The state Capitol on Tuesday is ground zero for Hawaii civil unions 鈥 unless Gov. Linda Lingle acts on before then. Here’s what supporters and opponents of the controversial legislation plan:

  • The chief religious opponent of civil unions, the , is asking its supporters to show up wearing white beginning at 9 a.m. in the Rotunda. “This has been an emotional and contentious issue but we must not react with pride, anger or vindictiveness,” reads a forum alert. “No matter the outcome, we ask that everyone be a witness to Jesus.”

  • Ten civil-rights organizations that support civil unions, including Equality Hawaii and PFLAG-Oahu, will begin sign-waving in front of the Capitol as early as 7 a.m. “We ask that you do not wear white,” . “If you received a rainbow lei during the past two years please wear it.”

Meanwhile, non-civil-unions-related Hawaii items of interest include the following:

  • Former Congresswoman Pat Saiki has given her blessing to fellow Republican Ramsay Wharton, who is running in the Hawaii Second Congressional District race. Wharton, a former TV journalist, wants to take the seat from Democrat incumbent Mazie Hirono.

  • The Hawaii Tourism Authority is accepting applications for its Certified Festival & Event Executive program in August. “Festivals and events are an important part of Hawaii’s tourism product, perpetuating and celebrating our island’s rich diversity and culture, as well as sustaining our islands’ tourism economy by enticing travelers to visit,鈥澛 said Mike McCartney, HTA president and CEO.

  • Because of the the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maritime exercises, the City & County of Honolulu鈥檚 will not issue camping permits for the weekends of July 9-12 and July 23-26 for Bellows Field Beach Park. 聽

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