Resolutions

Whereas, four memos issued by the Office of Legal Counsel between August 1, 2002 and May 30, 2005 were released on April 16, 2009 by the United States Department of Justice relating to prisoner interrogation during President George W. Bush's administration which outline how the Bush administration conducted torture; and

Whereas, the memos were written to provide legal immunity for acts that are clearly illegal, immoral and a violation of this country's most basic values; and

Whereas, the Obama administration has an obligation to pursue what is clear evidence of a government policy sanctioning the torture and abuse of prisoners, in violation of international law and the Constitution; and

Whereas, that investigation should start with the lawyers who wrote the memos, including Mr. Bybee who holds a lifetime seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and

Whereas, the memos make it clear that Mr. Bybee is unfit for a job that requires legal judgment and a respect for the Constitution; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved that the O'ahu County Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i supports impeaching and removing Jay S. Bybee from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; and

Be It Further Resolved that copies of this resolution be transmitted to members of Hawai'i's Congressional Delegation, the Obama Administration, the United States Department of Justice and the appropriate state pre-convention resolutions committee.

Whereas, the Democratic Party of Hawai'i has a proud record of supporting equality for all; and

Whereas, House Bill 444 relating to Civil Unions is a measure that advances that quest for equality; and

Whereas, 19 State Senators on May 7, 2009 voted in favor of HB 444, SD1 on second reading; and

Whereas, 33 State Representatives had earlier approved HB 444, HD1; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved that the O'ahu County Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i congratulates those 33 representatives and 19 senators for their commitment to equality for all citizens; and

Be It Further Resolved that the O'ahu County Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i urges all state legislators - early in the 2010 legislative session - to complete approval of HB 444, SD1 and to develop a conference version of HB 444 that respects and melds the House and Senate drafts; and

Be It Further Resolved that the O'ahu County Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i urges the 33 representatives and 19 senators who have supported versions of HB 444 to remain true to their declared support for equality by voting in 2010 to establish Civil Unions in Hawai'i; and

Be It Further Resolved that copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Democratic members of the Hawai'i State Legislature and the appropriate state pre-convention resolutions committee.