Maui Public Invited to Learn Legislative Process

File photos: courtesy Mileka Lincoln (file photo state legislature, left); and by Wendy Osher (Maui council chambers, right).

By Wendy Osher

Maui residents are invited to a series of workshops that focus on how neighbor islanders can participate in the legislative process.

The outreach program, hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Public Access Room, is designed to demystify the state lawmaking process, and demonstrate ways to participate without having to leave the island.

Maui workshops entitled, We the Powerful, will be held at the following times and locations:

• Tuesday, Dec. 3: 12 p.m. in Pukalani, at the Tavares Community Center (meeting room by the pool)
• Tuesday, Dec. 3: 5:30 p.m. at the Kīhei Community Center
• Thursday, Dec. 5: 12 p.m. at the Kahului Community Center
• Thursday, Dec. 5: 5:30 p.m. at the Wailuku Public Library
• Friday Dec. 6: 3 p.m. in Lahaina at the Kaunoa West Maui Senior Center

County officials on Maui also arranged a customized lecture reflecting on similarities and differences between the state and county legislative process.  The county lecture will take place on:

• Wednesday, Dec. 4: from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the council chamber in Wailuku

“The 52+hr testimony marathon brought by controversial SB1 (Marriage equality bill) sparked a lot of interest on ‘how the process works’ and Ms. Virginia Beck of PAR will help break it down for us, make it less intimidating, and ultimately encourage participation in government,” said Kit Zulueta, communication director for the Maui County Office of Council Services.

“We are always looking for ways to improve our services and this educational seminar will be one of many,” said Zulueta.

We the Powerful, Maui Legislative Workshop. Image courtesy County of Maui.