Hawaii Governor David Ige chose The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu exhibition at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, which represents Hawaii’s long history of acceptance and inclusion, as the backdrop for the June 16, 2022 signing of three bills passed by the State Legislature to address needs and concerns of the Mahu / LGBTQ+ community.

Here’s what will now become law in Hawaiʻi:

1) Insurance providers will be prohibited from excluding gender affirming treatments when medically necessary and will require health plans to provide information on gender transition services. (HB2405)

2) Measure signed to ensure gender identity or expression cannot be a reason for excluding a citizen from jury service (making sure discrimination plays no part in our legal system). (SB2136)

3) The Hawaiʻi state Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus commission will be established on a permanent basis. (SB2670)