LIHU‘E — “We the Powerful!” is the theme of a series of workshops designed to empower residents to participate in the workings of the state Legislature in Honolulu even though they live on another island. The first in a series
LIHU‘E — “We the Powerful!” is the theme of a series of workshops designed to empower residents to participate in the workings of the state Legislature in Honolulu even though they live on another island.
The first in a series of workshops presented by Suzanne Marinelli, public access coordinator in the Legislature’s Public Access Room, is at 6 p.m. today at the Koloa Public/School Library conference room.
The other sessions, also starting at 6 p.m., are:
— Nov. 15 at the Lihu‘e Neighborhood Center;
— Nov. 16 at the Hanapepe Public Library conference room;
— Nov. 17 at the Princeville Public Library;
— Nov. 18 at the Kapa‘a Public Library conference room.
The workshops are free and open to the public, designed to encourage public participation in the process of making state law.
Participants will learn how to and be encouraged to make their voices and ideas known during the four months the Legislature is in session, and the importance of making their thoughts known long before the session’s mid-January start date.
There will also be an overview of the people at the Capitol, what they do there, and how and when lawmaking takes place, tips for finding the information and assistance in writing and delivering effective testimony in person at the Capitol or from any home or office on Kaua‘i, a press release states.
The Public Access Room is a division of the non-partisan, state Legislative Reference Bureau, and is the public’s office at the State Capitol.
It has long been devoted to assisting residents as they engage in state legislative government. There is never a fee for services.
PAR’s workshops are designed to be useful to both newcomers and veterans of the legislative process.
Covered topics will include delivering effective testimony, making sense of deadlines, and using the latest innovations on the Legislature’s website.
For additional information, or to arrange for individual tutorials or group workshops, contact PAR toll-free at 274-3141, then dialing 7-0478# after the recorded message.
The TTY extension is 7-0749#.
The website is http://hawaii.gov.lrb/par, and the e-mail address is par@capitol.hawaii.gov.
Contact PAR directly to make arrangements if special assistance or services such as sign-language interpreters are needed.
The physical address for PAR is State Capitol, Room 401, 415 S. Beretania St. Honolulu, HI 96813.
