HAWAII ASSISTED SUICIDE PROPOSALS

Background

In Hawaii, attempts to legalize assisted suicide, using a model based on Oregon's law, have taken place for years. Those, along with proposals in more than 20 states have failed. Assisted-suicide advocates have vowed to continue introducing legislation until they succeed, no matter how long it takes. In January 2007, five bills to permit assisted suicide were introduced in Hawaii.  Summary and links to bill texts.

Current law regarding assisted suicide

A person commits the offense of manslaughter if the person intentionally causes another person to commit assisted suicide. [Haw. Rev. Stat. § 707-702 (1) (b)]

Pending legislation

Currently, Hawaii has three bills under consideration in the legislature - HB 587, HB 806 and SB 1159 - all titled "Death with Dignity" The bills are virtually identical and, as introduced, would permit both assisted suicide and euthanasia.

2009 Bills proposed

In 2009, three bills were under consideration in the legislature - HB 587, HB 806 and SB 1159 - all titled "Death with Dignity." The bills were virtually identical and, as introduced, would permit both assisted suicide and euthanasia. On Feb. 18, 2009, House Judiciary Chairman Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu announced that the House of Representatives will not hold hearings this year on an assisted-suicide bill.

Analysis of 2009 bill (HB 806)

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Articles

"Hawaii - Robert Yagi Dead, and Assisted Suicide Advocates Continue to Exploit the Tragedy"
( Not Dead Yet News Commentary - December 14, 2009 )
71-year-old Robert Yagi committed suicide after attempting to kill his wife with a flare gun loaded with a shotgun shell.  According to assisted-suicide advocate Andi Van der Voort, the law should be changed to permit assisted suicide. "I think it's awful that someone has to shoot you," she said. 
Comment:  Apparently, Van der Voort (who was formerly president of the Hawaii Hemlock Society and now serves on the board of the Final Exit Network) believes that giving doctors the power to prescribe poison is the only way to prevent husbands from killing their wives.

"Don't Follow Oregon's Lead: Say No to Assisted Suicide"
( Hawaii Reporter - Honolulu, Hawaii USA - February 13, 2009 )
The public record is not accurate. My patient did not die from his cancer, but at the hands of a once-trusted colleague. This experience has affected me, my practice, and my understanding of what it means to be a physician. More

"Protect Yourself and Family: Don't Legalize Physician Assisted Suicide in Hawaii," (Hawaii Reporter, 2/12/09)
"'Death with Dignity' Bills Should Not Be Fast-Tracked Through Hawaii Legislature," (Hawaii Reporter, 2/11/09)
"Assisted-suicide bill in death throes: Stiff opposition seems likely to keep the legislation from surviving the session." (Hawaii Star-Bulletin 2/8/07)
"Hearing passionate on death with dignity." (Honolulu Advertiser 2/8/07)
Doctor-assisted suicide bill fades at Legislature (Hawaii Star-Bulletin) 2/6/05
Proposal seeks the right to death"  (Honolulu Star Bulletin, 3/8/04)
"Suicide bill goes to full house"  (Honolulu Star Bulletin, 3/5/04)
"Teach options to assisted suicide instead" by Herbert Hendin and Kathleen Foley (Honolulu Advertiser, 2/9/03)
Hawaii: Assisted suicide bill dies in Senate (Update, Vol. 16, No. 1, 2002).
Hawaiian Senate resurrects then narrowly defeats assisted suicide bill (Update, Vol. 16, No. 2, 2002).