Hawaii senators, one by one, are delivering passionate speeches about marriage equality ahead of their final vote on Senate Bill 1. 

Sen. Gil Kahele, a Native Hawaiian, talked about how Hawaiians fully embraced gays as an integral part of the community before the missionaries arrived.

Sen. Clayton Hee shared a letter he received from Edie Windsor, the New York City lesbian who was the plaintiff in the historic U.S. Supreme Court case.

Sen. Mike Gabbard, the only senator to speak in opposition thus far, said the impacts of gay marriage should be studied before rushing it into law.

Sen. Jill Tokuda said the Legislature has the opportunity to serve as the bridge between where society is and where it aspires to be.

Sen. Brickwood Galuteria says it’s been an incredible example of civic engagement, “warts and all.” 

Follow Civil Beat‘s live blog here. 

— Nathan Eagle

Sen. Brickwood Galuteria speaks on the floor as people in the gallery listen, Tuesday. (Nathan Eagle/Honolulu Civil Beat)