We don’t know why some who have an incurable disease recover, and others do not. We also don’t know why some of our loved ones may suddenly be taken away from us, while others continue on their healing journey for a long period.

We may not have answers to all of life’s questions, but we do know that imposing assisted suicide in Hawaii may have consequences.

Proponents of assisted suicide overlook the fact we live in a state in which culture and family play vitally important roles in our decision-making. They would like us to believe it is all about individual rights. They put themselves at the center of attention, proclaiming their right to die when they want, how they want, where they want. We do not think that way in Hawaii. We think about what is best for the family.

Ask frontline hospice care team members — physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, health aides — about what they do and they will readily share that hospice care is as much for the patient as it is for the whole family. Attention to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of care for the family are equally as important as the physical care they offer for the patients.

Our kupuna, who are accustomed to being self-sacrificing and built our community, are the most vulnerable if assisted suicide becomes law.

Given the deeply-held cultural beliefs of many Hawaii families, will those diagnosed with a terminal illness feel it is their duty to their families to end their lives? Will our kupuna feel it is their one final obligation? We should be aware that just because a law exists in a handful of other states does not mean it will work the same way in our islands.

There are other reasons assisted suicide creates a hostile environment. Despite being a paradise, Hawaii has great health disparities. We have one of the highest rates of health insurance coverage in the nation, yet there is a divide between those who have access to quality care and those who do not in Hawaii.

Our diverse, multi-ethnic population creates language and cultural barriers that further impact access to care.

Our state’s shortage of primary care physicians and lack of specialists on the neighbor islands exacerbate this problem further.

We feel compelled to speak for those who through no fault of their own are at a disadvantage and may not be able to advocate for themselves. Will assisted suicide be presented to these individuals and families as a “choice” or will they feel it is their only financially viable, easily accessible option?

We are concerned this and other scenarios will emerge when we devalue life and people with the introduction of assisted suicide. Sadly, those who may not be able to afford health care may become the most likely candidates for assisted suicide. This law does not further social justice in our community.

Let’s keep Hawaii, Hawaii and preserve what is important to our culture.

We must also uphold the role of physicians who are committed to the long-held Hippocratic Oath to do no harm to their patients, and stop succumbing to the twisted definitions of “compassion” and “choices” that promote suicide.

Craig Nakatsuka, M.D.; Fernando Ona, M.D.; and Joy Yadao, R.N. are members of Hawaii Partnership for Appropriate and Compassionate Care.