03/10/2025 / By Laura Harris
The religious exemption of Hawaii remains intact for now after state lawmakers who voted to repeal the exemption faced pressure from concerned constituents.
House Bill 1118, which was introduced in January, was part of the legislative agenda of Hawaii Governor Josh Green that seeks to address the growing number of non-medical exemptions in the state over the last decade. This bill will eliminate religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccinations required by the state Department of Health (DOH).
The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs narrowly approved HB 1118, a measure that would ban non-medical exemptions for school-mandated vaccines in Hawaii in February. The 5-3 vote, with two members voting with reservations, sets the stage for the bill to move to the Senate. (Related: Big Pharma Eli Lilly reneges on promise to grant COVID-19 vaccine exemptions to its own employees.)
However, this bill faced significant opposition from the public and grassroots organizations. Constituents submitted more than 2,000 written statements to lawmakers opposing the bill, with just over 100 in support.
The Aloha Freedom Coalition, together with 14 other local organizations, organized a day-long rally on Feb. 20. Gary Cordery, founder of the coalition, noted the impact of the rally on the legislative process.
“It’s a win for the people really,” Cordery said. “It’s really a win for the people and the expression of their will and actually just engagement in conversation.”
As a result, Hawaii State Rep. Chris Toshiro Todd (D-District 2) moved to “recommit” the bill back to the JHA, effectively tabling it during a legislative session on March 4. The motion was seconded by House Majority Leader Dee Morikawa and passed, with none voting no and State Rep. Elijah Pierick (R-District 39) recusing himself. This prevented the bill from moving to the Senate floor.
State Rep. Diamond Garcia (R-District 42), the House minority floor leader and a vocal opponent of the bill, attributed its defeat to the clear message sent by the people of Hawaii.
“HB 1118 was an assault on our First Amendment rights and an attempt to coerce families into medical tyranny. But when the people rise, politicians listen. The overwhelming public opposition forced House leadership to retreat because they knew they didn’t have the votes.
“This is a victory for the people of Hawaii, who stood up against government overreach and made their voices impossible to ignore. The fight isn’t over, but yesterday proved that when we apply the heat, they feel it,” he said.
The bill’s defeat is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and public engagement. Kim Haines, former head of Children’s Health Defense’s Hawaii Chapter, highlighted the collective effort of Hawaiians who came out in force to oppose the legislation.
“I am so honored and proud to be a part of the Hawaiian people who took a stand respectively, collectively and with great strength and conviction,” she said. “It truly is a win for grassroots activism in Hawaii. Our collective voice truly can make a difference.”
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