Revenue bonds for St. Francis OK'd

By B.J. Reyes
Associated Press

Lawmakers yesterday approved $85 million in special purpose revenue bonds for the St. Francis Healthcare System over the objections of some House members who criticized the hospital's policy against providing emergency contraception for sexual assault victims.

The bill passed out of the Senate 24-0, but was opposed by 13 of the House's 51 members.

St. Francis, which is operated by the Roman Catholic Church, does not provide birth control or abortion services for any patients, including sexual assault victims. The policy "is very hard to tolerate," said Rep. Hermina Morita, D-14th (Kapa'a, Hanalei), one of 11 Democrats who voted against the measure.

The revenue bonds would be used for construction and improvement projects and to purchase equipment for the system's two medical centers on O'ahu and satellite clinics on Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island.

Supporters noted that in some rural areas the St. Francis facilities are the only option for healthcare and they need the state's help to improve the quality of medical care.

"Think of all the people that's living life because of these (revenue bonds)," said Rep. Michael Kahikina, D-44th (Honokai Hale, Nanakuli, Ma'ili).

The bill now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle, who can sign it, veto it or let it become law without her signature.

St. Francis' policy on contraception has been an issue in the past.

Last year, after the Legislature approved a measure that would have required hospitals to provide emergency contraception for rape victims, St. Francis officials said they would consider challenging the mandate in court.

Lingle vetoed the bill, saying lawmakers should have considered an exemption for religious hospitals.

Correction: A previous version of this story did not provide the full context of the legislators' criticism of the hospital's policy.