How to submit written testimony to protect access to gender-affirming care (HB 1875)

Here's how to submit written testimony in Hawai‘i:

  1. Log in (or create an account) at capitol.hawaii.gov.

  1. Click “Submit Testimony.” 

  1. Enter the bill number into “Bill Status/Measure Status” field in the upper left corner of page.  

  1. Click “Continue” under “Enter Bill or Measure.” Make sure the field has the correct bill number.   

  1. Complete the page, especially: 

  • Choose “Support” under “Your Position”.

  • Add personal testimony (optional) under “Attachments” or “Your Testimony/Comments.”  See attachment for talking points but personal commentary is encouraged. 

  1. Click “Submit.” 

  2. “Your testimony was submitted…” should appear in red at the top of the screen to confirm. 

You can also check out this Instagram post for more information on how to submit written testimony.

 

<< Click here to submit testimony! >>

 

Example testimony

Good Morning/Afternoon Chair Rhoads, Vice Chair Gabbard, and Members of the Committee, 

My name is ____ and I live in _____.  

I respectfully urge you to support HB 1875. 

[Insert personal story if interested in sharing] 

This bill helps protect healthcare in Hawai‘i, protect families and medical providers who are following our laws, and protects us from harmful out-of-state overreach. Medical decisions should remain between patients and their providers, consistent with Hawai‘i law and established standards of care. 

Please support HB 1875. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

 

Protecting Gender-Affirming Care (HB 1875) 

Every person deserves access to health care safely, with dignity, and without fear. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.  

Over the past several years, many states, and most recently, the federal government, have began targeting access to gender-affirming care. Many patients, providers, and those who help people access care are having to contend with hostile states and bad actors seeking to criminalize them, for the basic function of seeking evidence-based health care.

We are asking the legislature to pass a shield law that would protect patients who seek, professionals who provide, and people who help patients obtain gender-affirming care. 

 

<< Click here to submit testimony! >>

 

Patients and health care providers should not have to worry about being investigated, sued, or punished for providing or receiving legal health care. 

  • Gender-affirming care remains legal in Hawaiʻi. However, some mainland states are attempting to reach beyond their borders to target providers, patients, and even family members and friends who support someone seeking care.  

  • That’s not right. Decisions about health care in Hawaiʻi should be made in Hawaiʻi. 

  • HB 1875 protects local providers from losing their licenses or facing out-of-state investigations simply for doing their jobs. It also ensures patients and the people who support them can access care without fear of being targeted by hostile states.  

  • This bill is about keeping Hawaiʻi a safe place to receive legal, essential health care — and giving patients and providers the peace of mind they deserve.  

 

<< Click here to submit testimony! >>