Maui Workshops: Lending Your Voice to the Lawmaking Process

The Hawaii Legislature. Courtesy file photo.

The public is invited to learn more about how the law-making process works and to let state legislators know what you’d like them to focus on when the next session begins in January.

The Public Access Room hosts a series of free workshops that offer tips and tools on how to add your voice to Hawaiʻi’s lawmaking process.

The sessions run from Oct. 6 to 8, 2015, at the following times and locations:

· Tuesday, Oct. 6, noon: Kahului Community Center; 275 Uhu St. (annex in Kahului Community Park)
· Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m.: Kīhei Public Library; 35 Waimahaihai St.
· Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m.: Lahaina Civic Center – Social Hall; 1840 Honoapiʻilani Hwy
· Thursday, Oct. 8, noon: Pukalani Tavares Community Center; 91 Pukalani St. (meeting room by pool)
· Thursday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m.: Wailuku Public Library; 251 High St.

“When people speak up, the legislators do listen. And through PAR and the Legislature’s website, they provide some great tools and resources to make it easier for you to add your voice,” said Virginia Beck, Public Access Coordinator.

Topics covered by the workshop include:

· Tips and techniques on effective lobbying, testimony, and communicating with Senators and Representatives
· Understanding the legislative process, deadlines, and power dynamics
· Easy to use tools available on the Legislature’s website
· Helpful handouts, guides, and resources

The 90-minute workshop ends with time for focus and collaboration on matters of interest to the participants. The flexible nature of the workshop provides a useful start for newcomers, as well as new information and inspiration for veterans of the legislative process.

While participants are encouraged to register for the free workshops, drop-ins are  welcome. To register, get additional information, or to schedule additional or advanced workshops during this annual visit, call (808) 587-0478 (toll-free from Maui: 984-2400, ext. 7-0478), email [email protected], or visit PAR’s website.

PAR, a division of the State of Hawaiʻi’s non-partisan Legislative Reference Bureau, is the public’s office at the State Capitol and assists residents as they engage in State legislative government. The office was established in 1990, and there is no a fee for services.