell expressed a sense of "cautiously hopeful" optimism for the future.
"This vote gives us a sense of safety and security, but we can’t let our guard down. We still have work to do to ensure our rights are protected and that discrimination has no place in Hawaiʻi."
The amendment was not just a win for same-sex couples but a step forward for all individuals who believe in fairness and justice.
"When we protect the rights of people to marry—regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, or who they love—we're protecting what is right, just, and fair for all people," Commissioner O'Dell emphasized.
For Commissioner O'Dell, Nov. 5, 2024 was more than just a victory in the fight for marriage equality -- it was a reaffirmation of Hawaiʻi's commitment to human rights and inclusion for all its people.