Since President Barack Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage on May 9, Civil Beat tried repeatedly to get Hawaii’s Congressional delegates and leading candidates for federal office on-record about the issue.

In some cases, lawmakers and candidates responded right away. But others have stayed quiet. Richard Rapoza,  spokesman for Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, emailed Civil Beat with this statement from the congresswoman on Friday night: 

“I have always believed that marriage should be between a man and a woman. However, I have argued forcefully and consistently for the rights of all Americans. I am proud of the work I did to help write and first pass Hawaii’s civil unions law, my support of the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and my co-sponsorship of the Respect for Marriage Act, which calls for federal recognition of any marriage that is valid in the state in which it was licensed.

“The issue of same-sex marriage is now before a number of courts and legislative bodies across the nation. If court rulings or legislative acts grant same-sex partners the right to marry, nationally or in the state of Hawaii, I will fully support those decisions.”