A victory for choice
The state of Hawaii has enacted legislation that will, under clearly limited circumstances, allow physicians to prescribe medication that gives qualified terminally ill patients a choice in how and when they will die within the last six months of their lives.
This measure has been considered by the state in one form or another for about 20 years and became law with Gov. David Ige’s signing of HB 2739 on April 5 of this year. The bill becomes effective Jan. 1, 2019, by which time rules and regulations for its use will have been written.
Hawaii Citizens for End of Life Choices, a local group of concerned Hawaii Island residents, strongly advocated promotion of such a measure for the past year. We know not everyone is in favor of such legislation. It is our position this is a very personal matter that involves only the patient who seeks this relief and his or her family — it should have no effect on anyone else and does not compel others to use this aid.
Passage of HB 2739 represents the attainment of HCELC’s mission, the adoption of such a bill. We thank strongly the support from those who have made contributions of time, money and effort to reach our goal and those who have shown peripheral interest and support.
Our group is disbanding, but we are not unaware there is still much to be done in the way of public and professional education. Specific details about how the provisions of this bill will be handled will not be available until the rules are written, but we encourage all Hawaii citizens — those who are for and those who have reservations about this bill — to keep abreast of its passage through the legislative process until and after its effective date.
Stephen Gross
Hilo
Ruling needed
OK, the state Land Board made a procedural mistake three years ago regarding the telescope on Maunakea. What happened to judicial expediency? (Of course, that question applies to a lot more than just the Thirty Meter Telescope.)
Seems if you don’t like something, and you have enough money, just keep holding it up in court.
It’s time to move on — one way or the other. There are probably other things our court system needs to address.
Fred Fogel
Volcano