"I have been open and consistent in my opposition to same-gender marriage and find that House Bill 444 is essentially marriage by another name."
"I am vetoing this bill because I have become convinced that this issue is of such societal importance that it deserves to be decided by all the people of Hawaii. ... It would be a mistake to allow a decision of this magnitude to be made by one individual or a small group of elected officials. ... There are issues that require the reflection, collective wisdom and consent of the people and reserves to them the right to directly decide those matters. This is one such issue."
"The legislative maneuvering that brought House Bill 444 to an 11th-hour vote on the final day of the session via a suspension of the rules, after legislators led the public to believe that the bill was dead, was wrong and unfair to the public they represent. ... This is a decision that should (be made) by all the people of Hawaii behind the curtain of the voting booth."
"A vote by all the people of Hawaii is the best and fairest way to address (this) issue. ... I have done my very best to reach a reasoned decision in a manner that brings honor to the political process and that I hope a majority of people believe reflects the values of Hawaii."
[ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS FROM MEDIA:]
"I personally do not support same-gender marriage."
"I'm telling you my personal opinion ... and I'm saying ultimately I believe this should be decided by all the people in Hawaii."
"House Bill 444 because of its plain language is in fact essentially the same (as marriage) because it has all the same rights, responsibilities, benefits and protections."
"I think this will be the most-watched decision that I've ever made. ... I hope the process that I undertook will be something that people can respect."
"In the end, I came to believe that this was something I shouldn't decide ultimately for the state by myself. It was something everybody should have a chance to vote on."
"I feel very comfortable with my decision. ... I think I gave it the dignity that it deserved."
"I would be surprised if this does not go on the next available ballot. ... I would encourage lawmakers to do it ... so that we can all move on."
