HI SCR88

Expresses Hawaii state legislature support for repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and the underlying federal law (10 U.S.C. Section 654) that bars gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals from serving openly in the United States Armed Services

Notes that since 1993, the policy has resulted in discharge of more than 13,500 service members for being gay, including over 65 Arabic and Farsi linguists during a period of critical military language shortage

Cites support from President Barack Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen for ending the ban on openly homosexual service members

Argues that restricting the recruitment pool based on sexual orientation excludes qualified candidates and diminishes military performance and capabilities

Directs transmission of certified copies to the President, Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Senate Majority Leader, U.S. House Speaker, and Hawaii's congressional delegation