As the year 2007 draws to a close, the time remaining to prepare for the 2008 legislative session is growing increasingly scarce. When holiday celebrations and year-end vacations are taken into consideration, there remains less than 26 working days in
As the year 2007 draws to a close, the time remaining to prepare for the 2008 legislative session is growing increasingly scarce. When holiday celebrations and year-end vacations are taken into consideration, there remains less than 26 working days in which to complete all pre-session work.
The annual 60 day legislative session begins on Jan. 16, 2008, and ends on sine die (Latin translation “without a day”), also known as the final adjournment of the session during the first week of May. This is the time period when new laws are passed, old laws amended and the state budget approved. During this intense four-month period, Kaua‘i’s four person legislative delegation works daily at their Capitol offices in Honolulu, coming home usually only for weekends.
The time for Kaua‘i residents to meet and to dialogue personally with their legislators is now, before the start of the 2008 legislative session. Once the session begins, schedules are such that it becomes extraordinarily challenging to set aside the quality time needed for in-depth, personal discussions.
Though I am always available by telephone and e-mail, personal one-on-one visits of any quality and extended time are difficult to arrange once the legislative session begins. During this time period there will be in excess of 2,000 individual pieces of legislation proposed and each day will be packed, wall-to-wall with committee meetings, public hearings and caucus meetings. Sandwiched between it all will be a wide variety of smaller “stand-up meetings” and individual conversations both in person, via e-mail and on the telephone with colleagues and constituents.
Because of the scheduling challenges that are present during the legislative session, I encourage Kaua‘i’s non-profit organizations, community groups, schools and businesses alike that are interested in meeting to discuss issues of relevance, to call soon. While I am also open to meeting with individual persons on matters relative to their specific situation — due to the limited time available, small groups discussing common issues are preferable. Those people who have specific concerns pertaining primarily to their particular individual situation, should first brief my chief policy analyst Carl Miura at 586-6188, who will then conduct the preliminary work that may be needed to address the situation.
Depending on the needs and desires of those requesting the meeting, I am available to speak on the legislative process and/or update groups, large or small, on specific legislative areas. More importantly, I am available to listen and to learn more about the needs of various segments of our community, and to hear the suggestions and ideas for solutions that might come forth at such meetings. If desired and appropriate, I would be pleased to invite my fellow Kaua‘i legislative colleagues from the House of Representatives to also participate.
Though the holiday season makes it somewhat of a challenge, I have asked my office manager, Mark Mararagan to be especially creative in working with Kaua‘i organizations and individuals who would like to schedule meetings during December. Mark knows my schedule inside and out and will do his best to find a time and day that works. Though daytime hours and weekdays are preferred, I am also available if needed during the evening and on Saturdays. Mark is available by telephone at 586-6030 and welcomes your inquiry and meeting request. Or, as always, if you would like to speak with me directly, please call me either at my office at 586-6031, or if it is a matter that requires immediate attention, on my cell phone at 652-4279. Or, if you prefer, you may also e-mail me at senhooser@capitol.hawaii.gov.
• Gary Hooser is Senate Majority Leader, representing the 7th Senatorial District, covering Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. He is a resident of Wailua and writes a biweekly column exclusive to The Garden Island.
