LIHU‘E — It has long been lamented by Kauaians that the state legislative process takes place 100 miles away, making it an expensive day trip. But in today’s electronic age, it is possible to have your voice heard even if
LIHU‘E — It has long been lamented by Kauaians that the state legislative process takes place 100 miles away, making it an expensive day trip.
But in today’s electronic age, it is possible to have your voice heard even if you can’t afford to travel to O‘ahu and testify on bills in person.
Suzanne Marinelli, a former Kaua‘i resident who for several years has been in charge of the state Legislative Reference Bureau’s Public Access Room, is expected on Kaua‘i this week and next for a series of free workshops for those interested in learning how to bring influential voices in the state legislative process without being there in person.
The first “We the Powerful!” session is at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Kapa‘a Public Library, with an additional session at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Koloa Community/School Library.
Additional workshops are Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Waimea Public Library; Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center; Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Princeville Public Library; and Nov. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hanapepe Public Library.
These workshops are designed to demystify the state lawmaking process and will demonstrate ways people can speak out at the state Legislature without ever having to leave Kaua‘i.
The Public Access Room workshops are designed to be useful to both newcomers and veterans of the legislative process, Marinelli said in a press release.
Covered topics will include delivering effective testimony, making sense of deadlines, and using the latest innovations on the state Legislature’s Web site.
Renewed inspiration to be part of the solution will be the overriding theme, she said.
The workshops will cover easy ways to add your voice and ideas to the process that determines state laws; an overview of the people at the Capitol, what they do, and how and when lawmaking takes place; tips for finding the information you need; and assistance in writing and delivering effective testimony, at the Capitol or from any home or office on Kaua‘i.
The PAR, a division of the non-partisan state Legislative Reference Bureau, is the public’s office at the state Capitol, and has long been devoted to assisting residents as they engage in state legislative government. There is never a fee for services.
For additional information or to arrange for individual tutorials or group workshops, contact the Public Access Room toll-free from Kaua‘i at 274-3141 then dialing 7-0478# (For TTY device, use 7-0749#) after the recorded message, or via e-mail at par@capitol.hawaii.gov.
Contact PAR directly to make arrangements if special assistance or services such as sign language interpreters are needed.
The Web site is hawaii.gov/lrb/par.
