HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2001

GOP: LET'S HEAR AGE OF CONSENT

LEGISLATION NOW

The State House Republican Caucus has released the following statement:

Raising the age of consent is an idea whose time has come. The public has indicated that the present legal age, 14, the lowest in the nation, should be raised. An informal poll of legislators indicates that an overwhelming majority of our State Legislators believe the age of consent should be raised. Both statewide daily newspapers have editorialized in favor of raising it. Not too long ago, the Waianae Neighborhood Board voted 16-0 to ask the state legislature to consider raising the age of sexual consent in Hawaii.

That is precisely what the Republicans are urging. We want the opportunity to consider raising the age by hearing relevant proposals. Should those who oppose raising the age of sexual consent prevail, then so be it. However, the public should have an opportunity to hear debate on this critical issue. That is what we are requesting today.

Certainly, there are people of good will on both sides of this issue but the democratic process demands that the people be heard. We will not attempt to debate the pros and cons at this time. There will be time for that when the appropriate measure is before us. Therefore we intend to use our Constitutional right to bring this measure out of committee and allow it to be heard by the public unless a hearing on the age of consent is scheduled by noon tomorrow.

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