A Letter to Hawai'i's Senators to Support The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

Dear Senator Hirono and Senator Schatz,

Aloha, my name is Jaclynn Joseph, and I am a proud fifth-generation descendant of Hawai‘i. My family’s roots trace back to the plantation workers who helped shape the rich history of our islands. My father, Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph, was a beloved coach and advocate for youth sports on the Big Island, and his passion for community and fair play inspires my own advocacy. As a concerned citizen and former high school athlete, I write to you with deep concern about the future of women’s sports.

I urge you to support and advocate for the passage of HR 28/SB 9, also known as The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which amends Title IX to ensure that female athletes compete only against other females. This legislation is critical to preserving the integrity of women’s sports, which has provided countless girls and women with opportunities to grow, excel, and break barriers. Allowing male athletes to compete in female categories undermines the very purpose of Title IX and threatens the fairness and safety of women’s sports.

This issue is deeply personal to me, as I have experienced firsthand the value of fair competition as an athlete at Waiākea High School. As a journalist I have covered the issue of boys competing in girls’ sports in Hawai’i. It shames me deeply that this is happening in my own hometown. Women and girls deserve to compete on a safe and level playing field, and this legislation protects their right to do so. Furthermore, it reflects the sentiments of the majority of Americans who support fairness and common sense in sports, which means that they overwhelmingly do not support men and boys competing against women and girls.

I must express my disappointment that this issue has become so polarizing. As a (formerly) lifelong Democrat, I am disheartened by the party’s apparent disconnect with many voters. The support for policies that allow men in women’s spaces and sports has alienated core constituencies and contributed to electoral losses. Democrats have lost touch with the very values of equality and fairness that the party has long championed.

This issue transcends partisan lines—it is about protecting opportunities for women and girls. I implore you to listen to your constituents, to fellow Americans, and lead with courage and integrity by supporting HR 28/SB 9.

Mahalo nui loa for your time and for all you do for the people of Hawai‘i. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue further and share more about the perspectives of those impacted by these policies. As an adjunct professor, Ph.D. candidate, and advocate for women’s rights through my work with various organizations, I am committed to ensuring a brighter and fairer future for the next generation. HR 28/SB 9 has already passed in the House, but it now requires the Senate’s support to become law. Your leadership and vote on this legislation will send a powerful message that fairness and equality matter in women’s sports.

Hawai‘i has a proud history of women leading the fight for equality, including their instrumental role in securing Title IX protections. Patsy Mink, a trailblazing congresswoman from our beloved Hawai‘i, was instrumental in the creation and passage of Title IX in 1972. Now, we must honor their legacy by standing firm to defend those hard-fought gains. I hope you will stand with women and girls in this critical matter.

What Is HR 28/SB 9?
HR 28/SB 9 is a critical piece of legislation designed to amend Title IX to protect female athletes by ensuring fair competition in women’s sports. It specifically safeguards opportunities for women and girls by prohibiting biological males from competing in female sports categories.

What’s Next?
The bill has successfully passed in the House of Representatives, which is a major step forward. However, for it to become law, it must also pass in the Senate. This is where your help is essential.

What Can You Do?
Contact your local senators and urge them to support HR 28/SB 9. Senators need to hear from their constituents about the importance of preserving the integrity of women’s sports and standing up for fairness and equality. Every call, email, and letter matters in showing that their voters care about this issue.

Why It Matters
This isn’t just about sports—it’s about protecting opportunities for women and girls and ensuring that the original intent of Title IX is upheld. The future of fair competition depends on your voice and action.