Hawaii
Compassion & Choices legal experts concluded after extensive analysis that Hawaii law does not prohibit doctors from providing aid in dying.
After announcing this in 2011, a prosecutor vowed to go after any doctor who helps a patient choose this option. To spread the word to patients and the medical community, Compassion & Choices formed the local Physician Advisory Council for Aid in Dying (PACAID). These doctors stand ready to support patients’ end-of-life choices and need you to stand with them.
Compassion & Choices Hawaii is working to uphold this constellation of laws and protect aid in dying in the state. PACAID is willing to practice aid in dying and speak out for patient choice. Members of our Hawaii Executive Council, composed of highly respected caregivers, community leaders and legal experts, are serving as educators and spokespeople for patient choice.
Hawaii, like many states, has passed a version of the Uniform Healthcare Decisions Act, which allows patients to specify if and when they wish to refuse or withdraw life-sustaining medical care. Additionally, in 2004 Hawaii enacted the Pain Patient’s Bill of Rights, and in doing so recognized that inadequate treatment of pain is a significant health problem.
Read more about that progress in our first annual Hawaii report by clicking here.
Planning Ahead
If your end-of-life plans aren’t in place yet, download and complete the following advance directive:
Hawaii State-Approved Advance Directive
Fact Sheets:
Hawaii Physicians May Provide Aid in Dying
Why Physicians Support Aid in Dying
Facts About Aid in Dying and People Living With Disabilities
End‐of‐life Law and Policy in Hawaii Aid in Dying
Contact your Legislator
Use this link to help you write to your state and federal legislators and tell them how you feel about aid-in-dying legislation in Hawaii. It is quick, easy and very important. Please speak out today and help us ensure end-of-life choice to all patients.
Visit site
Write a Letter to the Editor
Use our handy guide to help you craft a letter to local or national news outlets, one of the best ways to have your voice heard.
View the guide
Documents for Download
If your end-of-life plans aren’t in place yet, download and complete the following Advance Directive:
Hawaii State-Approved Advance Directive
Contact Information
Contact the Compassion & Choices Hawaii Campaign Manager:
Mary Steiner
Compassion & Choices Hawaii Campaign Manager
msteiner@compassionandchoices.org
(808) 225-4563
Compassion & Choices Hawaii
111 Hekili Street, Suite A410
Kailua, HI 96734
