Gov. Neil Abercrombie and House Speaker Joe Souki emerged from a private meeting with the Democratic caucus at the state Capitol Friday morning (Sept. 6) to say that progress has been made on agreeing to same-sex marriage legislation.

Neither leader would comment on what the vote count in the House currently is — read Civil Beat’s related story on the count — but they said an announcement on a special session will likely come “very shortly.” Discussions were described as “frank.”

The governor expressed his desire to both honor the constitutional rights of religious groups and the rights of same-sex couples. Souki indicated that members in his chamber are still divided over legislation, but he and the governor said a decision on a special session will not be affected by fall travel schedules of some members.

Civil Beat will report more on the caucus meeting later today.

Photo: Speaker Joe Souki with reporters at the Capitol Friday.

—Chad Blair