NEWS RELEASE

SENATE REPUBLICANS CONGRATULATE LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP ON TOMORROW'S SPECIAL SESSION TO CONSIDER OVERRIDE OF GOVERNOR'S VETO OF AGE OF CONSENT BILL

HONOLULU—

The measure would raise the age of sexual consent from 14 to 16 and would make it illegal for 14- and 15- year-olds to have sexual relations with adults that are at least five years older than they are.

"The attempt to override a veto is a positive breath of fresh air and is the function of a healthy, independent government. I'm pleased that the leadership has taken the bold step to go back into special session to consider overriding the governor's veto. The importance of this bill to the community has been evidenced by the broad diversified support from the voters, who implored their elected representatives to act on their behalf," Minority Floor Leader Fred Hemmings said.

"I'm ecstatic that this has finally happened. I've been deluged with calls and e-mails at my office from my constituents and I'm glad that their pressure has finally been listened to by the leadership," Minority Policy Leader Bob Hogue said.

"My congratulations go out to the House and Senate leadership for recognizing and acknowledging its constituents' concerns on this issue. This is a historic victory for the public. It shows that it is important to participate in government—not just by voting, but also by getting involved by pressing the issues and making themselves heard. It's not a partisan issue we're talking about here—it's a victory for voters in this community," Senate Minority Leader Sam Slom said.

The Senate plans to convene at 10:30 AM tomorrow in the Senate chambers. Republicans had previously indicated to both House and Senate leadership that they would be willing to limit the session to consideration of this single bill because of its impact on the community.

If both Houses override Cayetano's veto, it will be the first time since 1957 that the Legislature has overridden a gubernatorial veto.

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