Same Sex Marriage: Live TV, Online Streaming, Crowd Control

In the weeks leading up to the special session, individuals from both sides of the issue were observed waving signs along Kaʻahumanu Avenue in Kahului to drum up support for their respective opinions on the topic of gay marriage. Photos by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

As state House lawmakers take up same-sex marriage legislation on the third and final reading, neighbor island residents will have the opportunity to tune in via live TV and online streaming.

Officials at Akaku Community Television on Maui say they have a verbal confirmation from private contractor, Capitol TV, for coverage of the session, scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8.

The broadcast is expected to be carried on Akaku Channel 55 and online at both Maui’s akaku.org and Oʻahu’s olelo.org.

SB1 HD1 recognizes marriages between individuals of the same gender by extending to same-sex couples the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities that married couples of the opposite-sex are presently entitled to. The bill also expands a religious exemption.

House lawmakers also released guidelines for crowd control at the Capitol following roundtable discussions with leaders on both sides of the marriage equality issue.

House Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Kuroda met with officials from the American Civil Liberties Union and Pastors with New Hope on Thursday to discuss operational logistics.

“To ensure a safe and fair environment for the public and others, all parties have agreed to share available space within the Capitol Rotunda, inside the House Gallery, and along Beretania Street,” House officials said.

In the Capitol Rotunda, House officials say supporters of marriage equality will have a dedicated zone on the mauka side while opponents of marriage equality will have a dedicated zone on the makai side.

In the House Gallery, the crowd will be evenly split down the middle with an equal allocation of space for both sides. Officials say entrances will be open on each side of the gallery for the public to enter their respective chamber seating areas.

Outside of the Capitol building on Beretania Street, sign-waving space will be divided among both groups as well.

According to information released by the House of Representatives, supporters of marriage equality will be on both sides of Beretania Street from the Damien statue towards downtown; while opponents of marriage equality will be on both sides of Beretania from the Damien statue towards Punchbowl Street.