LIHUE — “The best decision that could have been made.” That’s what Mindy Hibbitt, 44, of Koloa had to say about the Supreme Court’s decision Friday that said states can’t prohibit marriages between two people of the same sex. “Everyone’s
LIHUE — “The best decision that could have been made.”
That’s what Mindy Hibbitt, 44, of Koloa had to say about the Supreme Court’s decision Friday that said states can’t prohibit marriages between two people of the same sex.
“Everyone’s equal; we all deserve a fighting chance,” she said. “In the end, majority rules and the majority spoke. It just makes the future a lot brighter. It’s working in the right direction to make everybody equal and make everybody feel included.”
The court’s decision was met with little fanfare on Kauai. There weren’t any public demonstrations or celebrations or anyone waving flags on a corner.
Several Hawaii residents chimed in on the Supreme Court’s decision with the majority in favor of the ruling.
Randall Ventula, 40, a resident of Honolulu who was on the island for work, is against the ruling.
“It’s just wrong. Inside you know it’s wrong, but I don’t judge anybody,” he said. “I hate it. It’s disgusting. If a man were to kiss a man … my daughter would look away. It’s terrible. People are going to do what they want.”
Ventula added he wasn’t surprised by the court’s vote.
“It was heading in that direction anyway, with (Hawaii’s decision to legalize gay marriage),” he said. “Now a lot of states are pushing that agenda, especially with the media and (the) popularity of gay marriage.”
Kayla Carol, 21, a Pride of America employee, said she was happy that the ruling allows her homosexual co-workers to have equal marriage rights.
“I think it should be legalized,” she said. “I work with a lot of people on the ship that are (gay), and I totally accept it. I don’t feel like there’s no judgment. I feel like you should do what you want to do with your life.”
Brandon Hatton, 40, of Lawai, said he’s unsure of same-sex marriage.
“I think that everybody has the right to do whatever they want to do, but I don’t know why they have to get married,” he said. “I think they should live together and have their benefits and what not. They can’t procreate. I mean I understand that they can adopt.”
Ruby Hawthorne, 17, of Kapaa, said the court’s ruling was the greatest accomplishment made for LGBT rights.
“It’s another step toward equality and it’s one of the ones that people have been anticipating most,” she said. “Next is trying to get rid of the violence.”
Tom James, 65, of Omao, said nationwide, same-sex marriage was inevitable.
“I think it was … probably necessary and think people need to relax and understand it’s a well thought out opinion,” he said. “Public opinion is moving that way, so I’m fine with it.”
Taylor Stanton, 25, a Kauai Community College alumnus, said the decision was long overdue.
“I think it’s about time. I think that especially after the civil rights movement in the 60s,” he said. “It’s also a no-brainer. All the arguments against fall on their face and I’m glad the Supreme Court saw that.”
