Gay Hawaiian Rep Talks Civil Unions

A Hawaii state representative told his colleagues Friday that he is gay, right as the legislature approved a bill to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.

Rep. Blake Oshiro told KITV News that he decided to bring the civil unions bill up for a vote the night before it was actually passed, a surprise move for legislators in an election year.

Oshiro reportedly does not typically talk about his sexual orientation, but he said he felt it was important due to the 31-20 vote, which passed the bill.

"It was really heartwarming to me, to know that at the end of the day people are willing to do what they need to do, do what they came here to do, and not just worry about keeping their jobs," he said in the report.

Oshiro will face Gary Okino, a conservative Honolulu city council member, when he runs for reelection in the fall.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Josh
Date posted: 5/4/2010 1:22:59 AM
Hometown: Kailua

Comment:
Hi KitKat. You are right--the usage here is so confusing to people from elsewhere! For example, "Hawaiian," which is not a word of Hawaii origin (because of the "un-Hawaiian" suffix "-an", refers only to people of native descent; whereas "kama aina," which is a true "Hawaiian" word, meaning "child of the land," can be used to describe anyone who lives here--regardless of ethnic background. I think it should be the other way around!!!
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Name: KitKat
Date posted: 5/3/2010 8:57:29 PM
Hometown: Honolulu

Comment:
Note to the editors: In Hawaii, the word "Hawaiian" is reserved for people who are of native Hawaiian ancestry. The proper way to have referred to Blake Oshiro in your article would be: "Gay Hawaii Rep Talks Civil Unions..." Thought you might want to know that your use of the word "Hawaiian" may offend many here in our state. Great article nonetheless. Aloha!

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