All of these basic principles are crucial to establishment and maintenance of a credible, trustworthy court system. Let us not repeat history either because of a lack of memory or because we fail to analyze and understand the lessons. We must find better ways to assure sound appointments. We must not jeopardize the court system by thrusting upon it duties for which it is not designed and which would undermine its true role. In a recent article by Advertiser Staff Writer Kevin Dayton, legislators blame the same-sex marriage case for their inability to do anything about Hawaii's economy during the last six years.
Legislators have no one to blame but themselves.
After the Hawaii Supreme Court's decision in May 1993 in the same-sex marriage case, the House Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Rep. Terrance Tom, began hearings on the court's decision. Hearings were held on every island. The Legislature was not in session. The House had been asked by me and members of the gay and lesbian community to let the matter play out in the courts before the Legislature got involved. The Legislature again held hearings over the same objections during the 1994 session.